With the gaining traction into new innovations and technologies that are happening, we must look at them. There has been immersive rise in technology with new technology such as Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality with top companies such as Meta and Apple trying to make that possible with gadgets such as the Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest.
Let's take a look how this technologies work, what impact they have in various fields like entertainment and gaming and where they are headed. What does AR, VR and MR mean for the current world as well the future. So let's start by understanding what this technologies are.
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What is VR, AR and MR?
Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that allows users to immerse themselves in an artificial, computer-generated environment and interact with it in real-time. VR can provide an immersive and interactive experience that enables users to visualize and understand complex concepts, simulate human experiences, and explore virtual worlds. Virtual reality is by no means limited to a single space. In fact, it can be used to connect entire worlds, as it is the case in the Metaverse.
Augmented reality (AR) is the integration of digital information with the user's environment in real time. Unlike virtual reality (VR), which creates a totally artificial environment, AR users experience a real-world environment with generated perceptual information overlaid on top of it. In simple terms, Augmented reality is an interactive experience that enhances real world with computer generated with perceptual information. Using software, apps and hardware such as augmented glasses, augmented reality overlays digital content into real world environments and objects.
Mixed reality (MR) is a blend of physical and digital worlds, unlocking natural and intuitive 3D human, computer, and environmental interactions. This new reality is based on advancements in computer vision, graphical processing, display technologies, input systems, and cloud computing.
Difference Between AR, VR and MR.
A quick way to differentiate between the three would be this. Virtual reality (VR) fully immerses the user within a digital environment while Augmented reality (AR) keeps the user’s field of view in the physical environment while adding digital overlays. Mixed reality (MR) combines VR and AR, allowing users to interact with physical and digital content, within the same environment.
How VR, AR and MR Technologies Work
Virtual reality creates an end-to-end mechanism that replaces our natural “real-world” environment with an immersive simulation. Using a combination of hardware and software, VR solutions replace our real-world view with a computer-generated alternative. To ensure the experience is immersive and realistic, virtual reality systems leverage a combination of infrared LEDs and motion sensors, cameras, and screens, which allow a headset to gather relevant information and present it to the human eye. Some solutions even use accessories to deepen the immersion, such as haptic feedback systems and spatial audio. True virtual reality doesn’t simply fill your field of view with new information. It creates a simulated environment you can effectively interact with. Using AI, sensors, and algorithms, VR headsets orient the new “digital world” with the real world to deceive your brain into thinking you’re actually in a new environment.
AR relies on sensors to understand the environment around it. Using a combination of GPS, accelerometers, and gyroscopes, AR apps can figure out exactly where you are and what direction you’re facing. From there, they can superimpose digital content on top of the real world. In any case, without sensors, AR wouldn’t be possible. Algorithms are responsible for mapping the physical world and determining where digital content should be placed. Designing algorithms that can accurately map the world is a challenge. The world is constantly changing, and so are the algorithms that power AR.
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In mixed reality, VR and AR aspects are combined. This means that objects and actions from the real world can affect simulated objects in an MR environment. Mixed reality requires the use of a headset like for VR, though often these headsets are also equipped with a camera so it can scan a user’s surroundings. The result is being able to see the physical world through your VR headset, but with superimposed visuals and effects. For example, while standing at a physical table with an MR headset on, a virtual block could emerge on your screen and appear to be sitting on the table as well. With your real-life hand, you could then appear to push the block, hold it or knock it off the table completely through your headset view.
Applications and Real world uses of AR, VR and MR
These technologies have been used in various fields from all the way to gaming, education, real estate to health care. Let's look at a few applications and real world uses in various fields.
Top applications of virtual reality
- In the healthcare industry, with the help of cognitive behavioral therapies, it is used to aid in pain relief.
- It is also used for the effective diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases.
- The technology allows users to try the product virtually before they complete the purchase.
- Get a glimpse of the real estate property or hotel as if you were walking on it with VR headsets.
Top applications of augmented reality
- Ikea (Largest furniture retailer) uses AR to allow users to check how particular furniture or design would look at their house. You can use it to check the products before you purchase by overlaying them in the real world.
- Building games and characters that become an integral part of the real world for better engagement. Pokemon Go is an excellent example of the same.
- You can get location-based discounts and deals with AR, which can improve conversions.
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Top applications of mixed reality
- You combine AR and VR to create MR. As a result, it allows you to touch and manipulate objects in the virtual environment, create better experiences and offer more educational value in the education industry. It helps improve learning.
- You can use this reality to simulate the engineering products, check for faults, know how they will work in the real environment, and monitor the solutions.
- It can make movie viewing experiential as you feel like you are in their world. For example, if you are watching Jurassic Park, it might seem like you are in the jungle with the dinosaurs.
Popular Devices on the market
If you are looking for either VR, AR or MR headsets or gadgets, these are the popular gadgets or headsets you can get. We haven't reviewed and tested all the gadgets listed here, so make sure before buying to read other reviews about them and what they can offer to see if it fits your expectations or goals.
Major VR Headsets:
- Meta Quest Series - including Quest 2, Quest Pro, and Quest 3.
- PlayStation VR - PSVR and the more advanced PSVR2 (for PS5).
- HTC Vive Series - Vive Pro 2, Vive Cosmos, Vive Focus 3.
- Valve Index - High-end PC VR headset known for excellent tracking and display.
- Pico Series - Pico 4 and Pico Neo 3 (popular in Asia, expanding globally).
- HP Reverb G2 - Designed for both gaming and enterprise uses.
- Samsung Gear VR - Older mobile VR (discontinued but notable in VR history).
- Windows Mixed Reality Headsets - from brands like Lenovo, HP, Acer.
Major AR Headsets:
- Microsoft HoloLens 2 - A widely used mixed reality headset for enterprise.
- Magic Leap 1 & 2 - High-end AR glasses used in medical and industrial applications.
- Nreal Air & Nreal Light - Affordable, consumer-friendly AR glasses.
- Vuzix Blade - Smart glasses designed for workplace applications.
- Epson Moverio - Designed for drones, technical work, and industry uses.
Mixed Reality (MR) Headsets:
- Apple Vision Pro - Combines VR and AR for a mixed reality experience.
- Meta Quest Pro - Designed for both VR and MR capabilities.
- Lenovo ThinkReality A3 - AR glasses with MR features for enterprise.
Pros and Cons of VR, AR and MR
Virtual Reality
Pros
- A secure space for experimentation and learning for consumers and partners
- Interesting and captivating
- Practice realistic technical skills
- Enables gathering important training metrics
- Connect with people without time and geographical boundaries
- Better experience rather than still images and videos
Cons
- Need user to be in safe and secure place in order to use VR
- High cost and maintenance
Augmented Reality
Pros
- Improves the experience
- Simple to use and entertaining
- upgraded and tested technology
Cons
- Requires modern and current devices
- For data to be valuable, it must be defined consistently.
- Having difficulty using a smartphone more battery usage
Mixed Reality
Pros
- Physical and digital items coexist, the viewer is not separated from reality.
- Interactive, MR helps to absorb and remember more information.
- Real-time knowledge and information exchange with long-distance partners.
Cons
- High development expenses
- Equipment fees
- The interplay of virtual and actual components relies on light.
Future of VR, AR and MR
While there are several limitations in the technologies used to make virtual, augmented and mixed reality technology, there is a lot of room for improvements. Many companies like, Pico, Google, Meta and Apple are working effortlessly to make this gadgets user friendly, sustainable, budget friendly and also lightweight for common and daily use. It is definitely for sure this will the tomorrow's daily technology for almost everyone just as the smartphones. These technologies will aim at improving and enhancing daily life experience.
