Advances in Extended Reality Have Changed the Way We Work, Live, and Play, and It’s Just Getting Started
What Is Extended Reality?
Extended reality, or XR, is an umbrella category that covers a spectrum of newer, immersive technologies, including virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality. VR puts users inside a virtual environment, while AR overlays digital information onto the real world. MR seamlessly integrates the two, allowing users to interact with digital and physical worlds together.
The History of XR
Virtual reality began in the federal sector, where it was used to train people in flight simulators. The energy and automotive design industries were also early adopters. For decades, VR remained unaffordable for most users. However, the launch of the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift head-mounted displays (HMDs) in 2016 marked a turning point. Suddenly, VR was accessible to millions of individuals, and a large ecosystem quickly sprang up.
Latest Trends in XR
High-quality XR is becoming increasingly accessible. Consumers worldwide are purchasing all-in-one (AIO) headsets to experience XR, from immersive gaming to remote learning to virtual training. Large enterprises are adding XR into their workflows and design processes. XR drastically improves design implementation with the inclusion of a digital twin.
Streaming XR Experiences through 5G
One of today’s biggest trends is streaming XR experiences through 5G from the cloud. This removes the need to be tethered to workstations or limit experiences to a single space. By streaming over 5G from the cloud, people can use XR devices and get the computational power to run XR experiences from a data center, regardless of location and time.
AR and MR
AR is also becoming more common. After Pokémon GO became a household name, AR emerged in a number of additional consumer-focused areas. Many social media platforms added filters that users could overlay on their faces. Organizations in retail incorporated AR to showcase photorealistic rendered 3D products, enabling customers to place these products in a room and visualize them in any space.
MR is developing in the XR space, with the emergence of new headsets built for MR. These headsets, such as the Varjo XR-3, allow professionals in engineering, design, simulation, and research to develop and interact with their 3D models in real life.
The Future of XR
As XR technology advances, another technology is propelling users into a new era: artificial intelligence. AI will play a major role in the XR space, from virtual assistants helping designers in VR to intelligent AR overlays that can walk individuals through do-it-yourself projects.
What Is Spatial Computing?
Unlike traditional digital experiences, which are confined to screens, spatial computing places virtual elements directly into the physical world, creating more natural and intuitive interactions. The technology combines sensors, cameras, and AI-driven software to recognize and respond to real-world elements, so users can interact with digital objects as if they were tangible.
Conclusion
Advances in extended reality have already changed the way we work, live, and play, and it’s just getting started. With the latest trends in XR, including streaming XR experiences through 5G, AI-powered virtual assistants, and spatial computing, the possibilities are virtually limitless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is extended reality (XR)?
A: XR is an umbrella category that covers virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality.
Q: What is virtual reality (VR)?
A: VR puts users inside a virtual environment, typically through a headset.
Q: What is augmented reality (AR)?
A: AR overlays digital information onto the real world, typically through a mobile device or tablet.
Q: What is mixed reality (MR)?
A: MR seamlessly integrates the digital and physical worlds, allowing users to interact with both.
Q: What is spatial computing?
A: Spatial computing places virtual elements directly into the physical world, creating more natural and intuitive interactions.
Q: What are the latest trends in XR?
A: The latest trends in XR include streaming XR experiences through 5G, AI-powered virtual assistants, and spatial computing.
