Extended Reality: The Future of Immersive Technologies

The collective term for virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and other related immersive technologies is extended reality (XR). XR encompasses all real-and-virtual environments generated by computer technology and wearables, providing a broad framework for discussing these technologies and their applications.

The Evolution of Immersive Terms

Extended reality (XR) is an umbrella term that covers the full spectrum of immersive technologies. These technologies blend the physical and digital worlds to varying degrees, including:

Virtual Reality (VR): Fully immersive virtual environments. Mixed Reality (MR): Digital elements that can interact with the real world. Augmented Reality (AR): Digital overlays on the real world that can be seamlessly integrated. Moved Reality: Technologies that track physical movement to influence digital experiences.

By grouping these related technologies under the XR banner, researchers, developers, and industry professionals can discuss and advance the field as a whole, recognizing the commonalities and interconnections between these different forms of reality-altering experiences.

The Debate Over Terminology

The terminology for immersive technologies, particularly AR, VR, and MR, is still developing. While AR and VR have been around for at least half a century, the term 'Mixed Reality' wasn't officially coined until Paul Milgram and Fumio Kishino published their paper on it.

Some prefer to use the term Metaverse, while others prefer Immersive Technologies. One of the most frustrating elements of new technological advances is the period where semantics are still being negotiated. Various terms have been used, such as:

Immersive Reality Virtual Reality Mixed Reality Merged Reality

In the world of immersive reality, the area suffering the most from this schism is that of digital content displayed on top of the real world.

Clear Distinctions Between AR, MR, and VR

Understanding the distinctions between augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and virtual reality (VR) is crucial:

Augmented Reality (AR)

AR is digital content layered on top of the real world. While the two can be shown together, they cannot truly interact. An example of this would be Pokémon Go where Pokémon are shown on top of the real world but do not interact with it in any meaningful way.

Mixed Reality (MR)

MR is when the digital can interact with the real world. Microsoft's holograms in their HoloLens technology can interact with the real world in a way that AR cannot. For instance, a T-Rex that stumbles backwards off a desk and falls to the ground is a prime example of this.

Merged Reality (MR)

Merged reality is a combination of mixed reality and virtual reality. It allows for digital elements to both supplement or supplant reality at the user’s whim. Essentially, it can go back-and-forth between mixed reality and virtual reality.

Marker-Based vs Markerless AR

Another important distinction is between marker-based AR and markerless AR:

Marker-Based AR: Uses a trigger—usually an image—to activate a pre-programmed response. Examples include QR codes on books or images that trigger a user guide. Markerless AR: Position- or location-based. It doesn’t require pre-placed triggers, instead using the device’s internal location, such as a cell phone’s GPS coordinates. Examples include games like Ingress and Pokémon Go.

The future of immersive technologies is yet to be determined, and it remains to be seen which terms will become popular among the public. It is likely that individual companies will continue to brand their tech with unique monikers, but consumers will likely ignore them in favor of the more widely used terms.

Still, it can’t hurt to suggest a new alternative. The term Immersive/Immersion could cover VR, AR, MR, and MR alike. Staying ahead of the curve involves staying informed. Subscribe to the Hammer Tusk Weekly Virtual Reality Newsletter to stay up to date with the latest news and trends.