Extended Reality (XR) is an umbrella term that encompasses all immersive technologies—virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). Think of it as a spectrum where you can go from completely virtual environments, to blending real and digital worlds, to simply overlaying digital information on the real world. It’s all about enhancing how we experience reality through digital means, offering new ways to interact, learn, play, and work.
Technically, XR involves a combination of hardware and software to create these immersive experiences. The hardware includes devices like VR headsets, AR glasses, and MR headsets, each equipped with sensors, cameras, and sometimes depth sensors. These devices capture the user’s environment and movements, while the software uses advanced algorithms to process this data and render the digital content in real-time. The key technologies at play are computer vision, spatial computing, and real-time 3D rendering, which work together to blend the physical and virtual worlds seamlessly. Whether it’s through high-resolution screens in VR headsets or transparent displays in AR glasses, XR tech ensures that digital elements are integrated smoothly into our real-world view.