Unless you are familiar with or have experience in one of these realities, you might find yourself confused about the differences between virtual, augmented, mixed, or extended reality. Even more crucially, you might wonder why you should care about these various realities. A study conducted by PwC revealed that an estimated 23.5 million jobs worldwide will involve augmented and virtual reality by 2030. These realities are not confined solely to the gaming sector but rather represent an integral part of our future daily lives.

What is Virtual Reality? Among all the realities, Virtual Reality is perhaps the easiest to explain and comprehend. Virtual Reality entails a wholly digital environment where everything is simulated—hence the term “virtual.” In VR, users are entirely immersed in a synthetic experience, entirely disconnected from the real world. Examples of virtual reality include video games like Sims, Minecraft, or Fortnite, where the entire reality is computer-simulated. In this immersive environment, users genuinely feel as if they are present in the environment, although it can lead to side effects such as headaches, eye strain, dizziness, and nausea. While virtual reality’s primary application has been in gaming, businesses are progressively incorporating it to supplement traditional training, especially in hazardous areas.

What is Augmented Reality? The second most recognized reality is Augmented Reality. AR involves a live video or feed of the real world, overlaid with elements of computer-generated input, such as sound, video, or graphics. Augmented Reality is often described as an augmentation of the real world with digital information overlays. The real world remains central to the experience, enriched by virtual elements. One of the most familiar instances of AR is the Pokémon Go game, and the trend has since exploded, with filters utilizing augmented reality flooding Snapchat and Instagram stories.

What is Mixed Reality? Mixed Reality is frequently defined as a blend of virtual and augmented reality, where the boundaries between the real and virtual worlds blur. In Mixed Reality, users interact with and manipulate both the physical and virtual environments. This fusion allows for potent capabilities, enabling users to move holograms around and interact with them in unprecedented ways. The Microsoft HoloLens is a leading headset and a pioneer in the realm of mixed reality. Though not as widely recognized as the other two realities, mixed reality is gaining increasing popularity.

What is Extended Reality? Extended Reality serves as an overarching term encompassing these new realities. When using the term XR or discussing it, you are referring to VR, AR, and MR collectively. XR acts as an umbrella term encompassing all three realities, intended to reduce public confusion surrounding these concepts.