VR, AR, MR & XR - what do they mean?

VR & AR stand for virtual reality and augmented reality, virtual reality immerses you in a virtual environment without any distractions, augmented reality takes your real world view and adds layers of virtual space over that real world view, so while VR completely removes the user from their real world view, AR mixes real and virtual reality together.

Virtual Reality

Uses a headset which generally covers the face, so as not to allow any light into the eyes or vision outside of the headset, speakers are positioned near the ears and the headsets can be tethered to a computer or wireless, meaning the power supply and computer are integrated into the headset.  Users then generally use hand held controllers to select functions, type etc in the virtual environment.

As users are totally immersed in the virtual environment motion is limited, this is dealt with by the system building boundaries and tracking movement to stop users walking into walls.  360 degree walking machines are being developed to allow full movement in VR, this is just one example of a huge array of developments happening in this space. 

Augmented reality

Can be experienced using a phone or tablet, the term augmented reality covers things like Pokemon Go or google maps, street view where users can see a live, real world image, through their screen and an image is overlaid on top of reality to create an effect. This means that anyone who has a smartphone, already has an augmented reality capable device.

However the future of augmented reality are special glasses which the user wears like normal specs, they can see everything going on around them in the real world but virtual images are projected onto the glasses like a heads up display to allow the user to continue to interact in the real world whilst being able to bring up information about a task or chatting with friends, search something up, see maps or local information. In time these devices will be miniaturised to fit into contact lenses with implanted, bluetooth type speakers.

Mixed (MR) or Extended Reality (XR)

These are the terms used to describe the next gen of the continuum, a hybrid of virtual and augmented reality that may utilise haptic and holographic technologies to further blur the lines between the real and virtual environments.

There’s a place for everyone at the metaverse table. My role is to advise small to medium sized hospitality companies on web 3.0 strategy and to build tools to enable them to integrate and evolve their brands in the metaverse. If you want to touch base and have a chat please reach out and we will set up a free no obligation initial call on +44 7393 731707. John Curtis Multiverse Hospitality Ltd..