This may not be a term that is familiar to many people. However, we hear terms like virtual reality and augmented reality often. Extended reality refers to all three of them, with mixed reality included. Mixed reality could also be considered a foreign term given we don’t hear it often.
Table of Contents
In this article we will be talking about:
- What extended reality technologies are.
- The top 3 benefits of reality technologies.
- The top 3 challenges of reality technologies.
What are extended reality technologies?
There are 3 types of extended reality technologies today.
Virtual reality (VR)
One of the most spoken about forms of extended reality is virtual reality (VR). This refers to the replacement of the real world with a digitally rendered one. This is usually experienced with headsets that cover your eyes.
These headsets simulate certain settings, both fictional and real. VR seems to be very popular concerning horror games. The world is full of brave souls.
Augmented reality (AR)
Another common form of extended reality is augmented reality (AR). Augmented reality is similar to virtual reality in the sense that there is a digital rendering that occurs. Where they differ is that augmented reality is more of an overlay of virtual content on the real world than an entire replacement of it.
Instead of headsets, you could experience this through smartphones, smart glasses, or heads up displays. Pokemon Go would be a great example of the usage of augmented reality.
Mixed reality (MR)
This is the hybrid between virtual and augmented reality. The user can interact with both the virtual and real world simultaneously.
Mixed reality (MR) can allow medical students to interact and visualize 3D models and overlay them with real life patients, enhancing their learning.
The top 3 benefits of extended reality technology
There are couple of benefits to extended reality technology. Listed below are the top three.
Enhanced user experience
Extended reality technology provides a more immersive experience to the digital world. We can interact with digital content in a more natural way.
This makes it more engaging and creates memorable experiences. It is kind of hard to forget being virtually chased by Pennywise while running as fast as you can in real life but only managing to walk in the game. Absolutely terrifying, but fun.
Improved learning and training
As alluded to earlier on in the article, using extended reality technology can accelerate your learning. It isn’t uncommon for pilots, or F1 drivers to train with the use of a simulator.
You can be put in situations without the real-life consequences, like crashing. You’re able to effectively prepare for high stress situations.
Remote collaboration and communication
Physical distance is less of a concern because you’re now able to work remotely. A physical space would not be necessary if you have got a virtual space that everyone shares. This could directly shave off the cost of an office space and the overall maintenance of one.
The top 3 challenges of extended reality technology
Paired with benefits are the challenges of extended reality technology. Listed below are the top three.
Hardware limitations
Getting the equipment to experience any of the forms of extended reality can be on the pricey side of things. This means that not everyone can experience VR, AR, or MR.
They may just be affordable in terms of the initial purchase, but the hardware needed to run them could be costly too. Overall maintenance can be costly.
Social and cultural impact
Even though it is cool to interact with the digital world in way that is so natural to us, we may forget about the real world. We could forget about the relationships we have in real life.
It may also have an impact on how we communicate in real life. Just like Sam Smith said, “Too much of a good thing, isn’t good anymore”. It is important that we do not over-indulge in the virtual world and neglect the real one.
Ethical and privacy considerations
This will forever be a concern with technology. The more it continues to involve, the more important privacy and security becomes. Collecting, storing user data and map tracking are elements used to deliver your experiences. Transparency between the organizations and their customers on the data they collect is very important.
Final thoughts
Extended reality technologies has a lot of potential to be useful to us. But it also has the potential to negatively affect us and the people around us. Keeping the balance between the two would be extremely important as we continue to develop this technology.
