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The differences between VR, AR and MR

By now the term 'virtual reality' is familiar to most people. But the terms 'augmented reality' and 'mixed reality' may be less well-known, but they are certainly no less important. In this blog we explain the differences between Virtual, augmented and Mixed Reality, and show you through a number of practical examples what you can use these applications for.

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What is Virtual reality?

Virtual Reality, perhaps the best known of the three, is seen as a fully simulated, digital world. This means that no images of the real world are shown in the virtual world. With Virtual Reality, for example, think of a game you are playing. You are completely in a simulated world and can move in all directions.

Virtual Reality is still the most widely used for gaming applications today. It can be noted that the general public is becoming more and more accustomed to Virtual Reality, because the big game development studios like Ubisoft and Valve are also increasingly releasing an exclusive triple-A VR game that you can only play with VR headset (think of the new Half-Life: alyx).

But now there are also a lot of other applications for Virtual Reality. For example, Virtual Reality is frequently used by companies to, for example, train the staff (or other involved). Think of KLM, which has recreated a virtual cockpit to guide (starting) pilots.

What is augmented reality?

Slightly less known, but certainly no less used, is Augmented Reality. This application captures a digital representation (in some cases in the form of an expanded hologram, in other cases in a simpler form like some data) over a glass making it a combination with the physical world.

One of the best-known augmented reality headsets at the moment is the Microsoft Hololens 2. These AR glasses can display full holograms lifelike, allowing you to really combine with the real and virtual world. The company Velicus, for example, makes good use of this by offering CPR courses with de Hololens 2 . As a user, you put the Hololens 2 on your head and a 'virtual patient' is programmed on the floor. You can then go through the resuscitation steps on this patient.

An additional application of Augmented Reality, and one that has been increasingly used by companies lately, is 'remote assist'. with remote assist you as a user have AR glasses on (such as the Vuzix M400) and someone else can watch remotely via the built-in camera. Think, for example, of an electrician who comes to repair something at home, but does not know exactly what to do when replacing a certain part. When he wears AR glasses, he can enlist the help of a specialized colleague who can watch from his phone or tablet and give instructions remotely (both via audio and via a built-in screen in the glasses).

What is mixed reality?

Finally, one can speak of Mixed Reality. Mixed Reality is a combination between the physical world and the virtual world. Where Augmented Reality is really an 'overlay' between the two (eg with using holograms) Mixed Reality is more of a physical combination.

A good example of this is the recently released Varjo XR-3 Headset. This Headset (XR stands for Extended Reality) uses two cameras on the front of the glasses. When a user has finished the Headset, he can look at the real, physical world through these two cameras. It is then possible to bring a digital (VR) object into the real world through the glasses.

For example, the car manufacturer KIA recently launched a nice application where users with could call up a digital Model of the latest car using the Varjo XR-3 in a large, empty garage. In that case, the users are physically in an empty parking garage and see nothing at all without a VR headset on. But when they do wear the VR headset they will see the latest Model and can touch and walk around it.

Want to know more about the differences between VR, AR and MR? We are happy to help!

Need advice on the different forms of extended reality? Then you have come to the right place! take Contact with us and we will be happy to help you! In addition to non-binding advice, we offer specialized consultancy and consultations (for companies and other business customers). Think of starting with a VR Arcade, or implementing Augmented Reality within the organization.

Diederik Hermsen- XR Product Specialist

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