Is Extended reality the next big thing?

Let me clear a thing first. Yes, Extended reality (XR) is the next big thing in our near future. Why?

Before answering this question, let me ask you a simple question, “Are you familiar with all the ‘reality’s science has invented?

If yes, then congratulations. You are a well-informed human.

Suppose it is a “no,” then no problem. In that case, I will explain Extended reality and all the other realities like virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality as briefly as I can.

So let’s start with Virtual Reality or VR.

In this reality, the users are fully engrossed in the digital environment made by developers. You can also interact in that virtual environment by using a controller.

It is used by Healthcare, construction, engineering, the military, the gaming industry, and more.

On the other hand, virtual information and objects are overlaid in the real world in Augmented reality or AR. You can access AR through AR glasses or screens, tablets, and smartphones.

Like VR, in AR, users are not isolated in the virtual world. They can see what’s going on in front of them.

The most famous AR example is the Pokémon GO game, where digital creatures overlay the real world. Another example is your Facebook messenger camera filter, where you can change your face or put objects virtually.

Now let’s talk about MR. You probably heard MRI, but MR or mixed reality is out of context. It’s not yet as famous as VR right now.

In mixed reality, digital and real-world objects co-exist, and you can interact with them in real-time. It is the latest technology and is sometimes referred to as hybrid reality. It requires a lot more processing power the AR and VR.

Microsoft’s HoloLens is an excellent example for MR. It allows you to place digital objects into the room and grant you the ability to relocate them or interact with them in any way possible.

Different companies are still finding ways to use this technology effectively.

Finally, let’s talk about Extended Reality or XR. According to Wikipedia, XR refers to all-natural and virtual combined environments and human-machine interactions generated by computer technology and wearables.

In other simple words, XR is an umbrella term for immersive technologies. The “X” represents a variable. A variable for any current or future spatial computing technologies like AR, VR, and MR.

Every immersive technology extends the reality we experience by either blending the virtual and “real” worlds or creating a fully immersive experience.

Now, imagine what it would be like to have the ability to try something before you buy, to see how it would look on you virtually.

Imagine what it would be like to have a chance to face and solve a life and death situation without facing any real life and death situation.

Imagine what it would be like to walk through spaces to decide if you want to buy the house, even if you are in some other location.

You can have all of this imagination come true before 2030 or earlier. The XR has all the potential to make these fantasies come true.

According to Visual Capitalist, by 2022, the XR market is expected to reach $209 billion, which says everything about the future of extended reality in 2030.

Research in 2019 reveals that more than 60% of respondents believed XR would be the mainstream in the next five years. XR can open the door to new age, which can help us make our life more than comfortable.

But what do you think about XR? Do you agree with us? Do let us know your opinion in the comment section.