If you’ve heard of immersive video games, virtual travel, or AR shopping, you’ve no doubt come across labels like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), and extended reality (XR). We’ve broken down these terms in depth to learn what they mean and how they’re different, so you can have some clarity on which one is right for you.
VR vs AR vs MR vs XR | DON'T GET LOST IN IT
Extended reality is a collective term for a group of technologies: augmented reality, virtual reality and mixed reality. Therefore, a virtual reality headset and an augmented reality headset, although different, are both considered extended reality technologies.
These perception-altering technologies work with virtual elements, meaning that an onboard computer generates all objects. In VR, the CGI completely covers your vision, so you are immersed in a completely fake world. AR and MR also use computer-generated images, but since the idea is to also see your surroundings, those elements do not take over your entire vision. Instead, your physical environment is enhanced or changed in some way.
You can use some AR and MR implementations on a standard smartphone without the need for headgear, but for VR you'll need a full headset.
