The pandemic has blurred boundaries between the virtual and real world. For enterprises, this new digital world promises many business advantages.
This widespread digitization has convinced everyone that this is a new reality. Everyone also knows that this new reality is here to stay. Digital experiences and products will continue to have higher priorities among enterprises and consumers.
Augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) are the building blocks of this digital entity. The combination of the first three is extended reality. Today all these technologies are critical for people looking to better their digital experience.
In this article, we discuss extended reality and how it works.
Let us look into the meaning behind extended reality and what it stands for. Extended reality (XR), an umbrella term for computer-generated environments, merge virtual and physical world. It is better known for creating an entirely virtual experience for users.
Extended reality intersects three technologies: VR, AR, and MR. It brings out an extensive new spectrum of opportunities across virtual and real-world environments.
It is better to understand each component of extended reality. It will help to have a better idea about extended reality. Thus, let us look into the definition of each of the components.
Virtual reality (VR) uses computer technology to experience a 3D environment. It gives a 3D experience to all of its users. Users can get fully immersed in a simulated reality using haptic touch, dedicated headsets, and even environmental feedback. This is the power of VR.
Virtual reality can generate realistic sounds and images. This engages the five senses of the users in a virtual world and gives a real-life experience. The users feel and behave as if they are in the real world.
Augmented reality overlays images onto the real world, not creating a new reality. Users can overlay the digitally created sounds and images using mobile phones or tablets onto their real-life environments.
Mixed Reality (MR) is the intersection of VR and AR. MR technology creates complex environments blending both real and virtual worlds. Mixed reality makes both digital and physical elements interact in real-time.
The present VR, AR, AR, and extended reality extend across all the current and future immersive technologies. Blending real-world elements with virtual graphics enables an extension of validity. For example, such technologies include the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G network, and others. XR includes the full spectrum of both virtual and real environments.
In short, XR makes people visit virtual environments and gives an immersive and interactive experience. This experience can match what the users experience in the real world. The main idea behind the Metaverse is this. Extended reality is crucial to make it all work.
Extended reality has many benefits, especially when users have it to enhance certain experiences. Some of the benefits are:
Learners and educators in schools and universities can explore experiential learning methods in a safe XR learning space. Moreover, extended reality improves learning rates, say experts.
Studies have shown that in conventional settings, learners forget 70% of what they learned, within 24 hours. In the same environment, they forgot 90% of their lessons within a month.
Studies also show that learners have improved comprehension and retention when XR is used in classrooms. Extended reality is also useful for students who have cognitive challenges. It is valuable for learners who are interested in having different learning platforms.
XR technology has become a common platform for companies looking to provide effective employee training and development. There can be many highlighted benefits here, such as lower operational costs, knowledge retention, and increased engagement.
It is easy for companies to reach customers with extended reality as it offers innovative ways to engage with potential clients.
For instance, compared to real-world offerings, clients can try out watch or clothing demonstrations that can result in better experiences. By adopting extended reality tools, customer support also can benefit greatly.
Remote work became very common after the pandemic.
In fact, even after the pandemic, Virtual, augmented, and mixed reality allow employees to interact better with peers. It also allows better collaboration when compared with Zoom or Skype, the 2D platforms. A virtual platform can help employees and companies to have better performance.
As the costs of entertainment production go up, many artists choose to conduct their programs online. They use virtual reality to get the maximum outreach today. This is also becoming a trend in the entertainment industry. The world also saw many performers dabbling in the Metaverse in 2021.
Moving ahead, the world will witness an industry boom, as conferences, concerts, and meet-ups move to all-virtual environments. XR will deliver many more benefits from this trend.
Although there are many benefits to adopting extended reality, there are also many challenges. Users will have to bear with it until it becomes mainstream. Some of the challenges with adopting XR are:
As XR is a relatively new technology, extended reality will have higher equipment and development costs than traditional technologies. It also requires developing compelling content for extended reality users.
Also, using XR also need huge investments in interfaces such as VR headsets and motion sensors.
According to experts, users will start using VR headsets for ten hours or more daily. Users are now experiencing health issues with such headsets, and complaints are coming in. The reported health issues are related to motion sickness, headaches, and eye strain.
When displaying visuals accurately, many challenges face the interfaces and devices needed to access extended technology. However, improvement will be there as the adjacent technologies, such as edge computing and 5G, will see advancements.
The technology has yet to win over a large audience. This is because many consumers have yet to understand the various applications of the technology and its benefits.
Moreover, there needs to be more clarity regarding various issues, such as data security and privacy. It will be a concern in the minds of consumers when they decide whether to experiment with the technology.
Also Read: The Future of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) Technology
Organizations increasingly recognize the potential of using digital technology to create and enhance invaluable experiences. The use cases have showcased Extended Reality (XR) prospects in various industries and domains.
Extended Reality will help companies expand their businesses. It will increase productivity levels and ultimately improve business performance. it can help make customer engagement smooth and seamless.
XR has a number of advantages to offer for companies to expand their market. It will deliver huge benefits if the enterprise sector understands and uses these wisely.
Check Out The New Enterprisetalk Podcast. For more such updates follow us on Google News Enterprisetalk News.
Bineesh Mathew is an accomplished senior writer with 10+ years of experience in multiple domains. With a proven track record, he has specialized in writing for business strategies, innovations, the latest technologies, and management topics. Currently, Bineesh is working as a Senior Content Writer with On Dot Media. Bineesh is an English Literature graduate who has mastered the language with excellent editing skills. As a writer, he has contributed exciting writing pieces for various topics such as digital marketing, cybersecurity, and different latest technologies, including supply chain, management, enterprise leadership, and much more.
