Over the recent years, mixed reality technology has caused a massive stir. No matter if you plan to relax or unwind with retail therapy, video games, enrolled in a training, or more – virtual reality and augmented reality has transformed the future and has started to make its overall presence being felt.
Recent advancements have seen technology create a digital world where you can visualize real and virtual objects to make an informed decision. Whether you are looking to purchase a new furniture or buy yourself a new jacket, augmented reality apps have made that possible.
This is all possible due to Mixed Reality, also known as MR. It is a technology that blends physical reality and the digital world closely together.
So, what is Mixed Reality?
Mixed reality is now considered as the next big disruption in computing after smartphones, mainframes, and desktops. It is now going mainstream for individuals and businesses who are looking to take a step forward and stay ahead of the competition.
MR helps in liberating from the screen bound experience by offering a real time interacting with data in our surrounding along other things and with friends.
Today, online enthusiasts are in the quantity of millions across the globe experiencing mixed reality on their devices. With mobile AR, one can experience mixed reality solutions on difference social media platforms. Most individuals do not realize that the augmented reality-based filters that are available on Instagram are expressions of mixed reality.
Companies such as Microsoft and VisionX offer immersive experience and mixed reality where the goal is to enhance user experience and take it to the next level.
What’s the Role of Mixed Reality?
Mixed Reality utilizes the key aspects of AR to offer a blend of physical and digital worlds. The reason why augmented reality made it happen is due to the ‘hybrid’ environment it offers to consumers. Recent example is Niantic’s Pokemon Go which released in 2016 and surprised everyone.
The immersive experience indulged people to be involved in the game a lot where players could use just their smartphone camera to combine physical and digital world.
The game offered hybrid environment where the virtual objects were mapped on the physical environment right on your mobile screen. How cool?
Differences Between MR and VR
People normally confuse AR, MR, and VR to be the same thing. If we look at the bird’s eye view, they are! But there are some technical differences which differentiate all three technologies.
The one thing common between AR, MR, and VR is all three are used to deliver virtual and real life environments to consumers. However, the way it’s done is different!
Augmented and virtual reality are known for offering an experience that is completely digitally rendered. On the contrary, mixed reality uses what AR offers but is more of a headset based technology.
When we talk about AR and VR, consumers are mostly experiencing a digital world with artificial audio and video for immersive experience. Augmented reality apps do bring some physical environments, but it relies on a smartphone or tablet.
Mixedreality does not need any special objects or equipment to interact with what’s being offered. When you immerse in an MR world, you are starting in a physical or real space where you can interact with the world.
Applications of Mixed Reality
It will not be wrong to say that MR is still in its infancy stage. Although various industries have started experimenting with how mixed reality can improve their processes, it is still not being used to its full potential.
MR has changed the way certain industries approach their business operations. For instance, if we talk about manufacturing industry – aircraft manufacturers are utilizing MR for educational purposes to lower their training costs.
But, how is that possible?
Repair technicians in the aircraft industry are trained by actually working on the engine or any other equipment that requires attention. However, it is not only time consuming but costly where you have to disassemble a certain part completely and then re-assemble.
With MR, you can conduct training sessions using special headsets that allows you to immerse in a holographic world – basically creates a blend of digital and physical worlds.
Other use cases for mixed reality
As of now, manufacturing industry is leading the charts when it comes to utilizing mixed reality to its true potential. Other industries which are exploring how MR can benefit them includes, but not limited to:
- Construction
- Design
- Healthcare
- Supply Chain Management
Future of Mixed Reality
So, is mixed reality the future of technology? Let’s be honest, mixedreality is the next big thing when it comes to human and computer evolution. The environmental interaction paves way for endless possibilities that were initially limited to human imaginations.
It is the beginning of a new era that are likely to bring massive advancements in the digital spectrum ever embraced by mankind. With mixed reality you can experience, share, and understand the environment around with smarter and more connected approach.
