Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) are three distinct technologies that create different user experiences. VR immerses users in a completely digital environment, blocking out the real world and allowing them to interact with a computer-generated setting. Users typically wear a VR headset, which covers their eyes and sometimes includes sensors for tracking movement. For example, in a VR game like "Beat Saber," players use motion controllers to slice musical blocks in a digital space, feeling as if they are truly in a virtual world.
In contrast, Augmented Reality overlays digital elements onto the real world. AR enhances the physical environment by adding computer-generated images, sounds, or other data without replacing it. A well-known example of AR is the mobile game "Pokémon GO," where players see Pokémon characters appearing in real-world locations through their smartphone screens. The key point of AR is that it maintains a connection to the actual environment while adding additional information or visuals, which can be useful in applications like navigation and training.
Mixed Reality merges elements of both VR and AR, allowing for interaction between real-world and digital objects. This technology enables users to engage with both physical and virtual elements, often using specialized headsets like Microsoft’s HoloLens. In MR, digital objects can be anchored to the physical world, which means users can see, interact with, and manipulate these objects in real time while still being aware of their surroundings. An example is how architects can project a building design onto a physical construction site, allowing them to visualize how the new structure will fit into the actual environment. Together, these technologies provide a range of immersive experiences tailored to different use cases.