What Is Extended Reality?

The benefits of augmented reality for business are that it’s a form of extended reality (XR). XR is a banner term encompassing computer technologies that meld the physical and digital worlds. The extent of that merger differs by implementation. For example, virtual reality with a VR headset is fully immersive. But other metaverse devices offer partial, rather than full, sensory input. The most common forms are virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), and augmented reality (AR). You can discover more about XR in the article “Extended Reality; How is XR Changing the Digital World?“

What Is Augmented Reality?

Augmented reality is a form of XR specially tailored to real-time integration of a user’s view of the world with digital information. It augments your view of reality. AR can change how you see the things around you, add information through digital overlays, or combine both. The biggest benefits of augmented reality for business are its ability to easily blend 2D and 3D digital items with the physical world.

AR is typically used through either special glasses or standard smartphones. An AR device will take in a real-time view of the world and then overlay digital data on top of it. This can be done in a way that replaces elements of the physical with digital or adds to it. You can explore every aspect of AR in the article “Augmented Reality; Learn About AR Tech, Use Cases, Devices, and More!“

What Is the Difference Between Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality, and Virtual Reality?

You might wonder what the benefits of augmented reality are when compared to other XR implementations. Each delivers something different. For example, virtual reality industries create fully synthetic VR environments. AR adds to your view of the real world instead of replacing it. And mixed reality (MR) acts as a hybrid, merging physical and digital realities through projections, holograms, and other new technologies. Discover the fundamentals of MR in the article “Mixed Reality; Everything to Know About MR Technologies.“ And you can learn the full story of VR in the article “Virtual Reality; Discover VR, Its Components, Technology, and Players.“

Can Companies Use Augmented Reality?

The earlier descriptions have framed AR as something that adds to people’s perception of the world. And that’s among the greatest benefits of augmented reality. It doesn’t just add one element to a company’s toolkit. Rather, AR can enhance almost anything. This means that every industry has something to gain from AR. For example, IKEA uses AR to show people how new furniture would look in their homes.

The healthcare industry has been able to use AR to help legally blind children recognize faces. Some restaurants use AR to let guests see the various meals virtually before placing an order. And the entertainment industry has hugely succeeded in basing AR games and interactive experiences around movies and TV shows. You can find even more examples of companies using AR services in the article “Augmented Reality Industries; An Overview of All Sectors Using AR.”