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Introduction
When you combine the real world with a digital platform, you have the definition of extended reality or XR. Whether you're looking through a smartphone's camera or a VR headset, XR experiences are numerous today. Indeed, Forbes reports that this industry is growing into the billions of dollars as of the 2020s. Learn more about XR reality and how it impacts the world today.
What is Extended Reality (XR)?
Extended reality is the combination of digital technologies that blend a virtual platform with the real world. In truth, most people have experiences with XR but may not know it. For example, smartphone games with characters roaming your camera setting augment your reality.
Whether you're fully immersed in a virtual world or just augmenting everyday life, XR technology continues to transform how people interact with friends, colleagues and even their learning styles. In the future, an XR reality might be more prevalent than even today.
Technology Components of Extended Reality
Because XR is a blanket term, getting to know the main parts of this world is critical to understanding. Ultimately, XR technology will continue to blend into everyday life as the digital world enhances nearly any experience.
Virtual Reality
When you picture XR reality, the quintessential headset for a user comes to mind. Virtual reality or VR creates total immersion in a game or digital scenario. Typically, users wear a headset covering both eyes. By holding and manipulating two controllers, the user virtually moves through a world that's seen by only him or her.
In VR, you cannot see any real-life visuals. Essentially, you're visually transported to a world created by the software developer. Complete immersion is perfect for gaming, such as with PICO 4 products.
Augmented Reality
Augmented reality or AR is most often experienced on a smartphone. For instance, access a game on your phone and activate the camera. Depending on the game, you might see an animated character walking in your living room through the camera lens.
As an alternative, AR might involve trying on makeup. By using your smartphone's camera again, a makeup app might allow you to virtually try on lipstick colors. In short, this XR reality supplements real life with digital overlays that can entertain you or help you with a purchase decision.
Mixed Reality (MR)
Also referred to as hybrid reality, mixed reality or MR blends real-life visuals with digital accents. Because this XR is much more complex than AR or VR, the technology isn't as mainstream as the others.
Typically, MR lets you virtually touch and manipulate digital items in your immediate surroundings. For example, you can use MR to check if a virtual lamp works well with your decor. In the future, MR might be more prevalent as XR technology advances.
Applications of XR
XR technology appear in nearly every sector today. Indeed, you'll find applications in automotive production, healthcare, general employee training and gaming. You're engaged with the subject as you're partially or fully immersed in an XR reality. Even the most mundane topic can be more interesting when presented in a 3D perspective.
Overall, the information keeps you safe and ready to take on the challenge at hand. As a result, entertainment is breathtaking, and employment training creates better workers.
Pros and Cons of Extended Reality
XR reality offers many benefits to everyday people and the business world. Primarily, XR creates an immersive experience. For example, virtually walk on a moon in a faraway universe, or simply learn how to operate a machine at work with a virtual training program. Certainly, PICO products offer both of these experiences today.
Also, productivity and communication in business are greatly improved with XR technology, reports Medium. By giving employees a chance to collaborate in real-time and across the globe, complex projects emerge for nearly any industry.
Amazingly, XR reality can make it easier for people to learn skills that are otherwise dangerous to attempt. For instance, surgeons can practice critical surgeries in XR, or firemen might practice a firefighting skill that's too perilous in person. In this context, XR learning might save lives in the future.
In contrast, extended reality does have some drawbacks. First, hardware costs can still be expensive. In particular, small businesses may not have the funds to invest in XR. As a result, they might fall behind the larger businesses that have the cash flow.
Another con involves human nature and socialization. As the XR world grows, questions arise around ethics and moral concerns. For example, human interaction may be a struggle when technology continues to be the dominant part of everyday life. Overall, being responsible with XR and the digital world can improve both personal and professional lives without hindering an individual's development.
Ensuring a Safe XR Experience

XR technology can take you to another world, but you still need to anchor yourself in the real world. Ideally, give yourself about 12 to 13 square feet of space so that you don't bump into anything, suggests the PICO user guide. Next, avoid any dizzy sensations by adjusting the headset's interpupillary distance. Basically, this adjustment matches your eyes to the pancake lenses. As you move in VR, it will feel more realistic and without any perceivable lag.
In addition, adjust the headset and controller straps. By creating a comfortable fit, the XR reality will have an immersive effect on the mind. As you enter a game, adjust any additional settings before setting off on your quest.
Conclusion
XR technology will evolve as hardware and software advance. Discover the XR world with the unparalleled adventures found in PICO VR products. From headsets to breathtaking games, the XR world thrills any age group. Check out XR by purchasing your PICO VR system today.