The Latest in XR Technology
Extended reality, or XR, is a collection of technologies that enhance or replace the reality we typically perceive around us. XR adds layers of utility or entertainment to our world. For example, our phone may have an XR application that displays directional arrows on our surroundings, making navigation foolproof. A smart mirror in a clothing store might ensure we buy precisely the right size and shows us what an item looks like without trying it on. Similar technology can show us a new hairstyle or makeup look through our phones or computers. A virtual reality headset paired with haptic gloves can combine to give the sensory feedback necessary to execute pressure-sensitive tasks remotely or virtually, from typing to surgery. These are just a few examples of how VR, AR, MR, and IoT can combine to form the broad category of XR.
If you missed our video, What is XR, I’ll link to it in the descriptions below, but I’ll quickly recap it here.
VR or Virtual Reality renders simulations through a headset or visor. It’s a closed digital environment.
AR or Augmented Reality are enhancements transposed upon the naturally occurring environment. AR can be accessed through a headset or a device like a phone, tablet, smart window, or mirror.
MR or Mixed Reality is both VR and AR delivered together.
And lastly, IoT, or The Internet of Things, is a network of devices enabled with software. In other words, sensors, hardware, and applications working together to create smart homes, smart businesses, and smart cities.
XR is a category loosely used to encompass all of these emerging technologies.
In the near future, the mastery of simulated sight, sound, and touch is the holy grail for XR companies like Meta. Scent and taste are out of our scope for this video, but synthesizing all five senses is possible. In the lab, tiny electric shocks delivered to the nose and tongue have been demonstrated to construct the range of tastes and smells that humans are capable of. This range is surprisingly limited from a scientific perspective. For example, the limit of the human taste profile is different combinations of sweet, salty, acidic, bitter, and umami. Add cool and hot, and that’s all we can really perceive. Leave us a comment if you want us to film a whole article on the topic of sensory array in XR, or share your insights on how all five senses might be engaged using XR technology.
But enough about the far future. A breakthrough in XR is about to hit the market in months, not years. Project Cambria, the next generation of the Quest, is a true XR headset because it supports both virtual reality and augmented reality. Cambria’s color passthrough tech renders the surrounding environment at 2160 x 2160 per eye resolution creating a clear and realistic AR simulation. Cambria will be one of the first commercially available VR headsets to make use of pancake lenses. This multi-element lens design significantly reduces the required distance between the display and the lenses and, subsequently, the depth profile of the headset itself. Combined with its counterbalanced head strap, the Cambria will give the device a comfortable, goggle-like feel. It remains to be seen what application Meta will offer for this vastly improved AR tech, but I’m excited to find out.
It may be hard to visualize how to leverage XR, especially if you haven’t spent much time in virtual reality. However, big brands are positioned for the inevitable move, and your company should be too. According to Statista, the share of adults in the United States joining or considering joining the metaverse is 74%, so don’t wait to claim your slice of the metaverse. Our motto is, First to Market, First to Succeed. XR is one of the fastest-growing markets, with new technologies driving industry growth across various sectors such as healthcare, education, real estate, and retail. Metaverse-related ideas, technology, and platforms are backed by billions, if not trillions, in investments. The metaverse is evolving from a curiosity to an essential part of people’s lives. It’s an exciting time to be involved, and you have many opportunities.
Your business can’t afford to ignore this global and technological shift. However, you need to know the basics before entering this exciting frontier. Schedule a FREE discovery call and let SliiceXR build a custom metaverse world for you. Don’t go it alone—partner with SliiceXR to gain visibility in the metaverse and stake your claim today.