Virtual reality (VR) refers to the use of computer technology to create simulated environments. The intent of VR is to create digital content for users in which they feel as if they are in a real-life experience. VR headsets have been popularized and developed over the years, with the hope of improving the quality of VR experiences. These headsets generally cover the eyes of the user with 3D screens, blocking out the vision of the user’s physical surroundings. Current VR hardware uses motion tracking, which promotes a more immersive and interactive VR experience. New developments in virtual experiences have led to the need to expand the capabilities of headsets, and integrate the concept of mixed reality.
Augmented reality (AR) experiences of today involve projections of information or objects into the user’s field of vision using AR glasses or headsets. Mixed reality (MR), sometimes referred to as extended reality (XR), is a combination of aspects from augmented and virtual reality. The benefit of augmented reality’s inclusion in MR revolves around the capability for the user to view and interact with the physical world while simultaneously experiencing virtual reality. This technology currently serves numerous purposes which will be discussed in this article.
Most applications using mixed reality concepts today serve the purpose of creating a more efficient and improved digital workplace. In recent years, headsets and glasses have been released to provide users with mixed reality experiences. Current examples of mixed reality devices share similar capabilities, yet utilize different viewing methods. Holographic devices and immersive devices are the two main characterizations of MR headsets today.
Similar to standard VR headsets, immersive MR devices possess opaque displays which block out the user’s physical environment while in use. To utilize augmented concepts, external cameras deliver information about the user’s surroundings to the display screens. Samsung’s HMD Odyssey+ is an example of an immersive device that provides 3D, MR experiences. This device has the ability to detect “full six-degrees-of-freedom movement,” which refers to rotation and translation of the user while in use.
An example of a currently available holographic MR device is the Microsoft Hololens. This includes a see-through display that allows the user to see the physical world around them while in use. Holographic devices like this have the ability to project digital objects onto the lens. For the user, these projections appear to exist in the real world. It is also common for holographic devices to have the ability to detect user movement to promote more realistic experiences.
In 1994, Paul Milgram and Fumio Kishino analyzed mixed reality conceptually and established preliminary definitions that are now referred to as the mixed reality spectrum. This is visualized as the space between physical reality and corresponding digital reality. Mixed reality is a broad concept and includes many possible applications as well as requirements from equipment.
Microsoft has stated that most AR and VR experiences today only represent a small subset of the mixed reality spectrum. This is due to the current absence of any devices that are capable of running all experiences across the mixed reality spectrum. Microsoft also predicts that in the future, holographic devices will be more immersive, and immersive devices will be more holographic. These advances will serve to fill the mixed reality spectrum between the physical and digital worlds.
An upcoming release of Apple’s unnamed, immersive MR hardware could prove itself an example of Microsoft’s prediction, of “making immersive devices more holographic.” Though the project has remained secretive, there are rumors and leaks of information available. The device is expected to be wireless and intended to be used in conjunction with the user’s iPhone. Numerous external cameras are said to detect the environment and biometrics to accomplish advanced AR and interactive VR experiences. Improvements to virtual components are said to be accomplished by the use of 3500+ pixels-per-inch screens for each eye. If true, this display would have a significantly better resolution for 3D experiences than any currently available device. This device has the potential of covering the entire mixed reality spectrum, and is rumored to be available in the next few years.
Augmented reality contact lenses by Mojo Vision are currently being tested and developed. These have the ability to track user movement, and project information or media directly into the user’s pupil. This accomplishment in AR technology could very well inspire similar projects in the mixed reality realm. Experiencing mixed reality without the need for bulky or uncomfortable headwear could be a major advantage to developing mixed reality contact lenses.
As previously mentioned, current and projected applications of mixed reality commonly serve the purpose of supporting operations within the workplace. Mixed reality can make digital meetings seem as real as possible. The utilization of advanced MR equipment could allow for virtual 3D meeting places, while not blocking user vision from physical surroundings.
Microsoft Teams is a digital platform used by businesses to conduct virtual meetings, support communication, and deliver presentations. An extension of this program, called Microsoft Mesh, will provide the same benefits while allowing for virtual reality and mixed reality collaboration. Virtual rooms with avatars for each user will make future virtual meetings more real. Mixed reality through this application will allow for external computers and physical note-taking to continue while the virtual meetings are in session. Motion and face tracking will also support the realism of avatars in the virtual space or even project holograms for each user.
The operations involved with training a workforce could be revolutionized with future programs like Mesh and Meta’s Horizon Workrooms. Deploying holograms, holographic information sharing, and visual demonstrations could be a reality with these mixed reality programs. These capabilities can create an immersive instructional experience for any number of training topics, while not requiring experts to be on location.
In test cases for utilizing immersive virtual and mixed reality technology in education, Microsoft has claimed a 22% improvement in test scores and 35% increase in student engagement and retention. Students can already explore MR curriculum created by VictoryVR in conjunction with nationally recognized teacher, Wendy Martin. This educational content can be viewed by students through MR headsets and MR-capable computers.
Students can be exposed to experiences from holographic exploration of the solar system and aerodynamics demonstrations, to virtual time-traveling. Providing students with hands-on experiences with elusive subjects in the digital space is the future of education. Using this technology, a setting is created for learners to collaborate remotely (and in-person) and give access to experiences that were once thought of as out-of-reach in the classroom. As the users and access to MR hardware grow, it is likely that the available educational programs will expand and provide widespread instruction without physical bounds.
The common goal for companies invested in metaverse development is connecting the physical world with virtual worlds. Creating metaverse applications in virtual or mixed reality can provide this connection as seamlessly as possible. Introducing MR technology to Meta’s VR Horizon Worlds could provide endless digital socialization, entertainment, and creative environments, without being a barrier from the real world. With projection technology, virtual worlds could then pivot from utilizing digital avatars to actual user projections.
Organizations such as Mixed.Place has built itself to be an innovator in providing augmented reality experiences for clients. They have now begun to work on MR projects using a patented mixed reality cloud infrastructure. Clients can create experiences in advertising, tourism, navigation, etc. to be viewed as virtual projections based on user location. An example of their MR work is the American Eagle Hard Sale Campaign. This experience uses holograms outside of storefronts, asks questions of the user, provides special deals, and guides the user to the recommended in-store products. Mixed.Place also plans to provide the public with tools and the ability to design location-based metaverse experiences using its cloud infrastructure.
Our team at Dura Digital is continually researching and exploring technologies like virtual and, mixed reality to find opportunities for our clients to take advantage of to transform their businesses, industries, and the experiences they provide to their customers. Contact our team today to start exploring how we can work together to empower your organization in your digital transformation journey.
Virtual reality (VR) refers to the use of computer technology to create simulated environments. The intent of VR is to create digital content for users in which they feel as if they are in a real-life experience. VR headsets have been popularized and developed over the years, with the hope of improving the quality of VR experiences. These headsets generally cover the eyes of the user with 3D screens, blocking out the vision of the user’s physical surroundings. Current VR hardware uses motion tracking, which promotes a more immersive and interactive VR experience. New developments in virtual experiences have led to the need to expand the capabilities of headsets, and integrate the concept of mixed reality.
Augmented reality (AR) experiences of today involve projections of information or objects into the user’s field of vision using AR glasses or headsets. Mixed reality (MR), sometimes referred to as extended reality (XR), is a combination of aspects from augmented and virtual reality. The benefit of augmented reality’s inclusion in MR revolves around the capability for the user to view and interact with the physical world while simultaneously experiencing virtual reality. This technology currently serves numerous purposes which will be discussed in this article.
Most applications using mixed reality concepts today serve the purpose of creating a more efficient and improved digital workplace. In recent years, headsets and glasses have been released to provide users with mixed reality experiences. Current examples of mixed reality devices share similar capabilities, yet utilize different viewing methods. Holographic devices and immersive devices are the two main characterizations of MR headsets today.
Similar to standard VR headsets, immersive MR devices possess opaque displays which block out the user’s physical environment while in use. To utilize augmented concepts, external cameras deliver information about the user’s surroundings to the display screens. Samsung’s HMD Odyssey+ is an example of an immersive device that provides 3D, MR experiences. This device has the ability to detect “full six-degrees-of-freedom movement,” which refers to rotation and translation of the user while in use.
An example of a currently available holographic MR device is the Microsoft Hololens. This includes a see-through display that allows the user to see the physical world around them while in use. Holographic devices like this have the ability to project digital objects onto the lens. For the user, these projections appear to exist in the real world. It is also common for holographic devices to have the ability to detect user movement to promote more realistic experiences.
In 1994, Paul Milgram and Fumio Kishino analyzed mixed reality conceptually and established preliminary definitions that are now referred to as the mixed reality spectrum. This is visualized as the space between physical reality and corresponding digital reality. Mixed reality is a broad concept and includes many possible applications as well as requirements from equipment.
Microsoft has stated that most AR and VR experiences today only represent a small subset of the mixed reality spectrum. This is due to the current absence of any devices that are capable of running all experiences across the mixed reality spectrum. Microsoft also predicts that in the future, holographic devices will be more immersive, and immersive devices will be more holographic. These advances will serve to fill the mixed reality spectrum between the physical and digital worlds.
An upcoming release of Apple’s unnamed, immersive MR hardware could prove itself an example of Microsoft’s prediction, of “making immersive devices more holographic.” Though the project has remained secretive, there are rumors and leaks of information available. The device is expected to be wireless and intended to be used in conjunction with the user’s iPhone. Numerous external cameras are said to detect the environment and biometrics to accomplish advanced AR and interactive VR experiences. Improvements to virtual components are said to be accomplished by the use of 3500+ pixels-per-inch screens for each eye. If true, this display would have a significantly better resolution for 3D experiences than any currently available device. This device has the potential of covering the entire mixed reality spectrum, and is rumored to be available in the next few years.
Augmented reality contact lenses by Mojo Vision are currently being tested and developed. These have the ability to track user movement, and project information or media directly into the user’s pupil. This accomplishment in AR technology could very well inspire similar projects in the mixed reality realm. Experiencing mixed reality without the need for bulky or uncomfortable headwear could be a major advantage to developing mixed reality contact lenses.
As previously mentioned, current and projected applications of mixed reality commonly serve the purpose of supporting operations within the workplace. Mixed reality can make digital meetings seem as real as possible. The utilization of advanced MR equipment could allow for virtual 3D meeting places, while not blocking user vision from physical surroundings.
Microsoft Teams is a digital platform used by businesses to conduct virtual meetings, support communication, and deliver presentations. An extension of this program, called Microsoft Mesh, will provide the same benefits while allowing for virtual reality and mixed reality collaboration. Virtual rooms with avatars for each user will make future virtual meetings more real. Mixed reality through this application will allow for external computers and physical note-taking to continue while the virtual meetings are in session. Motion and face tracking will also support the realism of avatars in the virtual space or even project holograms for each user.
The operations involved with training a workforce could be revolutionized with future programs like Mesh and Meta’s Horizon Workrooms. Deploying holograms, holographic information sharing, and visual demonstrations could be a reality with these mixed reality programs. These capabilities can create an immersive instructional experience for any number of training topics, while not requiring experts to be on location.
In test cases for utilizing immersive virtual and mixed reality technology in education, Microsoft has claimed a 22% improvement in test scores and 35% increase in student engagement and retention. Students can already explore MR curriculum created by VictoryVR in conjunction with nationally recognized teacher, Wendy Martin. This educational content can be viewed by students through MR headsets and MR-capable computers.
Students can be exposed to experiences from holographic exploration of the solar system and aerodynamics demonstrations, to virtual time-traveling. Providing students with hands-on experiences with elusive subjects in the digital space is the future of education. Using this technology, a setting is created for learners to collaborate remotely (and in-person) and give access to experiences that were once thought of as out-of-reach in the classroom. As the users and access to MR hardware grow, it is likely that the available educational programs will expand and provide widespread instruction without physical bounds.
The common goal for companies invested in metaverse development is connecting the physical world with virtual worlds. Creating metaverse applications in virtual or mixed reality can provide this connection as seamlessly as possible. Introducing MR technology to Meta’s VR Horizon Worlds could provide endless digital socialization, entertainment, and creative environments, without being a barrier from the real world. With projection technology, virtual worlds could then pivot from utilizing digital avatars to actual user projections.
Organizations such as Mixed.Place has built itself to be an innovator in providing augmented reality experiences for clients. They have now begun to work on MR projects using a patented mixed reality cloud infrastructure. Clients can create experiences in advertising, tourism, navigation, etc. to be viewed as virtual projections based on user location. An example of their MR work is the American Eagle Hard Sale Campaign. This experience uses holograms outside of storefronts, asks questions of the user, provides special deals, and guides the user to the recommended in-store products. Mixed.Place also plans to provide the public with tools and the ability to design location-based metaverse experiences using its cloud infrastructure.
Our team at Dura Digital is continually researching and exploring technologies like virtual and, mixed reality to find opportunities for our clients to take advantage of to transform their businesses, industries, and the experiences they provide to their customers. Contact our team today to start exploring how we can work together to empower your organization in your digital transformation journey.
2212 Queen Anne Ave. N #923
Seattle, WA 98109
José Ellauri 938
Montevideo, CP 11300
7630 119th Street NW
Edmonton, AB T6G 1W3
2212 Queen Anne Ave. N #923
Seattle, WA 98109
José Ellauri 938
Montevideo, CP 11300
7630 119th Street NW
Edmonton, AB T6G 1W3
2212 Queen Anne Ave. N #923
Seattle, WA 98109
José Ellauri 938
Montevideo, CP 11300
7630 119th Street NW
Edmonton, AB T6G 1W3
2212 Queen Anne Ave. N #923
Seattle, WA 98109
José Ellauri 938
Montevideo, CP 11300
7630 119th Street NW
Edmonton, AB T6G 1W3
