VR vs AR vs MR vs XR — An Explanatory Guide for Everyone

Pokemon Go, Snapchat filters, Weather channel effects, Loreal makeup app, IKEA mobile platform — all such applications have brought a sudden change in the way we interact with products and services. They have made everyone curious to explore the world of AR and VR, evolve their business using the power of MR and XR, and reap the benefits of plunging into the virtual space.

In fact, it won’t be wrong to say that they have given a clear indication that AR, VR, MR, and XR are the future of the business world; making all the leading establishments look ahead to introduce these technologies into their traditional processes.

But, does everyone know the exact difference between all these terminologies? Do all Entrepreneurs have a clarity of VR vs AR vs MR vs XR?

Unfortunately, not. 😞

Just like many believe that Blockchain is nothing beyond bitcoin, various companies consider these terminologies as synonyms. Something that is hindering their path to get a bigger slice of the combined market share of AR,VR, and MR, which is around $30 billion by 2030.

Now, assuming that you belong to this category but wish to break the walls of confusion and emerge as a leader in the digitally augmented world, I’ll be writing this article focusing entirely on the comparison between AR, VR, XR, and MR.

So, what are you waiting for?

Scroll down immediately. 👇

What is Virtual Reality?

Virtual reality (VR) refers to the technology that creates a simulated environment where users become a part of that virtual experience. Aka, they do not view that environment on a screen or device, but they are immersed and made to interact with the 3D worlds via different senses like vision, touch, smell, hearing, etc.

Virtual reality is currently redefining healthcare, travel, education, real estate, entertainment, automotive, and enterprise industries by turning hypothetical into real-world training elements, and in the form of various other advantages. And is expected to bring out more possibilities in the future, resulting in the VR market becoming worth USD 44.7 Bn in 2024 with a CAGR of 33.5% between 2018–2024.

What is Augmented Reality?

Augmented reality, unlike VR technology, does not take users to a virtual world. Instead, it makes the real world more real. In simpler words, the technology introduces computer-generated sensitive input like audios, video, graphics, or analytical data in the real world to deliver a highly informative and interactive experience.

The technology is currently employed for indoor navigation, mobile marketing, enhanced engagement, personalization of products/services, and introduction of detailed analytics in the real world, and is expected to provide better advantages as per the forecasted augmented reality trends.

With this, we have looked into augmented reality vs virtual reality. So, let’s turn towards the more complicated terminologies. Aka, in the direction of explaining what is mixed reality & extending reality.

What is Mixed Reality?

Mixed reality, as depicted from the name, is merging of real and virtual worlds to create an interactive environment and visualization. It is the next evolution in humans, computers, and environment interaction, and unravel the opportunities that were earlier confined to imagination only.

Also called hybrid reality, mixed reality (MR) does not exist either in the physical or virtual world exclusively; enclosing both AR and VR via an immersive environment.

Now, as we have learnt the basics of the difference between AR, VR and MR, let’s turn towards the last pointer, i.e, extended reality.

What is Extended Reality?

Extended Reality (XR), in simpler terms, is an extended version of reality. It is an umbrella term for all the immersive technologies — VR, AR, and MR, and those yet to be created for blending real and virtual worlds in an effective manner.

Because of such extended potential, XR market which was valued USD 27 Bn in 2018 is anticipated to worth USD 393 Bn by 2025 with a CAGR of 69.4% between the forecasted period.

Now as you have a clarity of VR vs AR vs MR vs XR and their forecasted market, it will be easier for you to explore their potential and introduce them into your business processes individually. So, do not remain sitting on the fence.

Connect the best AR/VR app development company and leverage the benefits of these technologies in your business.