Virtual reality and mixed reality are immersive computer-generated environments that can simulate physical presence in places in the real world or imagined worlds.
Virtual reality (VR) typically refers to computer technologies that use software to generate realistic images, sounds, and other sensations that replicate a user’s physical presence in a virtual or computer-simulated environment.
Mixed reality (MR) is a hybrid of virtual reality and augmented reality, which can create more immersive experiences by blending the digital and physical worlds.
There are a number of different VR and MR systems available on the market, including the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Sony PlayStation VR, and Microsoft HoloLens.
What is virtual reality?
Virtual reality (VR) is a computer-generated environment that can simulate physical presence in places in the real world or imagined worlds. VR is typically experienced using a head-mounted display (HMD) that provides stereoscopic (3D) images and sounds, making it appear as if the
user is inside the virtual environment.
What is mixed reality?
Mixed reality (MR) is a hybrid of virtual reality and augmented reality, which can create more immersive experiences by blending the digital and physical worlds.
MR systems typically use a head-mounted display (HMD) to provide users with a stereoscopic (3D) view of the virtual and physical worlds. The HMD is connected to a computer that tracks the user’s movements and generates real-time graphics that are overlaid in the real-world environment.
History of virtual reality
The first virtual reality (VR) system was developed in the 1960s by Ivan Sutherland and his team at Harvard University. Sutherland’s system, known as the “Sword of Damocles,” was a head-mounted display (HMD) that used a cathode ray tube (CRT) to generate a stereoscopic (3D) image.
The first VR system to gain widespread public attention was the Virtual Boy, developed by Nintendo in 1995. The Virtual Boy was a portable console that used a red-and-black color scheme to create a 3D effect. The system was not a commercial success and was discontinued less than a year after its launch.
In 2010, the Oculus Rift, developed by Oculus VR, was released as a prototype head-mounted display (HMD). The Rift used innovative display and sensor technology to create an immersive VR experience.
In 2014, Facebook acquired Oculus VR for $2 billion. Facebook has since released the Oculus Rift S, a new and improved version of the original Rift, and the Oculus Quest, a standalone VR headset.
Microsoft has also developed a number of VR systems, including the HoloLens. Which is a head-mounted display that allows users to interact with holograms; and the Kinect, a depth-sensing camera that can be used to create 3D environments.
History of mixed reality
The term “mixed reality” was coined by Paul Milgram and Fumio Kishino in their 1994 paper A Taxonomy of Mixed Reality Visual Displays.
The word “mixed reality” was first used in the field of computer graphics and virtual reality (VR). It was used to describe a virtual reality environment that included real-world elements in the form of virtual objects.
In the early 2010s, the term “mixed reality” began to be used more frequently in the field of human-computer interaction (HCI).
In 2012, Microsoft released the Kinect sensor, which was used to create mixed reality experiences.
In 2016, Microsoft released the HoloLens, a mixed reality headset.
In 2017, Magic Leap released the Magic Leap One, a mixed reality headset.
In 2018, Apple released the iPhone X, which included Face ID, a facial recognition system that
can be used to create mixed reality experiences.
Difference between virtual reality and mixed reality
There is a big difference between VR and MR. VR is a completely immersive experience where you are cut off from the real world and placed in a computer-generated world. MR, on the other hand, is a mixed reality experience where computer-generated elements are placed in the real
world.
Virtual reality (VR) is a completely immersive experience where you are isolated from the real world. Mixed reality (MR) is a blend of the real and virtual worlds, where physical and digital objects coexist and interact.
Virtual reality and mixed reality differ significantly in a number of important ways. First, a virtual reality environment is entirely simulated, whereas a mixed reality environment combines real and simulated environments. Second, unlike virtual reality, mixed reality enables users to interact with actual objects. Finally, while virtual reality is primarily used for entertainment, mixed reality can be used for both entertainment and education.
The main difference between the two is that VR takes you to a completely virtual world, whereas AR makes your real-world view better.
Key differences between virtual reality vs mixed reality
There are several key differences between virtual reality and mixed reality including:
| Virtual Reality | Mixed Reality |
| 1. Virtual reality is a completely simulated environment. | 1. Mixed reality is a mix of real and simulated environments. |
| 2. Virtual reality does not allow users to interact with real-world objects. | 2. Users can interact with real-world objects via mixed reality. |
| 3. Virtual reality is primarily used for entertainment. | 3. Mixed reality can be used for both entertainment and educational purposes. |
| 4. VR takes you to a completely virtual world. | 4. MR makes your real-world view better. |
| 5. VR uses a headset to experience the virtual world. | 5. Similar to VR, MR uses a headset, but it also has the ability to simultaneously project images onto the surrounding space. |
Uses of virtual reality
Virtual reality can be used for many purposes, including:
● Training: Virtual reality can be used to train people for various occupations. For example, it can be used to teach surgeons how to perform operations.
● Entertainment: Virtual reality can be used for entertainment purposes, such as playing video games or watching movies.
● Therapy: Virtual reality can be used to treat conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Wrapping up
It’s important to keep in mind that VR and MR are two different mediums. When you are using VR, you are completely immersed in the world that has been created using computer graphics.
Your entire view is virtual. On the other hand, MR has been specifically designed to add virtual elements to your real-world view.
Note that for both technologies, the interaction is real. You can interact with the virtual world in VR just as you would with the real world. MR is also based on similar principles. You can interact with the virtual element just as you would interact with any real-world object.
As you can see, both VR and MR are beneficial and can be used in a variety of ways. However, if you’re looking for a more immersive and realistic experience, VR is probably the best option for you.
However, if you want to use it for work or education, MR is probably a better option.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to your needs and preferences
