In today’s digital world, we pretty well know about augmented reality and virtual reality, but there is another reality that is gaining extol these days, which is mixed reality. Do you know what is mixed reality? No, then we will be elated to introduce it to you MarTechCube.
What is Mixed Reality?
Mixed Reality is a place where virtual reality and augmented reality meet, it refers to a combination or merging of the virtual environment and real environment where both worlds can exist. It is also known as “Hybrid Reality”.
In mixed reality, the user is given the capability to explore the virtual environment and the real world seamlessly at the same time. Through the used space and coordinates the virtual items will be placed on the real world and whenever you move towards the virtual objects, they become larger while moving away from them makes them smaller, also moving around the object will also give you different angles and perspectives. In addition, mixed reality will also empower users to manipulate viral objects and interact with them as if they were with them in the same place.
Types of Apps using Mixed Reality
As per Microsoft, there are 3 main types of mixed reality applications.
Enhanced Environment Apps:
This includes adding digital elements to the real world while the users are present in their natural environment. These applications enable users to easily transition between completing digital to real-world tasks. For example, this could be a mixed reality notepad application where users can write and put notes in their surrounding areas. Another example would be a mixed reality cooking application that places the recipe inside a user’s field of view to better assist them in the kitchen.
Blended Environment Apps:
These apps are able to develop a digital cover that can be placed over an existing space of a user which also represents the shape and boundaries of the environment. These applications can replace and transform different elements in the surrounding of a user. An example of this type of application could be changing the paint color on a wall or modifying the style of a blanket on a bed or even transforming a kitchen island into a table.
Immersive Environment Apps:
These types of applications involve totally transforming the environment of the user, putting them in a different space or time period. These experiences can feel very real and thrilling. These apps fully replace real-world users into something else like walking through the streets of Barcelona. An example of this type of application could be taking a guided tour through a museum, a popular building or a city located on the other side of the world.
Working of Mixed Reality
With the development of the technology is shrouded by the leading players, all that is known on the operations of the technology is that it utilizes virtual reality and augmented reality as well as coordinates and space. Magic Leap is the company at the forefront in the development of mixed reality and they have remained tight-lipped about the finer details of what they are developing. The scanty details we know suggest that just like Microsoft HoloLens, mixed reality will utilize a projector for displaying pictures on semitransparent materials which will then be reflected in the eye with the help of beam-splitting technology.
Application of Mixed Reality
Because of the unique features and experiences offered by mixed reality, developers, businesses and the whole world, in general, is starting to explore the different ways to use the technology for the best possible outcome. Presently, sectors such as architecture and urban planning, medicine, and education and training appear to be the greatest beneficiaries of the mixed reality technology.
The Future of Mixed Reality
Mixed reality comes with the immeasurable potential of changing how employees work, interact and communicate with the real world. As the technology blooms and the accompanying devices get smaller in size, it is expected that various sectors and industries will adopt the use of mixed reality in their everyday operations.
But while the technology develops and gets better every day, topics such as the acceptable social use and protocols will also have to be addressed. For example, how will an employee with mixed reality device interact with fellow employees at the workplace? Or how are the social standards expected to change so as to accommodate devices such as holograms which can be seen by a few people only?
Also, since mixed reality experiences happen in the physical world, people are likely to react to them more emotionally that to mere digital experience. As technology develops, it is important for developers as well as the intended users to be aware of such issues and be ready to address them accordingly martech news.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chandrima Samanta
Content-Editor at MartechCube
Chandrima is a Content management executive with a flair for creating high quality content irrespective of genre. She believes in crafting stories irrespective of genre and bringing them to a creative form. Prior to working for MartechCube she was a Business Analyst with Capgemini.