Reality–virtuality continuum
The reality-virtuality continuum consists of a variety of different realities: VR, AR, MR, and XR. These realities are an example of the use of Immersive Design. Immersive Design has the capability to create an engaging experience using fictional realities unlike any other. This form of design is used widely for entertainment, especially in the gaming industry.
VR or Virtual Reality is one of the most well-known forms of reality experienced amongst people of the majority of all age groups. Virtual Reality is a 3D environment or reality that is completely simulated with the use of technology. One can use an Oculus, PlayStation, or HTC Vive to experience a virtual reality simulation. VR allows a user to use nearly all of their senses to immerse the user into a new version of reality.
While Virtual Reality replaces your vision, Augmented Reality, or AR, adds to it by displaying a new reality through the screen on a smartphone or tablet. AR combines the real world with a virtual world, with real-time engagement. AR has not only made its presence known in the gaming and entertainment industry, but has also had an impact through education, medicine, and communications.
MR or commonly known in the AI world as Mixed Reality, is a hybrid of the real world and virtual world. MR combines physical real-world elements with digital objects that coexist simultaneously. Microsoft has created a Hololens that allows one to experience MR. It is worn around the head and projects holograms that can be interacted with.
XR or Extended Reality is a term that covers VR, AR, and MR. XR environments go beyond the traditional elements one might be most familiar with in the AI world. Extended Reality can include human avatars, cameras, virtual machinery, manufacturing robots, and sensors to create 3D environments and simulations.