Mixed Reality (MR)
Mixed Reality, also called hybrid reality or MR, is the combination of the best aspects of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality. It unifies the experience in a single scenario, in which physical and virtual objects coexist and interact in real time.
In this way, the real environment is mixed with the potential of being able to create incredible virtual worlds. In addition, the user's interaction with the virtual environment and that of the virtual world with the physical objects surrounding the user is facilitated.
So what are the differences between VR, AR and MR?
It can be complicated to distinguish one reality from the other, however, there are major differences:
- VR or Virtual Reality: immerses users in a totally artificial digital environment.
- AR or Augmented Reality: is characterized by incorporating virtual objects into the real world.
- MR or Mixed Reality: superimposes virtual objects and anchors them to the real world, creating a greater sense of reality.
On many occasions, Mixed Reality is confused with Augmented Reality, since it is an evolution of the latter. In other words, MR is a much more immersive and interactive form of AR.
Mixed Reality Experiences
The user who lives a Mixed Reality experience navigates at the same time in real and virtual environments. So that neither is immersed in a completely virtual world and is still aware of the environment around him. Thanks to this combination, interactions are much more real.
Moreover, these interactions reproduce our natural behavior. For example, by placing virtual objects in a real scenario and they change size as the user approaches or moves away. Another example is the changing perspective of these objects as they are observed from different viewpoints.
Mixed Reality Devices
However, and unlike AR, in order to enjoy this technology you need to have the right equipment. That is why we bring you two current companies that have become a technological reference for MR.
Hololens
Until now the best known and most used Mixed Reality device has been the Hololens, a pair of MR glasses developed by Microsoft. But how do they work
Generally speaking, these glasses allow you to see the world around you, while creating virtual experiences. These experiences are generated through holograms. Likewise, it is a device that adds useful information and content, both for work and for everyday life.
Based on this concept, the Hololens aim to replace the traditional screen. In other words, they aim to become our desktop, the ultimate environment in which to interact informatically.
The Magic Leap One revolution
The Magic Leap One, the new Augmented Reality glasses are the great promise of this 2018. Developed by the American company Magic Leap, it is a product that has secured funding from tech giants such as Google.
The success of their product lies in a kind of transparent chip that manages to "trick" the brain into believing that the objects it projects are real. This device has the ability to capture every ray of light that reaches our eyes, as well as its direction and quantity. This makes it possible to give virtual objects and animations a sense of depth. All while respecting the way we see and process the world.
While the product itself is promising, the really interesting part will come with the applications and programs that are developed. The company itself says that, in the long run, the support will be the least of it. This is something that has been reflected in their business strategy. On Monday 19 they decided to launch their SDK to start creating content.
It is already possible to enter the Creator Lab of their website and register. Do you dare to discover some of the possibilities that their software will offer us?
From DeuSens we follow this innovation closely since, as they announce on their website: "this is the era of the pioneers".
Applications of Mixed Reality
MR is a technology that is always usually related to the leisure and video game sector. However, it also has much to offer the business world, communications and even industry.
In the medical field, MR seems to have a promising future. Some hospitals have already begun to use it during their operations because of the advantages it offers. For example, during an operation this technology allows them to observe the patient's history or any other relevant information.
