WHAT IS AR, VR, MR, XR, 360
In the reading, I made clear the differences between the different types of immersive experiences and the definitions of other related terms.
- Augmented reality (AR) overlays digitally created content on top of the real world. It interacts with both reality and digital augmentations
- Virtual reality (VR) entirely replaces the real world. The content is from a viewer-centric perspective.
- Mixed Reality (MR) is a continuum that blends pure VR and pure AR.
- Extended reality (XR) is a placeholder for VR, MR, and AR.
- 360 degrees is an interactive or non-interactive display of moving graphics. They can be videos, animation, etc.
I was a bit confused about the differences between MR and XR and the relationship between MR, VR, AR, and XR. Later, some images online that visualize their differences made the distinctions clearer.
Virtual Reality: What are YOU?
In the reading, the speakers mentioned several ideas that caught my attention. From many futuristic movies, the virtual world that VR creates is mostly depicted as an escape from the problems in reality. VR has been judged for its nature of complete detachment from reality and the dark sides brought with it, including ethical concerns and disconnection from human relations. However, this podcast expanded my perception of VR and the immense possibilities that VR can bring forth in terms of art creation, self-expression, and human connection.
Rather than simply separating the users from the reality in the conventional perception of VR, they can be used as a social aspect that enhances human connections. Alvaro Morales mentioned his Family Reunions Project, where he enables users to virtually reunite with families far away from the US through 360 video experiences of neighborhood and users’ childhood homes. Seeing the places and interacting with familiar childhood items strengthens the tie between the users and their families, the physical location of the home, as well as their identity.
Identity is a concept that I was very intrigued by in the context of VR. In the Family Reunions Project, the creators can replicate the physical location from the real world. Besides recreation, we can also manipulate and change the reality, the places representing the identity. If augmenting reality is possible, it brings the possibility of redefining identity through the limitless possibilities of self-expression and space for imagination in the virtual world.