Digital Reality Definitions

Virtual reality is a digitally simulated 3D environment that enables users to explore and interact with virtual surroundings in a way that approximates reality. The immersive digital environment is created with computer hardware and software, and requires users to wear devices such as goggles, gloves, and motion sensors to interact with the environment.

Augmented reality is the real-time use of digital elements in the form of text, graphics, audio and other virtual enhancements integrated with a real-world environment. It is this “real world” element that differentiates AR from Virtual reality. AR is not restricted to complicated hardware and can be experienced with mobile devices.

Merged reality is a blend of one or more physical and digital worlds in an real-time interactive environment. Merged reality allows natural and intuitive human interaction combined with, images, documents, and 3D digital overlays. This provides the users with the ability to reach into another user’s environment as if the were working side-by-side.

Extended reality is a catch-all term to refer to augmented reality, virtual reality, and merged (mixed) reality. The technology is intended to combine or mirror the physical world with a “digital twin world” and provide the ability to interact with it.