Introduction to Extended Reality
2019 was a major 12 months for the expansion of virtual and augmented reality, collectively often known as prolonged reality (XR). These technologies began to expand beyond their origins in gaming and entertainment, making their presence felt in various other fields. Virtual reality (VR) involves wearing a headset to develop into fully immersed in computer-generated environments, while augmented reality (AR) superimposes computer images onto the actual world through a screen or headset.
Industrial Use of XR
Most people’s initial experiences with VR and AR are more likely to be in gaming and entertainment. However, research indicates that the event of enterprise XR solutions is overtaking that of consumer solutions. According to the 2020 XR Industry Insight report, 65% of AR firms are working on industrial applications, in comparison with 37% working on consumer products and software. This shift just isn’t surprising, given the potential of XR to reinforce productivity and safety in industries. VR can simulate working in dangerous environments or with expensive equipment without the risks, while AR can provide essential information on to users, reducing the time spent referring to manuals and searching up information online.
XR in Healthcare
The potential uses of XR in healthcare are vast, and 2020 is predicted to see a lot of these use cases transition from trials to general use. Virtual reality has already been adopted in therapy to treat patients with phobias and anxiety disorders. Combined with biosensors, therapists can higher understand patients’ reactions to stressful situations in a secure, virtual environment. VR can also be used to assist individuals with autism develop social and communication skills, in addition to to diagnose patients with visual or cognitive impairments. The adoption of AR in healthcare is forecast to grow rapidly, with the market value increasing by 38% annually until 2025. AR may be utilized by surgeons to alert them to risks or hazards during operations and may guide users to defibrillator devices in emergency situations.
Advancements in Hardware
One of the most important limitations of current XR technology is the necessity for encumbering headsets and display units. However, hardware devices are trending towards being "untethered," with devices like Facebook’s Oculus Quest becoming available as self-contained units. As well as being more mobile, headsets will have the ability to generate increasingly realistic "worlds" for VR users to explore as they’re fitted with more powerful processors. The most anticipated breakthrough is Apple’s forthcoming 8K combined VR/AR glasses, which can not be tethered to a pc or phone.
The Impact of 5G on XR
Super-fast mobile networks will further boost the potential of XR to strengthen its presence in entertainment and make inroads into industry. The potential for data transfer speeds of as much as 3 gigabits per second means 5G can stream VR and AR data from the cloud, eliminating the necessity for powerful on-board hardware. This will end in cheaper headsets and viewing devices and more realistic VR simulations.
Education and XR
Educational experiences in VR and AR will develop into increasingly common in 2020. The immersive nature of VR allows pupils to interact with learning in recent ways, while AR brings flexibility to on-the-job training. Students can already take virtual trips through time or space, and because the technology becomes more mainstream, it would be used to resolve problems in current education systems. Distance learners may be taught in VR classrooms, and AR training aids can provide access to essential information during job training.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 2020 is predicted to be a major 12 months for the expansion of prolonged reality, with advancements in hardware, increased adoption in industries like healthcare, and the impact of 5G on streaming VR and AR data. As XR technology becomes more mainstream, we are able to expect to see modern use cases and applications across various fields, from entertainment to education. With the potential to reinforce productivity, safety, and learning, XR is poised to revolutionize the best way we interact with the world around us.
