What is Extended Reality?
To get started with extended reality we should know what extended reality is. Extended reality is the major term that encloses the technologies of VR (Virtual Reality), AR (Augmented Reality), and MR (Mixed Reality).
Now what Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Realities are!
Virtual Reality: It gives users an experience of the 3D environment in the actual world using a device like a VR headset, helps users dive into the simulated world, and gives them real-life events.
VR can be used in gaming, virtual tours, and training.
Augmented Reality: It laminates the digital media to the physical world, using a device simple like a mobile phone’s camera user can see the images, characters, text, and video in the physical world.
Main examples of AR are Google Lens & the game Pokemon Go which had an insane number of users.
Mixed Reality: It is the combination of the real and virtual world in which a user can interact with both the environments together the physical and the digital one.
An example of AR is Microsoft HoloLens most of the time used in training such as used by medical students while training for surgeries over a virtual patient so they can get a kind of real surgery experience over a patient.
How to create Extended Reality (XR)
Here are the 7 steps included in the creation of the Extended Reality with a brief explanation:
1. Type of XR
Based on the project goals, first, it’s important to know the goal of the application, and all requirements should be clear and understood.
Tools & Software Selection
After confirming the goal of the XR application, now the selection of tools and software will begin. Extended reality can be created using these tools and software:
- Unity 3D
- Unreal Engine
- Arkit (iOS)
- ARCore (Android)
- Vuforia
- A-Frame
- AR Foundation
- Blender
- Twinmotion
- Magic Leap SDK
- WebXR
Utilizing these tools and software according to need will create a great Extended reality environment.
2. Content Creation
Content Creation is the major step for creating an extended reality, content will be based on the objective of the project. This will include the 3D models, obstacles if required, animation graphics, and movements of the animations. Sound effects will enhance the user experience, which will give an experience near to reality.
3D models can be made using software like Blender and Maya.
| INTERESTING FACT: There is an online library “Sketchfab” which provides pre-made models mostly used by individuals who lack the skill of creating models from scratch or have a time shortage. |
3. Development and Integration of the XR Elements
When modelling is done then it’s time to bring 3D models, animations, sound effects, and textures all together in one place in a game engine like Unity or Unreal Engine which is done simply using an import function. Then identify the interactions for the user in the virtual environment by adding gesture recognition and voice commands.
4. Testing of Experience
After developing the environment it’s necessary to test the application in a real-world environment by using devices like Headsets, Microsoft HoloLens, or Magic Leap to test the XR accurately. Testing of XR can be done under different conditions for example whether the application is accurately recognizing and tracking the real and virtual elements or not. In this phase, all the interactive elements would be tested such as touch controls, voice commands, and gestures whatever is present according to the goal of the application.
Iterative testing is performed when any feature requires some changes then again the application is tested and is ensured that it is working fine with the best performance.
5. Deployment
There are multiple platforms where XR applications can be deployed such as:
- iOS (Apple Play Store)
- Android (Google Play Store)
- Oculus Store
- SteamVR
- PlayStation VR
- Microsoft Store if developing for Microsoft HoloLens
- Web XR if the application have to be deployed on the website
- Social Media platforms
6. User feedback and upgrade
Once the XR application is deployed, to ensure it meets user needs, it’s important to value user feedback for the improvement of the application, which features need to be fixed, and what can be done to make the XR experience smooth. Users can also request a new feature, which could make the application more practical.
After catering to all the necessary feedback or making the updates on the application,
It is also important to keep users updated with the latest changes.
Where is Extended Reality used?
Extended reality is used in different fields had made it easier to experience a lot of things in various sectors.
1. Gaming & Entertainment Sector
Extended Reality (XR) provides an extraordinary way of playing games, in which a player feels that they are actually inside the game, making them feel the real experience in the real world.
Users can travel to different places using the XR device and can feel themselves at the cinema watching the movie.
2. Education Sector
Education has become easier and fun through XR students can explore different topics without leaving their physical class.
3. Healthcare Sector
Doctors can train Doctors to be by giving them various trainings on virtual patients.
Anxiety patients are treated by XR, doctors use it to make such patients calm and relaxed and make their patients feel as if they are in a calm virtual environment.
4. Military sector
Military and Defense training are given through Extended reality where soldiers are trained in virtual combat scenarios. Also, guidance is given to them through XR by which they know how to make them fit and ready for combat and on-ground situations.
Conclusion
The Extended Reality (XR) combination of the technologies of AR, VR, and MR has interestingly transformed the world of games, tech, education, and entertainment. Individuals can experience the virtual environment of their choice by remaining in the real world. Used for training purposes, tourists can experience different places through XR. Only a good headset is required, and voilà! You’re’ inside the desired virtual environment. You can create a good XR application as well using the right tools and Software.
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