Extended Reality vs. Virtual Reality: What’s the Difference?

Modern-day mixed reality technology blends real and virtual worlds in groundbreaking, immersive ways. Two of the more well-known options for this type of technology include extended reality (XR) and virtual reality (VR). While both transform the way you interact with technology, they differ slightly in their definitions and uses. Examine their unique characteristics, advantages, and drawbacks to understand where XR and VR stand in today’s digital space.

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What is extended reality 

XR is a broad category under which all immersive technologies that combine real and virtual worlds fall. Augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and virtual reality (VR) all fall under the umbrella of XR. Broadly speaking, these technologies work to alter your perception of and interactions with your environment. 

Such a broad definition makes it a versatile tool across multiple industries. By integrating digital elements into physical spaces, XR allows users to experience a seamless blend of reality and virtuality. From AR apps that overlay graphics on your smartphone to MR devices that enable real-time collaboration, XR technologies emcompasses key things bringing the digital world into the real world.

AR, MR, and VR all fall under the definition of extended reality. Check out a definition of each of these technologies in XR:

• Augmented reality (AR): Digital content overlaid on real-world views

• Mixed reality (MR): Virtual objects combined with physical environments

• Virtual reality (VR): A fully immersive digital space

What are the uses of extended reality?

As XR covers AR, MR, and VR technologies, its use cases span many different fields ranging from practical applications to entertainment. Examples include:

• Entertainment: AR filters on social media, MR concerts in video games

• Education: MR practice surgeries for medical students, VR corporate training

• Retail: XR virtual clothing try-ons, AR tools to visualize furniture in your space

Advantages of extended reality

Some of XR's highlights include its flexible blended environments, collaborative capabilities, and wide versatility.

• Blended environments: XR combines real and virtual environments for flexibility across a variety of applications.

• Collaboration: XR tools help teams work in unison, regardless of where they base their remote work.

• Versatility: XR spans industries from education to health care, making it an enormously adaptable technology.

Disadvantages of extended reality

Some of XR’s current challenges include its varying levels of immersion, its complex technology, and its inherent risks with user experience. 

• Varied immersion: AR, MR, and VR are not all at the same level of immersive, which can be confusing when defining what XR entails.

• Complexity: Developing XR solutions might involve advanced hardware, software, and integration efforts.

• User experience: Some XR designers might run into some challenges when creating seamless experiences for less technologically advanced users.

What is virtual reality

Under the umbrella of XR, VR focuses on creating fully immersive environments that can simulate real-world settings and entirely new worlds alike. Unlike the broad net cast by XR, VR technology specifically replaces the user’s surroundings with a virtual environment. Typically, this requires a headset like the Meta Quest or the HTC Vive. With this in mind, VR applications are uniquely immersive and aim to make users feel physically present in their virtual space. This technology can be especially effective for activities that require deep engagement or simulated environments.

What are the uses of virtual reality?

VR technology has found a niche in several major industries, including:

• Gaming: VR gaming lets users play specific titles from inside the game’s virtual world.

• Therapy: VR therapy helps treat phobias or PTSD through controlled exposure.

• Training: Pilots, surgeons, and construction workers can use VR to safely hone skills.

• Storytelling: Filmmakers and content creators can use VR to tell more interactive stories.

Advantages of virtual reality

Some of VR’s greatest benefits include its immersive technology, its safe virtual environments, and its potential to teach.

• Highly immersive: VR has the unique benefit of making you feel truly present in a digital world.

• Safety: VR simulations give professionals a safe, controlled environment for practicing potentially risky tasks.

• Teaching: VR lessons and training can closely mimic real-life scenarios, helping to educate in brand-new ways.

Disadvantages of virtual reality

VR currently comes with some challenges, including high cost, the potential for motion sickness, and the feelings of isolation it might elicit.

• Cost: High-quality VR headsets and software are expensive, limiting access for the more budget-conscious.

• Physical discomfort: Some might experience motion sickness, eye strain, headaches, or fatigue from prolonged VR usage.

• Isolation: VR takes you out of the real world, which can cause problems with real-life collaboration and multitasking.

Extended reality vs. virtual reality: Other things to consider

XR encompasses a broader spectrum, while VR is more focused on total immersion. Consider these other key distinctions between the two: 

• Scope: XR integrates real-world elements, whereas VR offers a fully immersive digital environment.

• User preferences: VR’s complete immersion appeals to gaming and training, while XR has broader versatility across entertainment, education, and the workplace.

• Future trends: Experts predict XR (along with AR, MR, and VR) will grow enormously in the coming years, giving the industry room to converge and create even more seamless and immersive experiences. 

Discover more about extended reality vs. virtual reality with Coursera

XR and its subset, VR, are changing the way people interact with technology across the education, entertainment, and health care industries, among many others.

If you’re looking for ways to explore these technologies further, consider starting by building foundational skills in user experience design with the Google UX Design Professional Certificate. Or, you can pursue any number of other options when you sign up for Coursera Plus, a subscription that gives you access to the 10,000+ courses on Coursera.

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Get on the fast track to a career in UX design. In this certificate program, you’ll learn in-demand skills, and get AI training from Google experts. Learn at your own pace, no degree or experience required.

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