Understanding XR Technologies: A Simple Guide to AR, VR, MR, and AI

Understanding XR Technologies: A Simple Guide to AR, VR, MR, and AI

If you feel like you can't keep up with all things Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), and other immersive technologies (collectively known as Extended Reality or XR), don't worry—I don't think you're supposed to be able to.

Opinions may be mixed about the direction of things, but the truth is technology has been on this trajectory for a long time, and once it picked up momentum, it was always going to run full force. While some people fully embrace it, others dabble in it, and some fear the very thought of it, I believe the potential and limitless possibilities that open up every day can only be a good thing—for science, for medicine, and for enabling communities around the world who often get overlooked or need more help than they currently receive simply because of the distance between them and that help. Of course, this is all contingent on these technologies being used responsibly and ethically, with proper consideration for privacy, accessibility, data security, and human dignity.

My next few posts are going to be a deep dive into the world of XR, exploring what is possible, how we can best use these technologies, and how they can bridge gaps in our increasingly connected world.

What is XR?

XR (Extended Reality) an umbrella term encompassing immersive technologies that blend the physical and digital worlds. Some professionals also use terms like "immersive technologies" or "spatial computing" to describe this evolving field.

VR (Virtual Reality)

Virtual Reality creates fully immersive digital environments that completely replace the real world. When you put on a VR headset, you're transported to another place entirely with spatial audio and sometimes haptic feedback to enhance realism.

Real-world example: VR cinema platforms like Bigscreen allow users to watch movies in virtual theaters with friends from around the world. You can sit in a digital movie theater, complete with seats and a massive screen, sharing the experience despite being physically apart.

AR (Augmented Reality)

Augmented Reality overlays digital content onto your view of the real world, enhancing what you see rather than replacing it. Modern AR often uses LiDAR or depth sensors to better understand physical spaces.

Real-world example: Event promoters use AR-enabled QR codes on posters or tickets that, when scanned with a smartphone, play trailer videos or preview clips right on top of the physical poster. Creating these experiences requires specialized platforms like Unity or ARKit, but the result transforms static advertising into interactive media experiences that allow viewers to get excited about the event before attending.

Another powerful application is allowing organizations to virtually showcase how donations can make an impact. By scanning a brochure or poster, potential donors can see AR visualizations of clean water systems being installed, schools being built, or communities being transformed. These "physical" representations make abstract concepts tangible, fostering trust and emotional connection that static images alone cannot achieve.

MR (Mixed Reality)

Mixed Reality (MR) blends physical and digital worlds where virtual objects are anchored to and interact with the real world in real-time using spatial understanding.

Real-world example: While "The Mandalorian" uses virtual production techniques with LED walls (a related but distinct technology), a pure MR example is Microsoft HoloLens applications where holograms interact with physical surfaces. For instance, architects might place a 3D building model on a real table and walk around it while the digital object stays locked in place.

360-Degree Video: Where Does It Fit?

360-degree cameras create immersive video that captures everything around the camera in every direction. While not technically AR or VR by definition, 360-video viewed in a headset is often called "passive VR" (as it lacks interaction), and differs from volumetric video (which captures depth for limited movement within the space).

We use 360 cameras to give control to the viewer, allowing them to explore and understand environments for themselves. This approach is especially important when seeking to connect potential or current donors with the impact of their contributions. Rather than dictating what someone should see, 360 videos empower viewers to look around naturally and focus on what resonates with them personally.

For example, a 360 video of a recently built school allows donors to see children in classrooms, explore the playground, and witness firsthand how their money has transformed a community. This sense of personal discovery can allow for fresh perspectives and a sense of community and trust.

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Looking Forward

The convergence of XR technologies with AI isn't just changing entertainment—it's redefining how we create and consume media. As these tools become more accessible to creators and audiences alike, we're entering an era where passive viewing transforms into active participation.

The future of media isn't just about watching content—it's about experiencing it in increasingly immersive and interactive ways. The line between creator and consumer continues to blur, opening up new possibilities for storytelling and engagement that were once the realm of science fiction.

A final note on ethics: As we embrace these technologies, we must address challenges like the digital divide (who gets access?), psychological effects of immersion, and ensuring AI-driven experiences avoid bias. Responsible innovation will determine whether XR becomes a force for empowerment or exclusion.

So my final thoughts: lean into the change because it's happening anyway, and those who embrace it thoughtfully will help shape how these technologies benefit humanity for years to come!