What is XR?

Virtual reality (VR) involves immersing users in computer-generated environments that simulate real-world settings. Users typically engage with these environments using VR headsets and accompanying equipment, such as joysticks, to interact with the simulated world.

Despite its futuristic appeal, VR has roots tracing back further than many realize. The Sensorama, a machine featuring an integrated seat that showcased 3D movies, emitted scents, and generated vibrations for an enhanced experience, is often regarded as one of the earliest VR devices, emerging in the 1950s. Over the ensuing years, advancements in software and technology have led to gradual enhancements in interface design and device capabilities.

Nowadays, VR finds applications across diverse fields such as gaming, healthcare, and education, yet its complete potential is yet to be fully realized. When discussing VR, it is essential to differentiate it from related concepts, such as XR, AR, and MR, all of which involve the fusion of reality and computing. So, what precisely defines VR, and how does it set itself apart from these other technologies?