Mixed Reality

Mixed Reality (MR) merges real and virtual worlds into a more complex form of augmented reality. It’s the convergence of Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and the Internet of Things (IoT) creating a complex environment where digital objects intersect with the real world.  Mixed Reality is often used to describe the experience found in Microsoft’s HoloLens, Meta Glasses, and Magic Leap’s recently released Magic Leap One HMD. Intel had a parallel concept in the idea of Merged Reality (though Project Alloy has been canceled). The concept is in a state of flux and may eventually disappear or become a universal concept, and subsume VR and AR underneath it.

Mixed Reality Applications

The major news in fall 2018 is the release of a Mixed Reality device by Magic Leap – we are eager to see what developers create with it. Microsoft’s HoloLens is finding use in education, work, and retail environments. Pilot projects can be seen at Lowe’s Stores and in some Higher Education institutions. Mixed Reality devices are being used in STEM and Medical education environments. Microsoft’s HoloLens has been adopted by NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to help with navigation of the Mars Rover.