What is the difference between AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality)? Easy-to-understand explanation including MR and XR

In recent years, we have started to hear words like AR and VR a lot.
AR, VR, and MR are technologies that combine the "real world" and "virtual world", and their general term is XR.
This is a technology that is often used in promotions and entertainment, but many people probably don't know the specific differences.
This article will introduce the mechanisms of AR, VR, MR, and XR, as well as examples of business use.

What is AR (Augmented Reality)?

AR is a technology that overlays and displays digital content in the real world.
Through mobile devices and AR glasses, users can add various information such as 2D and 3D objects, audio, video and video to the real world, allowing users to experience expanding reality.
Another feature is that anyone can easily experience it, and you can activate the AR by holding a two-dimensional barcode or AR marker on a smartphone or tablet camera.
Also, in the case of "Web AR", which does not require you to download an AR app, you can easily experience AR as long as you have a smartphone.

If you would like to learn more about AR, please also read this related article.

What is VR (Virtual Reality)?

VR is a technology that allows you to enter a virtual space created by a computer. Users can experience "virtual reality" that makes a virtual space feel like the real world.
It is common to wear a dedicated head-mounted display, allowing you to experience an immersive experience that gives you a 360-degree view of the virtual world.

What is MR (Mixed Reality)?

MR is a technology in which the real world and virtual objects interact in real time.
AR is a technology that adds digital content to the real world, but MR provides a large amount of information about content, allowing you to experience even more immersive and realistic content. It is also possible to touch and move digital objects placed in real space. For example, you can peck or push characters or objects that appear in front of you with your own hands.

What is XR (Cross Reality/Extended Reality)?

XR is a technology that combines the real world and the virtual world, and is a general term for different technologies such as AR (augmented reality), VR (virtual reality), and MR (mixed reality).

In recent years, content that combines technology has been appearing, such as combining VR games with AR. As it has become more difficult to draw clear lines such as AR and VR, these have come to be collectively called "XR."
In XR, "x" is sometimes written as "xR" as a variable that represents a variety of technologies.

Examples of XR use

XR is used in a variety of fields, from entertainment to business.
Here are some specific examples.

AR case studies

AR technology, which displays digital content overlays in the real world, is widely used in the entertainment, promotion and business world. We can accommodate flexible plans that suit your needs, such as events, merchandise, business cards, and brochures.

Movie "A Dangerous Detective Back"

The eighth movie version of the Abunai Detective series, "Abunai Detective Returned," used AR as merchandise and promotions.
When you hold your smartphone over the "Acrylic Stand," a merchandise that is a bonus for those who purchase advance tickets, a background will appear and lines and background music will play.
Also, when you launch AR from the dedicated URL, the Taka & Yuji panel will appear on the screen, allowing you to take a photo wherever you like.
This product uses "Web AR" which uses a web browser rather than an app, so you can easily enjoy it on your smartphone. The system is designed to be enjoyed by a wide range of users, both young and old, and can be used widely as a bonus or promotion for merchandise.

▼Reference

Game "Pokémon GO"

The global hit "Pokémon GO" is a game that combines location information using GPS with AR technology. By holding your smartphone over the real world, you can capture and battle Pokemon, making it possible to experience the experience of having Pokemon in your everyday life.

Logistics industry "DHL"

DHL, an international transportation logistics company headquartered in Germany, has adopted smart glasses and introduced AR technology for logging in to systems and cart picking.
Unlike traditional order picking using slips and handy scanners, work information is displayed on the smart glasses, making it easy to understand and quick to do.
The demonstration experiments have shown that work efficiency has improved.

VR case studies

VR, which allows you to experience an immersive feel, goes well with entertainment, and it is already popular for games such as Metaverse and content that allows you to enjoy communication. Metaverse has also been introduced in education and manufacturing sites.
In addition, various companies such as Meta and Google are developing goggles and headsets, and it is expected that the market will expand further as technology improves in the future.

VR attraction "RED°TOKYO TOWER"

The digital amusement park "RED°TOKYO TOWER" opened its VR attraction area in January 2024.
There are many "VR rides" and "VR attractions" that combine VR goggles with attractions that rotate 360° and feel vibrations as if they were really driving a racing car. The movement of the seat and the visual effects of VR allow you to experience a sense of realism and immersion that you wouldn't normally experience.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries' "Industrial Metaverse"

Kawasaki Heavy Industries is working on the "Industrial Metaverse" in collaboration with Microsoft, USA.
Industrial metaverse is a metaverse space that uses a digital twin that reproduces physical assets and environments in the real world in digital space.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries is working to collaborate on metaverse and realize robot operation from remote locations using Microsoft Azure (cloud computing platform) and HoloLens (non-connected mixed reality headsets).

MR case studies

Traditional MR devices are expensive and high-performance devices, and were primarily targeted at medical sites and industries such as surgery. However, devices with functions for general consumers are now becoming more popular, and the office and consumer market is expected to expand.

MR game "First Encounters"

"First Encounters" is a game that can be played with the headset "Meta Quest 3" developed by Meta.
This is a simple mini-game where you shoot enemies that appear one after another in the real world, and is designed for beginners, allowing you to easily experience the atmosphere and operational feel of MR.

Toyota Motor Corporation's "Reform of Work Styles for Mechanics"

Toyota Motor Corporation is taking an initiative to utilize HoloLens (non-connected mixed reality headsets) to improve the efficiency of car maintenance work and to train.
We help service engineers (mechanics) perform accurate and efficient work by superimposing information and materials necessary for car repairs and maintenance work on the actual vehicle.
In addition, by incorporating MR into training and communication with remote locations, you can communicate and support as if you were there.

Benefits of using XR in your business

You can intuitively convey your image

AR and MR can be used to stack and combine digital content into the real world, allowing it to be easily communicated to anyone as visual information. In particular, when it comes to shopping and simulation, it is possible to provide a more realistic experience than text or images.

• ◆ Shopping
  • Users can place furniture in their rooms themselves, try on clothes and make-up. The design, texture, size, etc. can be made to look the same as the actual product, which encourages the desire to purchase, does not discriminate with the product or product image, and can expect a lower return rate.
• ◆ Manuals and training
  • You can check the target and reference materials at once, making it possible to keep your gaze motion minimal and you can operate it without feeling too stressed. Furthermore, unlike paper manuals, information can be checked to suit the actual situation, allowing you to operate it accurately.

Easily attract customer interest

With AR, you can overlay content with free ideas in the real world. It is ideal for promotion, tourism, and regional revitalization, as it allows users to add value to familiar scenery and facilities.
Furthermore, VR, which can be immersed in a 360° worldview, is not only used for entertainment, but also for factory tours and apartment buildings. It will make the industry we don't usually have much opportunity to interact with, and increase engagement.
By providing new experiences that are different from everyday life, it will be easier to attract users' interest.

Effective for analysis and marketing

XR, including AR, can be used to obtain data used by users, allowing numerical analysis.
As the necessary numbers, such as customer attraction rate and fan engagement, are visualized, it is easier to identify areas for improvement and formulate future policies.

If you want to use XR, go to AR Works

Even if you want to try using AR or VR, you may find yourself having many challenges, such as "What kind of projects will appeal to customers?", "Which production company should choose?", and "How much does it cost?" and you may not know where to start.
With AR Works, you can implement it with less effort and cost.

Our specialized AR production team provides full support

AR Works is supported by a specialized team with a wealth of experience in AR production. Instead of "making what you're requested and then finishing," we handle everything from planning to production to delivery.
We have experience in providing AR-based planning and content to customers in a variety of industries, so we will provide tailor-made suggestions that meet your challenges and concerns.

Introducing AR Works achievements

You can see the track record of AR Works production below. We introduce a variety of situations, including promotions, events, and attracting attention, so please take a look.

▼List of achievements | AR Works
https://promotion.ar-works.jp/achievement

XR summary

What is the difference between AR and VR?

AR is a technology that overlays and displays digital content within the real world, allowing users to experience expanding reality through mobile devices, etc.
Meanwhile, VR is a technology that allows users to enter a virtual space created by a computer, allowing users to experience "virtual reality" that makes the virtual space feel like the real world through a VR headset.
XR is a general term for technologies such as AR, VR, and MR, in which virtual objects interact in real time with AR, VR, and XR.

The best XR for promotions

XR technology is used in all fields, and has recently become a part of our lives.
XR's technology can be used in a wide range of ways, from entertainment such as games to business efficiency and training, making it ideal for promotion as it is easy to capture the hearts of customers.
If you are worried about attracting customers, gaining attention, or raising awareness of products or brands, why not consider this as one of the new projects?

Download latest technology x promotional materials

This is a useful resource that introduces how to utilize the latest technologies such as XR in business, along with examples such as tourism experiences and promoting economic benefits.
Please feel free to download.