Augmented reality (AR) is one of the emerging technologies that fall under the XR boundaries. In AR, virtual information is overlaid on a real-world setting: The virtual items can be seen through special lenses or screens.

Virtual Reality (VR) relies on fully immersing the user in a virtual environment. The user is interacting with a totally simulated environment.

Mixed Reality (MR) relies on the coexistence of both the real and virtual environments. Perhaps the most known MR product is HoloLens by Microsoft. It is noted that MR requires considerably more processing power than AR or VR.

Despite perceiving XR in general as a gimmicky technology only used by gamers, the technology has reached far too many industries and aspects of our daily lives.

One of the industries that can be radically changed is event management. Qualcomm and Accenture have launched an XR application that allows event management firms to remotely examine with their clients various venue locations, table settings, decoration choices, lighting environment and themes. This solution was deemed faster and more efficient by both users and event managers. The whole solution plays a great role in increasing the overall productivity, having the potential to boost revenue, while also lowering the carbon footprint and increasing consumer satisfaction.

….XR application that allows event management firms to remotely examine with their clients various venue locations, table settings, decoration choices, lighting environment and themes. The whole solution plays a great role in increasing the overall productivity, having the potential to boost revenue, while also lowering the carbon footprint and increasing consumer satisfaction.

Apart from being used to train medical professionals to perform complex surgeries, XR technologies are also used to create solutions for the healthcare industry, with numerous startups helping medical professionals and patients understand a disease. The technology has also been used to help patients with Parkinson disease regain their walking ability by gradually training them in safe controlled environments.

Apart from the examples showcased above, XR solutions have also set in other fields such as remote working, design, psychotherapy, improving processes in the corporate world, advertisement, gaming, retail and social media among others, the industry is set to keep on growing to reach a valuation of 209 billion $ by 2022, according to Forbes.