Immersive technologies such as mixed reality (MR) have slowly become more mainstream over the past few years.
It has been forecasted that by 2024, 67% of wearable smart apps will be using MR. The same research by Juniper also found that the number of MR headsets will most likely increase in the coming years.
MR has a huge potential to change the way businesses operate, and the good news is that the needed investment for such a technology isn't as high as most people believe.
What is mixed reality (MR)?
Mixed reality is the combination of the physical and virtual worlds, thus the term "mixed." This creates new environments and visualizations in which physical and digital objects co-exist and interact with one another.
A key difference between MR and other immersive technologies such as virtual reality is that, in MR, the user is still aware of their surroundings and can interact with the real world.
This is made possible through the use of MR headsets that allow users to see both the virtual world and the real world. Some examples of MR headsets that are currently on the market are the Microsoft HoloLens and the Magic Leap One.
A common source of confusion among users is the difference between MR and Augmented Reality (AR) because of their overlapping qualities.
What sets them apart is that virtual objects in MR are not anchored to a specific location in the real world like they are in AR. This means that virtual objects in MR can move around and interact with the physical world just as if they were real.
7 examples of how VR can be used in business
MR can be used in a variety of industries. Some examples of how MR is being used in business include:
1. Gaming and entertainment
One of the most popular ways MR is used in business is for gaming and entertainment purposes, and for good reason: MR provides a more immersive experience that can make games more realistic and exciting.
Some examples of how MR is used in gaming include the use of haptic feedback, which allows users to feel virtual objects, and the use of motion tracking, which tracks the user's movements and translates them into the game.
Mixed reality games are also called hybrid reality games, and some of the popular examples include Gbanga, Spectrek, and Can You See Me Now?
2. Training and education
Another obvious application of MR is in training and education. With MR, employees can be trained in a realistic, yet safe environment. In employee training, one example is Mercedez-Benz. They used MR to provide immersive training for their technical support technicians.
MR can also be used to create educational experiences. Acer, in particular, offers a variety of mixed reality learning programs for any kind of subject, including social studies, geology, and astronomy.
3. Healthcare
On a similar note, MR and other immersive technologies are also revolutionizing healthcare. Its applications have gone beyond training and educating. MR can now also be used to improve and broaden access to patient care, as well as accelerate diagnostic procedures, among many others.
During the pandemic, hospitals such as Alder Hey Children’s Hospital used MR headsets for medical imaging, remote medical collaboration, and remote care to minimize patient contact.
4. Product design and prototyping
With MR, businesses can create prototypes of products and test them out before they go into production. This can save businesses a lot of time and money by catching errors early on.
Some examples of businesses that are using MR for product design and prototyping include Volvo, which teamed up with VR manufacturer Varjo to increase efficiency in car design using MR. Volvo also offers mixed reality test driving for their prototypes.
5. Construction and engineering
Another industry where MR is making waves is construction. With MR, architects and engineers can create virtual models of their designs and see how they would look in the real world before they are built.
Some examples of businesses that are using MR for construction and engineering include JBKnowledge, which created an MR app called HoloBuilder that allows users to create 3D models of construction projects.
Tech company Trimble also developed an MR app called SketchUp Viewer that allows users to view 3D models of buildings.
6. Remote work and productivity
Remote work has become the new normal for many businesses, and MR can be a valuable tool for businesses to increase productivity even while working remotely.
Some examples of how MR is being used for remote work include Microsoft’s Remote Assist, which allows users to share their screens and collaborate on tasks in real-time.
Facebook’s Horizon Workrooms is another good example, which offers a variety of immersive collaboration tools for businesses, including video calling, group chat, and file sharing.
7. Retail and business
MR is also changing the retail landscape by providing a more interactive shopping experience for customers, especially with the increasing adoption of e-commerce.
MR holograms have been used by businesses such as IKEA, Lowe’s, and Macy’s to give customers a realistic view of what their products would look like in their homes.
Some other examples of how MR is being used in retail include virtual showrooms, which allow customers to try on clothes without actually having to physically try them on.
Brands can also make use of MR as additional marketing and sales channel through the use of platforms like Octopus XR. Octopus XR is a virtual marketplace that allows businesses to create and showcase their products in the metaverse.
Cost-Effective AR/VR/MR Solutions for Your Brand
Mixed reality has several applications across various industries, and its potential is only continuing to grow. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to create AR, VR, or MR content, consider partnering with Octopus XR.
We offer a variety of immersive technology solutions for any kind of brand. We also provide the added benefit of offering our clients a lucrative platform to market and sell your products. Contact us today to learn more!
