Escaping from the real world is the tendency of humans. Of course, not all the time but a yearning effect leads us to watch movies, television, and play games.
With technology growing at an abnormal speed, many concepts have evolved and are being practised, too, like Virtual Reality and Augmented reality. That’s not all. Extended and Cross reality has been the talk over the years.
Though these two are similar in a lot of ways, there are key differences between the two.
Key Takeaways
- Extended reality (XR) is an umbrella term that refers to a spectrum of technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), that blend the physical and digital worlds to create immersive and interactive experiences.
- Cross reality (CR) is a type of XR that refers explicitly to integrating virtual and real environments, where users can seamlessly transition between the two and interact with virtual objects in the real world.
- While both XR and CR offer immersive and interactive experiences, CR focuses explicitly on seamlessly integrating virtual and real environments.
Extended Reality vs Cross Reality
Extended Reality is the combination of Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR) that gives users the experience of immersion between the real and virtual world. Cross Reality consists of VR and AR in which users can interact with both real and virtual worlds concurrently.
Extended Reality is the environment with the virtual and real-world combined and the human interactions generated by the systems. These systems can be wearables too.
The intensity of virtual experience can range from partial to completely immersive. Extended Reality is a combination of ”All the real Environment” and ”All the Virtual Environment”.
Cross Reality is a type or a kind of Mixed Reality where it unifies Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and also reality itself. This is an environment that can interact either way.
That means to, say you do something in the virtual world, the real world can get affected. It is possible with a wide range of software and hardware that includes top-class sensors too.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Extended Reality | Cross Reality |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | An environment that contains the real as well as the virtual world. | An Environment that can help to interact with both sides; real and virtual. |
| Base Function | Extended Reality is a platform to have a virtual and real-world feel. | Cross Reality uses the Extended Reality to interact with both worlds. |
| Technology Combination | It is wholly real and whole virtual. | Cross Reality Is the combination of Augmented, Virtual, and Mixed Reality. |
| Immersive levels | Range from partial to a completely immersive experience. | One can alter the changes in the real world by making a change in the virtual world. |
| Technological Function | Extended Reality is used to create AR, MR, and VR. | Cross reality utilizes AR, MR, and VR to superimpose the functions. |
What is Extended Reality?
Extended Reality is the environment that includes all the real world and virtual world objects. It is the environment that helps in creating.
- Augmented Reality
- Virtual Reality
- Mixed Reality
The term Extended reality is one coined to connect all the real world and virtual realities in one phenomenon. While VR is the completely Digital Atmosphere, AR is the real-world aspect with a digital layoff. The mix of them is the Mixed reality.
Having said this easily, the concepts are a bit complicated as these technologies grow every minute. With the endless work going on to make excellent immersive experiences, Extended reality is all set to pull people to different dimensions. The experience of
- Vision – Sight
- Sound – Hearing
- Feel – Touch
- Feel – Smell
- Feel – Taste
Scientists are working on bringing the 6th sense too. Though the ”Vision – Sight” is an old technique, the other 4 aspects are growing daily. Imagine tasting a strawberry you do not find in your home.
The sensorial experience created in the extended reality is something amazing. The 3D version of the audio and multidimensional visioning aspects makes life completely adventurous.
All you can do is switch on a gadget that can take you to a different world.
What is Cross Reality?
Cross Reality is an immersive technology that shall bring the interaction between the real and virtual world. All these can happen with the help of AR, MR and VR. Yes, Cross reality combines the functionality of all three.
It uses AR and VR mostly. This technology helps take real-world objects to the virtual world and vice versa too.
Scientists have been working on this daily to make it work for the Military too. The advanced techniques have made it possible to interact with either side of the world.
The shortcomings of VR, as you shall find the difference between the real and virtual worlds, are completely nullified using the Cross reality gadgets.
The Cross Reality applications are still under scientific research as you may feel like you are living in a different world. Yes, the immersive intensity is absolutely the highest.
You can activate action in the real or virtual worlds by activating it in the opposite worlds. Sounds Matrix completely, isn’t it? But that’s how the technology works.
Though Extended reality contains AR, VR, and MR, Cross reality is the one that superimposes these three technologies to bring a sea change in user experience.
Main Differences Between Extended Reality and Cross Reality
- The main difference between Extended Reality and Cross Reality is the former is the platform by itself, whereas Cross Reality helps in the interaction between both the real and virtual worlds.
- Extended reality consists of Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality, but Cross Reality also belongs to Extended Reality at the same time, making use of AR, VR, and MR.
- Extended reality is the platform set to interact with either side of the world, while Cross reality helps in the real world interaction with virtual and vice versa.
- The immersion level in Extended reality depends on how AR, VR and MR work. The Cross reality creates its immersion level in the extended reality.
- AR, VR, MR and Cross Reality are created in Extended Reality, while Cross Reality makes use of AR, MR, and VR.
- https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/1866029.1866050
- https://picture.iczhiku.com/resource/paper/WyKdWgWtppRFkxBc.pdf
Last Updated : 30 June, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
The discussion on the potential sensorial experiences of Extended Reality is intriguing. It’s astounding to consider the comprehensive sensory immersion these technologies can offer.
Agreed. The prospect of multidimensional sensorial experiences through XR is a testament to the endless possibilities of technology.
Indeed, Johnson Imogen. The development of a 6th sense in the context of Extended Reality is a testament to the innovative strides in this field.
The essence of Cross Reality, particularly its capacity to seamlessly integrate real and virtual worlds, is a testament to the fascinating advancements in immersive technologies.
Absolutely, Evans Evie. The transformative potential of Cross Reality in bridging the real and virtual realms is indicative of the rapid strides in technological innovation.
The comparison between Extended Reality and Cross Reality was very informative. I appreciate the detailed explanation of the key differences and similarities.
I couldn’t agree more. The potential of these technologies to revolutionize our daily lives is truly staggering.
Absolutely, Stephanie. It’s crucial to understand the distinctions between these technologies, especially with their growing impact on various industries.
Great read! The concept of Extended Reality (XR) and Cross Reality (CR) is fascinating and seems to be promising for the future of technology.
I agree, Ydavis. The potential applications for these technologies are endless and truly groundbreaking.
The article provided a clear distinction between the captivating concepts of Extended Reality and Cross Reality. The potential for these technologies to take people to different dimensions is truly remarkable.
Absolutely, Lee. The continuous innovation in immersive experiences is reshaping the way we perceive and interact with our environment.
The immersive and interactive nature of Cross Reality, particularly its ability to merge real and virtual worlds, holds substantial promise for various applications, including military use.
Well stated, Kelly Cox. The potential of Cross Reality in military and defense sectors is an aspect that demands careful consideration and development.
I couldn’t agree more, Kelly Cox. The convergence of real and virtual worlds through CR presents intriguing possibilities for diverse scenarios.
The potential of Cross Reality to seamlessly integrate real and virtual environments, especially in the context of military applications, is both impressive and thought-provoking.
I completely agree, Vshaw. The strategic implications of CR in military and tactical settings are indeed noteworthy.
Absolutely, Vshaw. The implications of Cross Reality for defense and military operations are a significant aspect of its technological advancements.
The detailed comparison table between Extended Reality and Cross Reality was particularly useful. It highlighted the specific technological functions and immersive levels of each concept.
I completely agree, Theresa. The clarity provided by the comparison table enhances our understanding of these complex technologies.
The content of the article provided a comprehensive overview of Extended Reality and Cross Reality. It’s fascinating to see how these concepts are shaping the future of technology.
Absolutely, Paula09. It’s remarkable to witness the advancements in these immersive technologies and their potential impact on society.
The applications of Extended Reality and Cross Reality, along with the potential sensorial experiences they offer, present an exciting vision of the future.
Well said, Eyoung. The sensorial aspect of these immersive technologies opens up boundless possibilities for enriching our daily experiences.