Mixed reality (MR) and augmented reality (AR) are both technologies that overlay digital information onto the real world, but they differ in how they integrate virtual elements with reality.
Augmented Reality (AR) enhances the real world by adding virtual elements such as images, sounds, or videos, creating an immersive experience. These virtual elements are typically overlaid on a camera view of the real world, often through a smartphone or dedicated AR glasses. For example, using an AR app on your phone, you can see a virtual dinosaur in your living room through the camera view.
Mixed Reality (MR), on the other hand, merges real-world and virtual elements to create a new environment where both interact with each other. In MR, the virtual objects are not just overlaid but can be anchored to specific locations in the real world, and users can interact with them as if they were part of the real environment. An example of MR is Microsoft's HoloLens, where users can interact with virtual 3D models in their physical workspace.
In summary, while AR adds virtual elements to the real world, MR combines real and virtual elements to create a new, interactive environment. For businesses looking to leverage these technologies, Tencent Cloud offers services like Tencent Cloud XR (Extended Reality), which supports AR, VR (Virtual Reality), and MR applications, providing a comprehensive solution for developers to create immersive experiences.