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Extended Reality (XR) is the umbrella term that covers the related immersive technologies of Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR). XR is one of the biggest emerging technologies impacting on how we live today.<\/p>\n
From entertainment to education, engineering to healthcare, XR is being involved and developed across a wide range of industries. As technology develops and improves, costs lowered and technology becomes more widely accessible for all, there seems limitless possibilities for future real-world applications. Haptic feedback, eye, hand and body tracking, photorealistic avatars and the metaverse, are just some of the current trends in XR technology.<\/p>\n
In terms of education, the use of XR technology has the potential to change how we learn, teach and interact – and how we communicate and collaborate with each other.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video _builder_version=”4.27.9″ _module_preset=”default” src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/KHjENSlBZ4U?si=Y0u7kJ0X5H_mjbHG” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.9″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humteachlearn\/lending\/” button_text=”Humanities eLearning Equipment Lending Service >>” _builder_version=”4.27.9″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humteachlearn\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/205\/2026\/10\/XRlogo-300×177.jpg” alt=”Extended Reality and Immersive Technologies” title_text=”XR Logo” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.9″ background_size=”initial” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.9″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Augmented Reality uses technology to enhance or ‘augment’ a real-world experience. Users can explore and interact with digital content alongside the real world.<\/p>\n
Examples:<\/strong><\/p>\n Image recognition of 3D-objects to bring to life (architecture\/planning models)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Interaction with real-world objects (tree \/ building measurement<\/a>)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Digital objects placed in real world (interior\/landscape design, historic photographs + descriptions)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Pokemon Go<\/a> (gaming using smartphones)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.9″ _module_preset=”default” column_structure=”1_2,1_2″][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.9″ _module_preset=”default” type=”1_2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.9″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Virtual Reality immerses the user in a virtual environment which they can explore and interact with. Generally a headset is used to place the user in the virtual environment but audio and hand controllers can be used to enhance the immersive experience. VR experiences do not need to use expensive equipment and can also be experienced from a desktop computer or a mobile device using viewing goggles such as Google Cardboard.<\/p>\n Examples:<\/strong><\/p>\n Virtual field trips (eg. Egyptology)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Virtual architecture\/interior design<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n VR gaming experiences<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.9″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n This type of video allows the user to feel ‘immersed’ in the video rather than purely being a viewer of a 2D screen. 360-degree videos, 3D videos, multiscreen projections allow this enhancement.<\/p>\n Examples:<\/strong><\/p>\n Simulations (VR Flood experience<\/a>)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Tours<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Storytelling (Syrian refugee testimony<\/a>)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.9″ _module_preset=”default” type=”1_2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.9″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Mixed Reality is a blend of virtual and physical worlds. This is where humans interact with physical environments and objects using virtual reality.<\/p>\n MR is an extension of Augmented Reality.<\/p>\n Examples:<\/strong><\/p>\n Enhancing real world environments<\/a>: placing virtual presentation screens, keyboards into a room (known as holographic devices)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Product design<\/a>: placing virtual objects into a real world environment<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.9″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n\n
Virtual Reality<\/h3>\n
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Immersive Video (360 video)<\/h3>\n
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Mixed Reality (MR)<\/h3>\n
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Photogrammetry<\/span><\/h3>\n