Definition: VR/AR/MR/XR

(Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality/Mixed Reality/eXtended Reality) Simulated reality alphabet soup. Because consistent terminology in the tech industry is generally an afterthought, tech writers often combine several acronyms to cover all bases.

It started with virtual reality (VR), a totally immersive 3D experience using a headset. Augmented reality (AR) added text and graphics onto TV programs as well as smart eyeglasses with Google Glass being the poster child. Mixed reality (MR) is more sophisticated augmented reality (AR) with greater interaction between the real and virtual worlds; for example, placing new furniture into a room or making a physical repair of equipment while looking at the step-by-step instructions in a manual. Extended reality (XR) covers all simulated realities (VR, AR, MR). See virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality and Google Glass.