A type of augmented reality (AR) that combines fiction with the real world. For example, whereas AR glasses might display email or text messages, mixed reality (MR) glasses can simulate objects that interact with the real environment, such as an imaginary ball bouncing off the physical wall the user is facing. Simulating new furniture in a room is another example of mixed reality.
More Like AR, Not VR
Unlike totally immersive virtual reality (VR) goggles, which require wearers to remain reasonably stationary, lest they bump into furniture in the room, mixed reality and augmented reality users actually navigate their physical environment wearing AR glasses. See
Windows Mixed Reality,
AR headset,
augmented reality and
virtual reality.
HoloLens Tech Support
Microsoft's HoloLens is touted as a mixed reality environment. In this example, HP tech support uses HoloLens to help a technician change a part he is not familiar with. The man is viewing a how-to video (red arrow) while working on the machinery. See
Windows Mixed Reality.
(Image courtesy of HP xRServices.)