Emerging Technologies / Extended reality (AR-VR-MR)

Notable VR games releasing in May 2025 include Final Fury and Surviving Mars: Pioneer, both set to launch on platforms like Meta Quest and PC VR[1].

VR (Virtual Reality) immerses users in a completely virtual environment, while MR (Mixed Reality) combines virtual elements with the real world. MR games, like those on Meta Quest 3, allow users to interact with both virtual and real-world objects simultaneously[2][4].

Relic enhances traditional film experiences by using AI-driven tools to transform ordinary scenes into immersive mixed reality visuals. These visuals extend beyond the screen, creating a spatially-aware experience that integrates with the viewer's surroundings.

Relic utilizes AI-driven tools to simplify the creation of XR (Extended Reality) content without compromising quality. This approach aims to make traditional game engines like Unity obsolete for XR storytelling by streamlining the process.

The RayNeo Air 3S features a shaded, single-piece front lens without electrochromic dimming, uses Sony Micro-LED panels with HueView screen technology for richer colors, and complies with IMAX Enhanced standards. It offers improved brightness and contrast compared to its predecessor. The Xreal One, on the other hand, provides superior tracking with low latency (around 3ms), offloads display signal processing to a dedicated chip for smoother performance, and includes advanced eye-care features like 3840Hz PWM dimming to reduce eye strain. The Xreal One is also designed for longer sessions with improved comfort and a more subtle, stylish look suitable for public use. Both glasses offer competitive AR experiences but cater to slightly different user priorities, with the RayNeo Air 3S focusing on value and color quality, and the Xreal One emphasizing performance and comfort for extended use.[1][3][5]

Consumers can experience impressive augmented reality features today with the RayNeo Air 3S and Xreal One, which are already available at competitive prices and offer solid performance for entertainment and spatial computing. The RayNeo Air 3S provides excellent color accuracy, good audio quality, and a comfortable design at a budget-friendly price point, while the Xreal One delivers advanced tracking, low latency, and enhanced comfort for longer use. These options allow users to enjoy AR experiences now without waiting for Google's Android XR glasses, which are still forthcoming.[2][3]

Android XR is a new operating system developed by Google specifically for extended reality (XR) devices such as headsets and smart glasses. It builds on Google's previous XR projects like Google Glass, Google Cardboard, and Daydream VR, but integrates advanced AI capabilities through the Gemini generative AI chatbot to provide more natural and contextual interactions. Unlike earlier efforts, Android XR is designed as a comprehensive platform supporting a wide ecosystem of developers and hardware partners, including Samsung and Qualcomm, aiming to deliver immersive and versatile XR experiences.

Android XR incorporates Google's Gemini generative AI, which enables the platform to understand user intent and the surrounding environment, facilitating more natural, conversational, and hands-free interactions. This AI integration allows XR devices to provide contextual assistance, making digital environments more immersive and engaging. The AI-powered features help users perform tasks more intuitively within XR applications, distinguishing Android XR from other XR platforms by combining AI with augmented and virtual reality technologies.

Mixed reality (MR) combines elements of both the digital and physical worlds, allowing users to interact with virtual objects in their real environment. Unlike virtual reality (VR), which immerses users entirely in a digital world, MR blends these two realities to create a more interactive and immersive experience. The Meta Quest 3, with its advanced hardware, enables this blending through features like color passthrough cameras and spatial mapping[2][3][5].

The Meta Quest 3 enhances the mixed reality experience by incorporating advanced features such as full-color passthrough cameras, improved graphics processing with the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, and thinner, lighter pancake lenses for sharper images. These upgrades allow for more seamless integration of virtual objects into real-world environments compared to previous models like the Quest 2[1][3][5].

The integration of mixed reality technology into military vehicle windshields aims to enhance situational awareness and decision-making in challenging conditions by projecting 3D tactical data and AI insights directly onto the windshield.

Mixed reality technology combines elements of both virtual and augmented reality to create a more immersive experience. Unlike traditional augmented reality, which overlays digital information onto real-world views, mixed reality can blend digital objects with real-world environments more seamlessly. However, specific details about how Distance Technologies' mixed reality differs from traditional AR are not provided in the summary.

In 2025, VR and MR enthusiasts can look forward to a diverse range of games, including flight simulations like Aces of Thunder, mixed reality experiences such as Laser Dance, and strategic titles like Civilization VII - VR. These games will be available across major platforms, including PC VR, PlayStation VR 2, and Meta Quest devices.

The VR gaming landscape in 2025 could see significant advancements with new hardware releases and more mainstream adoption. However, there are also concerns about major companies shifting focus away from gaming content. Despite these challenges, the year is expected to bring exciting new titles and potentially groundbreaking hardware like the Valve Deckard.

AI is transforming daily life by integrating into various aspects such as smart homes, voice assistants, and personalized content suggestions. It improves productivity through virtual assistants and enhances healthcare outcomes with predictive analytics. AI also plays a crucial role in web development by automating tasks and refining user experiences[2][5].

Augmented reality (AR) is significantly enhancing consumer experiences, particularly in retail, by allowing customers to visualize and customize products in 3D. This technology is expected to increase customer satisfaction and sales by providing an immersive shopping experience. By 2024, AR is projected to have 1.73 billion user devices worldwide, with retail accounting for 55% of AR use[4].