AR/VR Types
People often mix up AR, VR, MR, and XR. This topic separates the four terms using simple definitions and one visual scale.
Augmented Reality (AR)
AR adds digital images on top of a live camera view. The real world stays fully visible. A navigation app that draws arrows on the road through your phone camera is a common AR example.
Virtual Reality (VR)
VR builds a complete digital world and blocks the real one. A person wearing a VR headset sees only the virtual scene, even when they turn their head.
Mixed Reality (MR)
MR blends real and digital objects so they can interact with each other. A virtual ball in MR can bounce off your real desk and roll under your real chair. The digital object reacts to real-world surfaces.
Extended Reality (XR)
XR is the umbrella term that covers AR, VR, and MR together. Companies use XR when they talk about the entire field instead of one specific technology.
Diagram: The Reality Scale
Comparing the Four Terms
| Term | Real World Visible | Digital Objects Interact With Real World |
|---|---|---|
| AR | Yes | Limited |
| MR | Yes | Yes |
| VR | No | Not applicable |
| XR | Depends on the mode used | Depends on the mode used |
Layman's Example
Picture a video call filter that adds cat ears to your face. That filter is AR. Now picture a game that fully surrounds you in a fantasy forest through a headset. That game is VR. A virtual pet that walks around your real living room floor, hiding behind your real couch, shows MR.
Why the Distinction Matters
Job listings, product descriptions, and research papers use these four terms with specific meanings. Knowing the difference helps you pick the right tool, platform, or hardware for a project later in this course.