Augmented reality and mixed reality are often used to refer to the same idea, however there are a few potential differences between the two depending on who you speak to. To some, it is semantics, while to companies like Microsoft, there is an important distinction between the two terms.
The majority of mentions of augmented reality and mixed reality in the press right now refer to “mixed reality” as a synonym of “augmented reality”. Even experiences which could be under the umbrella of “mixed reality” are called “augmented reality” by the companies creating them. This is where things get confusing.
“Mixed reality” is most commonly used by Microsoft to describe their HoloLens. The media often call it “augmented reality” to begin with, adding on in a rather forced sounding way — “or as Microsoft calls it, ‘mixed reality’”, followed by using the terms interchangeably throughout their articles.
It is best explained by starting with the much easier definition of “virtual reality”:
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR) replaces your whole worldview with a simulation in some way or another. In today’s world, VR is found within headsets like the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, PlayStation VR, Gear VR and Google Cardboard. They each involve looking into a headset with lenses that look at a virtual screen. In the simplest of terms, the virtual screen has a stereoscopic view which the eye adjusts to see as a 3D image. The headset tracks where you are looking and reflects those movements in the virtual display. Interaction is also possible with controllers of various types. VR aims to make you feel completely immersed in another world and blocks everything else out. Boston’s subway system intelligently suggests that people should not use VR while on public transport for this very reason — you can’t see what’s happening around you and are completely vulnerable. You also look a bit insane to onlookers. This all came about after this man went slightly viral using his Gear VR on the Boston Subway:
ugmented Reality
Augmented reality is any sort of computer-based system that overlays data on top of your current view of the world, while continuing to let you see the world around you. Augmented reality (AR) is one that is more likely to be used regularly in day-to-day life. I’d be more comfortable using AR on the subway or amongst a crowd. The Google Glass headset was an AR headset. Pilot helmets that display data within the pilot’s view as they fly are AR headsets. Technically, it does not need to be purely visual data either — you can augment reality with sound too. A GPS app that speaks directions to you as you walk or a tourist app that gives a guided tour could technically be an AR app in that sense of the term. As a real world example, the “Here Active Listening” earbuds aim to “modify what people hear instead of what they see” (Source: Fine-Tune the World with 'Augmented Reality' Earbuds).
Augmented reality headsets overlay data, 3D objects and video into your vision in some way or another. They do not need to do so in a way which necessarily makes them emulate real world objects. Hovering text in your view, like in a Google Glass notification, does not look like a real world object in your world but it is still valuable information that is added into your experience of reality. However, these headsets could display simulated objects in a way which makes them look like they are in the real world and it would also be “augmented reality”. However, this is where the distinction starts to come into play.
Microsoft HoloLens, the Meta 1 & 2 Headsets, ODG headsets, Google Glass and more are all “augmented reality” headsets, however some of them are also “mixed reality” headsets.
Mixed Reality
Mixed reality (MR, though that isn’t an often used acronym) is a form of augmented reality that is somewhere between VR and AR. Mixed reality augments the real world with virtual objects that aim to look as if they are really placed within that world. It locks their position according to real world objects (e.g. placing a virtual cat onto a real world table and having it remain there in augmented reality while the user walks around their house). Microsoft’s HoloLens, Magic Leap and the Meta 2 are all working towards this style of augmented reality, where virtual things do indeed look as if they are part of your real world.
Mixed reality headsets can also do simpler augmented reality things too — like showing notifications and simple data in a way that is locked to your display, rather than the world. It is the bringing of virtual objects in a more realistic way into the user’s view that gets it into mixed reality territory.
In one sentence — mixed reality works towards seamless integration of your augmented reality with your perception of the real world.
The Magic Leap team’s headset is potentially the most seamless of these if rumors are true, as they are aiming to include eye tracking — potentially allowing for the headset to know where you are looking and adjust the view accordingly (e.g. blur objects that are further away from where you are looking to mimic the way real world objects are focused on by the eye). There are other uses of eye tracking too, but that’s one which gives a bit more background into what brings it into the realm of “mixed reality”. They also appear to be able to simulate objects being behind a table or other real world object (in other words — not all “holograms” directly in your field of view, but throughout your real environment).
Update to my answer (16/10/2017): Windows Mixed Reality headsets have been released that appear to be much more like VR headsets! This has thrown a bit of confusion into the mix. I asked a bunch of industry pros, researched around and worked out what “Windows Mixed Reality” is. I’ve got an article explaining my findings here: What is Windows Mixed Reality?
In short — the Windows Mixed Reality headsets that are coming out aim to do more than just VR. There are plans for the VR environments to be able to model themselves around your real world environment (e.g. have a desk in VR where your real desk is). That brings it into mixed reality, even though most people might not actually use that feature.
In conclusion
- Virtual reality replaces your world with a virtual one.
- Augmented reality supplements your world with digital objects of any sort.
- Mixed reality seamlessly integrates digital objects into your world making it look as if they are really there.
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