In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR) have emerged as groundbreaking innovations, transforming the way we interact with the digital world and our physical surroundings. Both technologies enrich our experiences by seamlessly blending virtual elements with reality. However, they possess distinct characteristics and applications. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating realm of AR and MR, exploring their differences, use cases, and current state of adoption.

Augmented Reality, as the name suggests, enhances reality by adding a layer of digital content over the user's view of the physical world, usually through the camera of a mobile or web application. This digital layer can encompass a wide range of media, including 3D models, images, videos, and interactive elements. AR leverages the possibilities of mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, making it easily accessible to a vast audience.

AR finds diverse applications across various industries, but it particularly prevails in education. It provides an invaluable tool for students to visualize complex concepts that may otherwise be challenging to comprehend. For instance, biology students can examine virtual 3D models of organs, and history students can explore ancient artifacts from the comfort of their classrooms.

Image source: https://medium.com/startux-net/the-differences-between-vr-ar-mr-27012ea1c5 

Despite its popularity, AR glasses and dedicated MR devices have yet to achieve widespread adoption. Cost remains a significant barrier, making these devices less accessible to the average consumer. However, it is worth noting that most individuals already possess an AR-capable device in the form of their smartphones, which mitigates the need for dedicated hardware.

Mixed Reality takes AR a step further by seamlessly blending the digital layer with the real world, allowing for interactive experiences between virtual and physical objects. This means that digital elements not only coexist but can also interact with the user's surroundings. Unlike AR, MR devices enable users to manipulate virtual objects within their real environment.

The potential applications for MR are vast and span various domains. From industrial design, where engineers can visualize and test prototypes in a real-world setting, to architecture, where clients can walk through virtual representations of buildings, MR holds the promise of revolutionizing multiple industries.

While MR is undoubtedly a compelling technology, its adoption faces several challenges. Limited availability and high costs are significant factors that currently hinder widespread usage. Microsoft Hololens and Varjo are one of the few MR devices available on the market, and as technology advances, we can expect more options to become accessible to consumers.

The line between AR and MR can be blurry, leading to confusion among users. The fundamental distinction lies in how the digital layer interacts with the real world. In AR, the digital content overlays reality but remains distinct and separate from physical objects. On the other hand, MR merges digital and real elements, enabling virtual objects to interact with the user's surroundings, creating a more immersive experience. Certain headset manufacturers exploit this vague distinction to promote their products as MR-capable devices, even though they are, in reality, AR devices.*

Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality have brought about transformative changes, enhancing the way we perceive and interact with the world around us. While AR enriches reality with an additional digital layer, MR takes it a step further, enabling digital objects to interact with the physical environment. Both technologies hold immense promise in various fields, including education, entertainment, and industry. As technology continues to advance and become more accessible, we can expect AR and MR to find even more practical applications and touch the lives of people worldwide. The journey of these immersive technologies is only beginning, and the future is bound to be filled with even more astonishing possibilities.

* Some devices were not tested, and the conclusion was derived from usage videos.

Unravel the differences and applications of Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR) in this transformative comparison article.

This blog post provides an in-depth comparison between Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR), two groundbreaking technologies that have transformed our interaction with the digital and physical worlds. The article discusses their applications, challenges, and current state of adoption.

AR vs MR - Unraveling the World of Augmented and Mixed Reality

The unveiling of Apple's latest product, Vision Pro, has created significant buzz in the tech industry. Per Apple, this headset aims to “seamlessly blend digital content with your physical space.” While they haven't announced (almost) anything we haven't seen before, it showcased Apple's deeply ingrained values and evoked memories of their iconic slogan, "Think different." Someone was quick to notice that during the WWDC presentation, Apple CEO Tim Cook and other speakers made no mention of the buzzword "metaverse”. Interestingly, words like virtual reality, mixed reality or XR also were nowhere to be found. Instead, they focused on the concept of "spatial computing," leaving us with a compelling question: What exactly is spatial computing? 

Spatial computing was first defined in 2003 by MIT researcher Simon Greenwold in his graduate thesis as “human interaction with a machine in which the machine retains and manipulates referents to real objects and spaces. It is an essential component for making our machines fuller partners in our work and play.” At its core, spatial computing enables us to merge the digital and physical worlds, creating an immersive and interactive experience that goes beyond augmented and virtual reality technologies. It allows machines to understand and interact with real objects and spaces, becoming fuller partners in our work and play.

Spatial computing opens up a realm of possibilities for seamless integration and interaction between the digital and physical realms. It goes beyond the mere overlaying of digital information onto our surroundings, enabling us to manipulate and interact with the physical world in conjunction with digital content. This immersive and natural experience has far-reaching implications across various industries and aspects of our daily lives.

Exploring the Applications of Spatial Computing in Various Industries

One of the applications that instantly comes to mind when speaking of spatial computing is design and architecture. Imagine being an architect, able to visualize your designs in their intended location, interacting with virtual elements, and making real-time adjustments. Spatial computing empowers architects and designers to walk through virtual structures, experiencing the scale, proportions, and aesthetics before construction even begins. This level of immersion and interactivity enhances the design process, enabling more informed decision-making and fostering a deeper understanding of the final product. The same can be applied when designing a car for instance.

Education and training also stand to benefit significantly from spatial computing. Traditional teaching methods usually rely on static textbooks and two-dimensional content, limiting the comprehension and engagement of students. With spatial computing, complex concepts can be brought to life through interactive virtual models, immersive simulations, and hands-on experiences. Students can engage with the subject matter in a tangible way, fostering deeper understanding and enhancing learning outcomes. 

The impact of spatial computing extends far beyond design and education. Industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics are leveraging this technology to revolutionize their processes and improve outcomes. In healthcare, surgeons can utilize spatial computing to visualize and manipulate medical imaging data in real-time during surgeries, enhancing precision and patient safety. In manufacturing, workers equipped with spatial computing headsets can access real-time instructions, collaborate with remote experts, and streamline production processes. In logistics, spatial computing optimizes warehouse operations by providing workers with augmented reality overlays, guiding them to efficiently locate items and fulfill orders.

The Role of Hand Tracking in Spatial Computing

Hand tracking is a vital component of spatial computing as it enhances the user's ability to interact naturally with the digital environment. By accurately tracking the movements and gestures of the user's hands, spatial computing systems can enable intuitive and immersive interactions, further blurring the line between the physical and digital world. 

Traditionally, user interactions with digital content were limited to mouse clicks, keyboard inputs, or touch-based interactions on screens. However, with the advancement of spatial computing, hand tracking is emerging as a powerful technology that enables users to manipulate virtual objects, navigate menus, and perform various actions using natural hand movements.

Hand tracking also enables more precise and nuanced interactions. Users can grab, move, rotate, and resize virtual objects with natural hand movements, providing a level of dexterity and control that was previously limited in traditional input methods. This opens up possibilities for intricate design work or even virtual training scenarios where precise hand movements are crucial. 

Moreover, hand tracking enhances social and collaborative experiences in spatial computing. Users can communicate and gesture with each other using their hands, fostering a sense of connection and presence within shared virtual spaces. Collaboration becomes more natural and fluid as participants can point, gesture, and interact with virtual objects as if they were physically present. 

In addition to these user-centric benefits, hand tracking also has implications for accessibility. Traditional input methods may present barriers for individuals with physical limitations or disabilities. By leveraging hand tracking technology, spatial computing experiences can be more inclusive, allowing users to engage with digital content and environments without the need for specialized hardware or complex gestures.

Overcoming Challenges in the Adoption of Spatial Computing Technology

Adoption of spatial computing does come with its share of challenges. Integration with existing infrastructure and workflows poses a significant hurdle for businesses looking to embrace this technology. It requires a reevaluation of processes, investment in compatible hardware and software solutions, and comprehensive training programs for employees. Addressing concerns related to privacy, security, and data management is also crucial to ensure user trust and compliance with regulations.

Luckily, Apple has taken privacy-by-design extremely seriously, aiming to ensure that your future devices work solely for your benefit, without compromising your privacy to unseen parties.

As we embark on this spatial computing revolution, it is essential to consider the ethical and societal implications. Responsible development and deployment of spatial computing solutions require collaboration between technology companies, researchers, policymakers, and users. Together, we can ensure that spatial computing aligns with our values and contributes to a more immersive, connected, and inclusive future. 

Spatial computing enables us to merge the digital and physical worlds, creating an immersive and interactive experience that goes beyond AR and VR technologies.

In this blog post, we explore the fascinating realm of spatial computing, inspired by Apple's groundbreaking Vision Pro headset. Discover the concept of spatial computing, its diverse applications across industries, the role of hand tracking in enhancing user experiences, and the challenges that lie ahead. Join us on this journey as we unravel the potential of this immersive technology and its seamless integration of the digital and physical worlds, propelling us into a new era of interactive possibilities.

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, virtual reality and hand tracking technology have emerged as powerful tools in the field of rehabilitation and therapy. At SpectreXR, we are at the forefront of this transformative movement, leveraging the potential of VR and the OctoXR interaction framework to revolutionize the way we approach rehabilitation and therapy. In the following article, we will explore the numerous benefits of VR and hand tracking technology and how they can be applied in a wide range of therapy and rehabilitation use cases.

Virtual reality provides a unique opportunity to create immersive and engaging therapy experiences. By transporting individuals into realistic virtual environments, therapists can simulate real-life scenarios and activities, enhancing the sense of presence and promoting active participation. The combination of VR and hand tracking technology allows for natural and intuitive interactions, enabling users to manipulate objects and perform therapeutic exercises with precision and accuracy.

Hand tracking technology plays a crucial role in motor skills rehabilitation, particularly in cases of hand injuries or conditions affecting hand functionality. Through precise and real-time tracking of hand movements, VR therapy applications enable therapists to design customized rehabilitation programs that focus on improving hand mobility, strength, dexterity, and hand-eye coordination. This technology allows therapists to monitor progress and provide instant feedback, facilitating faster and more effective recovery outcomes.

This kind of solutions extend beyond physical rehabilitation and can significantly benefit individuals with cognitive impairments. By creating interactive and stimulating environments, these applications can engage users in cognitive exercises that target memory, attention, problem-solving, and other cognitive functions. OctoXR's hand tracking technology further enhances these exercises by enabling users to manipulate objects and interact with their virtual surroundings, promoting cognitive stimulation and improvement.

Hand Therapy App: Experience the Power of VR Rehabilitation 

At SpectreXR, we have developed a demo hand therapy app that exemplifies the transformative potential of VR rehabilitation. Our app integrates the immersive capabilities of virtual reality with the precision of hand tracking technology, offering a comprehensive and engaging therapy experience.

Designed with the needs of individuals recovering from hand injuries or conditions in mind, our demo app provides a small range of interactive exercises and activities tailored to enhance hand mobility, strength, and dexterity. Through intuitive hand gestures and natural interactions, users can perform virtual tasks that mimic real-life movements, promoting muscle activation, coordination, and sensory reintegration.

What sets our hand therapy app apart is the utilization of the OctoXR interaction framework, which enables realistic physics-based interactions. This ensures that users can grasp, manipulate, and interact with virtual objects in a way that closely resembles their natural hand motions.

By leveraging the immersive power of VR and the advanced capabilities of hand tracking technology, applications like this aim to accelerate the rehabilitation process, improve patient outcomes, and empower individuals on their journey to recovery. 

We invite you to explore our demo hand therapy app and witness firsthand how the combination of VR, hand tracking technology, and the OctoXR interaction framework can elevate the rehabilitation experience to new heights.

The potential applications of VR and hand tracking technology in rehabilitation and therapy are vast. Beyond hand therapy, these technologies can be utilized in various domains such as stroke rehabilitation, balance and gait training, pain management, stress reduction, and more. The versatility of VR allows therapists and healthcare professionals to design tailored therapy experiences that cater to the unique needs of their patients, optimizing treatment outcomes and improving quality of life.

As leaders in the field of VR and hand tracking technology for rehabilitation and therapy, SpectreXR is dedicated to empowering therapists, healthcare professionals, and VR developers to create impactful applications that transform the lives of patients. With our expertise in utilizing the OctoXR interaction framework, we can assist you in developing customized VR therapy applications that align with your specific goals and requirements. 

Virtual reality and hand tracking technology have revolutionized the field of rehabilitation and therapy, offering new possibilities for immersive and effective interventions. By harnessing the power of VR and the OctoXR interaction framework, therapists and healthcare professionals can unlock the potential of these technologies to enhance motor skills rehabilitation, improve cognitive function, and address various therapy needs. Embrace the future of rehabilitation and partner with SpectreXR to leverage VR and hand tracking technology for transformative therapy experiences.

Discover how SpectreXR is revolutionizing rehabilitation and therapy through immersive VR and hand tracking technology.

We explored the transformative potential of immersive virtual reality and hand tracking technology in the field of rehabilitation and therapy. Discover how SpectreXR is leveraging these technologies to enhance motor skills rehabilitation, and improve cognitive function. Experience the future of therapy and unlock new possibilities for patient care.

Revolutionizing Rehabilitation and Therapy with Immersive VR and Hand Tracking Technology

Are you an indie developer looking for a platform to showcase your VR applications? Look no further than Sidequest! With Sidequest, you can distribute your VR content and reach a wider audience outside of the official Oculus Store. And now, publishing on Sidequest is easier than ever before.

Recently, we released two VR demo applications on Sidequest that showcase what you can develop with the OctoXR interaction framework. Both apps utilize hand tracking and have realistic interactions, offering engaging and effective tools for aiding in recovery and improving cognitive function.

The first app, Dementia Brain Exercises, is an interactive brain exercise program designed for people with dementia. The application aims to enhance cognitive function and delay the progression of the disease through brain exercises. The app is specifically designed to be easy to use and accessible to people with varying levels of cognitive ability.

The second app, Hand Therapy, is a digital program designed to assist individuals who are recovering from hand injuries or suffering from hand-related conditions. The application utilizes VR technology to create immersive experiences that simulate various hand exercises and activities.

So, how did we get these apps on Sidequest? It's easy! Here are the steps:

Step 1: Register as a Sidequest developer To start publishing your app on Sidequest, you need to register as a developer on the platform. Go to the Sidequest developer portal at https://dashboard.sidequestvr.com/login and sign up for an account. Once you've created an account, you'll be able to access the developer dashboard, where you can submit and manage your apps.

Step 2: Create your app listing To submit an app to Sidequest, you need to create a listing for it on the platform. In the developer dashboard, click on the "Apps" tab and then select "Create App". 

Choose a banner image for the top of your app listing page. A good size for the image is 2048px X 370px. The image can be cropped on smaller screens, so keep anything important within the middle 500px X 300px.

Select an icon image for your app - this image will be displayed in search results and on the app listing page if you don't have a video added to your listing. A good size for this image is 580px X 470px.

Fill out your app name, package name, summary, and description. Your package name must be unique and should look something like this: com.example.myapp.

Enter tags to help users find your app when searching. These tags also decide which app categories you appear in on the apps page.

Enter the current version code (integer) and version name (friendly name i.e 1.0.1). When you update your app, you must increment your version code to trigger automatic updates for your app.

In order for users to be able to access your app, you must supply a direct download URL for any APK or OBB files required.

You can add several URL types to your listing, including social links and links to your apps store listing on other stores.

SideQuest can integrate with Github releases to make deployment of your app easier and can also handle updates.

Enable Private Listing to be able to control who has access to your app.

Enable early access of your app to only allow a limited audience to see the app.

Add several screenshots to your app listing.

Select which devices your application supports. SideQuest supports any android-based devices.

Select which license option you want to use. Paid and Pre-Release - Paid will appear under the paid filter on the apps page

Select whether your app is a seated experience only. 

Step 3: Test your app Before submitting your app to Sidequest, it's important to test it thoroughly to ensure that it works correctly on Oculus Quest and Quest 2 devices. You can use the Sidequest App Launcher to install your app on your device for testing. You'll need to enable developer mode on your device first, which you can do by following the instructions on the Oculus Developer website.

Step 4: Submit your app for review Once you're satisfied that your app is working correctly, you can submit it for review on Sidequest. In the developer dashboard, click on the "Apps" tab and then select your app. Click on the "Submit for Review" button to start the review process. Sidequest will review your app to ensure that it meets their content guidelines and is safe for users to install. If your app passes the review, it will be published on the Sidequest app store.

Step 5: Manage your app Once your app is published on Sidequest, you can use the developer dashboard to manage it. You can track downloads and ratings, update the app's details, and even publish new versions of the app. If you want to remove your app from Sidequest, you can do so from the developer dashboard.

So, what are you waiting for? Start developing your VR applications today and get them published on Sidequest! With a platform like that, you can reach a wider audience and share your creative and innovative ideas with the world.

Learn how to easily publish your VR applications on Sidequest and reach a wider audience with this step-by-step guide.

The blog post provides a guide for indie VR developers on how to publish their VR applications on Sidequest, a platform for distributing VR content outside of the official Oculus Store, with detailed steps on how to register as a developer, create an app listing, test the app, submit for review, and manage the app after publication.

How to Publish Your VR Apps on Sidequest: A Step-by-Step Guide for Indie Developers

Hand tracking in virtual reality has been a game changer in recent years. This technology allows users to interact with the VR environment using only their hands, making the experience more immersive and natural. With both hardware and software advancements from VR vendors in recent years, it's no surprise that the demand for hand tracking technology in VR is on the rise, especially in business use cases like VR training. In this blog post, we will discuss the increase in devices supporting hand tracking in VR and the price decrease of VR headsets that support this technology.

According to the data provided by VRcompare, the percentage of VR devices supporting hand tracking has increased significantly over the last two years. In 2021, out of a total of 19 VR devices that entered the market, only 4 of them supported hand tracking, representing a 21% support rate. However, in 2022, out of 15 VR devices, 7 of them supported hand tracking, resulting in a 46% support rate, a 119% increase compared to the previous year. Moreover, out of the last 5 VR devices (HTC Vive XR Elite, PlayStation VR2, Pico 4 Enterprise, Lynx R1, Meta Quest Pro) that entered the market, 4 of them supported hand tracking, with only PlayStation VR2 not supporting it for obvious reasons - losing your tracking while gaming is just not an option. It's interesting to note that all of them are major VR players so the standard, at least in our eyes, is set for the future.

This trend shows that the demand for hand tracking technology in VR is increasing, and manufacturers are responding to this demand by integrating this feature into their devices. The ability to interact with virtual objects using natural hand movements makes the VR experience more immersive and intuitive, making it an essential feature for VR enthusiasts.

Another notable trend is the decrease in the average price of VR headsets, especially those that support hand tracking. In 2021, the average price of a VR device was $3,330, while in 2022, it dropped to $2,210, representing a 33% price drop. The average price of a VR device that supports hand tracking in 2021 was $12,122, while in 2022, it dropped to $745, a staggering 93% price drop.

However, it is essential to note that the $38,500 price of one VR device in 2021 significantly raised the average. If we exclude this device, the average price of a VR device supporting hand tracking in 2021 was $3,330, which is still 77% higher than the average price in 2022. The decrease in the average price of VR headsets that support hand tracking makes them more accessible to a wider audience, allowing more people to experience the benefits of hand tracking technology in VR.

The combination of increasing support for hand tracking in VR devices and the decreasing price of VR headsets that support this technology is significant news for VR enthusiasts. Hand tracking technology provides a more immersive and intuitive way of interacting with virtual objects, and the decreasing price of VR headsets makes it more accessible to a wider audience. These trends are set to continue in the coming years, making hand tracking in VR an indispensable feature for an immersive and natural VR experience.

If you're interested in implementing hand tracking interactions in your VR application or looking for ways to speed up your development process, don't hesitate to contact us.

Disclaimer: The data used in this blog post was provided by https://vr-compare.com/vr, a trusted source for comparing VR devices and their features. We acknowledge that the accuracy and reliability of the data are solely the responsibility of the source.

Explore the rise of hand tracking technology in VR, with an analysis of the increasing number of devices that support it and the significant price drop in VR headsets that offer this feature.

Hand tracking technology in virtual reality has become a game changer, providing a more natural and immersive way of interacting with virtual objects. The number of VR devices supporting hand tracking has increased by 119% from 2021 to 2022, and the average price of VR headsets that support hand tracking has dropped by 93%. This trend is set to continue, making hand tracking in VR more accessible and affordable for everyone.

VR Hand Tracking: More Immersive and Accessible Than Ever

Hear our thoughts

AR vs MR - Unraveling the World of Augmented and Mixed Reality

What is spatial computing?

Revolutionizing Rehabilitation and Therapy with Immersive VR and Hand Tracking Technology

How to Publish Your VR Apps on Sidequest: A Step-by-Step Guide for Indie Developers

VR Hand Tracking: More Immersive and Accessible Than Ever