Understanding the concepts: AR, VR, MR, and XR
In recent years, the concepts ‘AR’, ‘VR’, ‘MR’, and ‘XR’ have become popularized. However, it remains unclear what they mean and how they differ from each other. Extended Reality (XR) refers to the integration of real and virtual technologies. Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR) all fall under the concept of XR.
VR and AR glasses, both popular products, consist of XR technology. When using VR glasses, users see a fully constructed virtual world. Alternatively, AR glasses combine virtual and real elements, projecting virtual imagery onto their real-world surroundings to enhance our field of vision. In simple terms, users are capable of simultaneously seeing the images projected from their AR glasses and the real world.
Introduction to Types and Features of AR Glasses
The AR glasses frequently seen on the market are capable of being broadly categorized into two main types: functional and audio-visual. An introduction to both is below:
1.Functional AR glasses: Mainly focuses on special functionalities, such as message notification displays. Products include the Form Swim Goggles and the Meizu MYVU AR Glasses.
- The Form Swim Goggles are AR swim goggles that allow users to view their fitness data while swimming. It records: swimming speed, swimming distance, calories burned, etc.
- The Meizu MYVU AR Glasses are primarily focused on message functionality; similar to smartwatches. Once connected to a smartphone, the glasses provide message alerts, play music, offer navigation, provide real-time translation, etc., enabling users to promptly access information.
Figure A: Navigation schematic of Meizu MYVU Discovery; image source: Meizu MYVU Discovery official website.
2. Audio-visual AR glasses: These AR glasses focus on display capabilities, aiming to provide users with an immersive audio-visual experience akin to carrying a portable personal cinema. This allows users to enjoy an audio-visual experience anytime, anywhere.
However, due to weight considerations, most AR glasses do not handle computations themselves. Instead, they need to be connected, either wired or wirelessly, to a signal source to transmit the intended image to the glasses.
Figure B: Diagram illustrates the connection between the AR glasses and the signal source via wired, or wireless, means;
image source: Rokid Max AR glasses (Amazon)
Today’s technologically advanced AR products offer a diverse range of distinctive features, which include:
- Messaging: Various types of message notifications; SMS, step count, battery life, etc.
- Translation: Real-time language translation for communication assistance.
- Phone Calls: Answer phone calls with AR glasses.
- Audio-visual: A personal cinema experience complete with a large display screen and built-in speakers.
- Voice assistant: Executes verbal commands without manual operation.
Despite AR glasses’ limitless potential, problems need addressing
AR glasses offer rich functionality with limitless potential for future development; offering the possibility to replace smartphones and smartwatches. However, the application’s current ecosystem is immature, relying on peripheral devices to assist in operations. AR glasses run the risk of increasing compatibility issues when used in conjunction with these devices.
Allion has identified five major potential issues based on consumer usage scenarios and feedback identified in “Allion AR Glasses Ecosystem Consultant Service Team”:
1. Compatibility between AR glasses and audio-visual output devices
AR glasses need to be used in conjunction with various audio-visual output devices, which include: systems, smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles. Due to the diverse range of graphics cards, operating systems, adapters, etc., compatibility issues are inevitable. This leads to functionality abnormalities and potentially serious issues, like black screens.
2. Sound quality issues
When AR glasses are wirelessly connected through Bluetooth with the intention of either transmitting sound or wirelessly projecting images, users often experience intermittent sound and image disruptions due to delays or unstable connections. This subsequently affects their user experience.
3. Image display issues
AR glasses are relatively new products and the overall technology today has not yet matured. Regarding image display, problems in the field for AR are a common occurrence, seeing as there are a wide variety of differing types and phenomena. For display products, users mostly focus on the screen’s user experience. Therefore, issues with image quality and product abnormalities are likely to be noticed by users immediately. Users also have the tendency to compare the product’s quality with those other products, making image quality a primary concern for AR glasses.
4. Overheat due to prolonged use
AR glasses are worn in close proximity to one’s face, resulting in the user feeling temperature changes near their forehead and eye area that may lead to discomfort. Prolonged exposure is capable of causing the glasses to become abnormally warm or hot.
5. Immaturity of AR-related functionalities and limited application resources
AR glasses have opened a gateway to future technology, providing users with immersive, novel experiences. However, further development is required to achieve the magical scenes akin to those in movies. There is limited support for AR ecosystem applications, making it difficult for users to enjoy their experience. Ultimately, this impacts overall comsumer satisfaction.
The issues above are common within the AR glasses application ecosystem. By applying preventative measures, users are capable of having a positive experience. Hence, increasing user trust in their chosen brand. The “Allion AR Glasses Ecosystem Consultant Service Team” is ready to assist in your overall product development process, saving time and money, reducing setup expenses, and reducing potential compatibility issues with peripheral AR glasses devices. Allion provides you and your team with a faster, easier, and better service experience.
Why Choose Allion as your AR Glasses Ecosystem Consultant Service!
Hereafter, ‘innovation’ and ‘speed’ will be key factors attracting users to the realm of AR. Allion’s professional consulting services are here to assist you in swiftly establishing an AR ecosystem and acquiring a precise development strategy in addition to building a comprehensive testing and verification plan specifically for you. With professional expertise and support, your path to product development will become smoother. Allion provides you with:
- Rapid establishment of an AR ecosystem
- Swift acquisition of development validation strategies
- Quick access to verification plans
- Greater and more comprehensive verification plans
- Improved user scenario testing
- Professional Issue Isolation
- Professional Debugging Support
Faster
Allion provides you with professional testing techniques, extensive experience, in addition to rapid and accurate assessments, effectively reducing the time required for design validation. Allion has over a thousand AR-related peripheral devices, providing the most comprehensive equipment and brand coverage, ensuring the highest quality control for your product.
Easier
Allion ensures that every verification assessment possesses “qualitative, quantitative, and reproducible” characteristics through AI and automated testing solutions. Its services assist you in simplifying the process and enhancing the quality and performance of your product.
Better
Allion has extensive experience in designing user experience verification, utilizing usage scenarios to test and ensure the optimal performance of your product in practical applications. Additionally, it has long-standing partnerships with various internationally renowned manufacturers, enabling your product in offering the greatest user experience within its ecosystem.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Allion. Their consulting team will work closely with you to elevate your product so it reaches its full potential, ensuring the best user experience for your users!