Extended Reality (XR) has evolved from science fiction into a multi-billion-dollar industry transforming how we work and play. It is being used in manufacturing, education, construction, healthcare, and more.
Recently, we had a conversation with Innovation Specialist, Liza Kukovska, to find out more about XR, where it's headed, and why the North East is starting to take the lead in the immersive sector.
What is Extended Reality?
According to Liza, the lines between the virtual and the real world can become blurred. Extended Reality sits under the broader umbrella of immersive technology, and within it live three distinct experiences:
Virtual Reality (VR): Blocks out the real world entirely and replaces it with a virtual one.
Augmented Reality (AR): A device-based experience that layers extra digital elements on top of your physical surroundings.
Mixed Reality (MR): Blends both realities in a way that makes them interact like a digital filter on the real world.
"Immersive technology is a big, overarching term for so many things, XR itself is another umbrella term, under which VR, AR, and mixed reality all exist." -Liza Kukovska, Innovation Specialist
The definitions can shift as different people in different corners of the industry will describe these technologies in different ways, and that's precisely what makes the space so dynamic.
Get Started with XR
For beginners, Liza recommends starting off with Augmented Reality (AR). It has a familiar, filter-like feel and chances are, you may have already used it without realising. Social media filters are a simple form of AR, which makes it the most accessible entry point out of the three.
Growth of XR in the North East
XR has been continuously developing since the 1960s, and the technology is showing no signs of slowing. Right now, around 80% of XR demos are enterprise-focused, companies building experiences for other businesses, and sometimes for tourism, but the potential for broader applications to a wider group of audience is growing fast.
"XR has a chance of developing a lot through universities and based on their courses and departments, it could really boost the industry here." -Liza Kukovska, Innovation Specialist
North East XR March Meet Up
Liza recently hosted one of the North East XR Meet Ups. These relaxed events bring together immersive specialists and enthusiasts from across the region to chat about upcoming trends, new projects and exciting innovations.
One of the highlights of the most recent was the exploration of the live Ghost Town demo. Unity Technologies’ Senior Partner Engineer, Olly Nicholson, joined the event and guided us through the experience of solving a puzzle-solving game in front of a live audience.
"It was very interesting and fun to decipher a puzzle-solving game in front of an audience." -Liza Kukovska, Innovation Specialist
It's exactly this kind of hands-on, social experience that makes XR events so compelling and it's a format that the North East community has embraced fully.
Upcoming Events
The North East XR Meetup returns on the 29th of April, open to professionals, enthusiasts, and students alike. The theme of the event is based on virtual spaces. Join us for VR chat world exploration, the chance to play VR games in a relaxed environment and the opportunity to share your own project ideas.
On the 19th of June, the Creative Hub at TechNExt will showcase how technologies are being used to enhance creative industries. Learn more here.
Final Thougths
XR is no longer a niche curiosity, it is a technology with deep roots, expanding reach, and a growing community right here in the North East.
If you would like to know more about XR technology, please get in touch with us at info@sunderlandsoftwarecity.com.
