Imagine walking through a black hole in space, troubleshooting your car engine or even performing heart surgery — all from the comfort of your living room couch.
Welcome to the world of extended reality (XR), a realm of infinite possibilities.
An umbrella term that comprises virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality, XR refers to technology that leverages human-to-PC screen interface. This is achieved by either immersing users in a virtual environment or by augmenting their surroundings. In some instances, both take place simultaneously.
Beyond pushing the boundaries of innovation, the aim of XR remains clear: to broaden the human horizon. For example, given XR’s potential to access boundless data and insights within seconds, users will be able to strategise and map out solutions like never before. Instead of channelling effort to recall and research data, they can focus on what matters most — making informed, incisive decisions.
Yet, despite its allure, some concerns remain.
With large amounts of confidential data at play, the threat of identity theft and hacking remains imminent. There is also the issue of ethical complexities in a digital world including gender bias when it comes to developing VR headsets.
These were key findings from KPMG’s Future of Extended Reality (XR) Report 2022, which highlights the significant role that XR will play in helping businesses develop new strategies and revenue streams in the next evolution of digital transformation.
From September 2021 to February 2022, KPMG interviewed 15 global leaders and visionaries in the field of XR to gather industry insights for business today. They include hardware manufacturers, software developers, XR community leaders, creators and academics. This report shares their views and predictions.
Escalating experiences: 10 ways XR will shape the future
The evolution of XR in Singapore
As the lines between our physical and virtual worlds blur, Singapore’s Smart Nation push is blazing a trail with breakthrough XR technology to boost business, tourism and the arts, amongst other sectors. By tapping into the power of AI and IoT, the island nation is creating bold and future-proof solutions to stay ahead as a global city.
Located within Marina Bay Sands (MBS), the Hybrid Broadcast Studio allows companies to organise hyper-realistic virtual seminars and meetings thanks to its state-of-the-art tech capabilities. These include elements like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), extended reality (XR), holographic telepresence and mixed reality (MR).
2. Checking for vitals, virtually
The Multi-Sensory Extended Reality (MS-XR) Medical Crisis Management System offers medical first responders a more immersive triage training experience by creating an XR-driven, multi-sensory simulation experience.
By tapping augmented reality, Singapore businesses are enticing potential tourists to travel to Singapore by building virtual worlds filled with key insights into their offerings and attractions.
Singapore’s first-ever virtual reality theme park, the HeadRock VR, incorporates XR elements into its design to recreate futuristic simulator rides and games.
Situated at the ArtScience museum, the VR Gallery is a permanent gallery space that boasts an array of futuristic virtual reality artworks. Visitors can use VR headsets and controllers to immerse themselves in the works of world-renowned artists.