Immersive technologies

Virtual reality (VR) is an immersive computer technology that allows users to experience an interactive environment existing in a virtual, computer-generated space. Participants can interact with this environment using specialized devices such as VR headsets or goggles. Virtual reality can be utilized across various industries including entertainment, education, medicine, architecture, manufacturing, and many others. It provides users with the opportunity to immerse themselves in alternative virtual worlds, which can be created with varying degrees of realism or fantasy, depending on needs and applications.

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that allows adding virtual objects or information to the real world. Unlike virtual reality, which completely replaces the real world and creates entirely virtual environments, AR enables users to see the real world through the camera or other sensors of the device and enhance it with additional information or objects appearing as graphics or textures overlaid onto the real world. Examples of AR usage include augmented reality applications for smartphones that allow viewing information about objects through the camera, virtual instructions during repairs or assembly tasks, and AR headsets for enhancing workflows in industries and medicine.

Mixed Reality (MR) is a concept that combines elements of virtual reality and augmented reality, creating a new form of immersive environment. In mixed reality, virtual objects or information are integrated into the real world while interacting with real objects and the environment. The main distinction between mixed reality and augmented reality is that in MR, virtual objects can interact with real objects and be displayed in space in such a way that the user can perceive them as part of reality. Special devices such as Microsoft's HoloLens or Magic Leap are often used to create mixed reality. Mixed reality has broad applications in various fields including gaming, education, product development, medicine, architecture, and many others.

A virtual tour is an interactive presentation that allows users to virtually explore an object or place, whether it be a building, museum, monument, natural landmark, or even a city. It is created using special technology that enables the display of a realistic 360-degree or 3D model of the location. Users can view these places through websites, specialized applications, or virtual reality. Virtual tours enable people to explore places they may not have access to in real-time or due to geographical restrictions. They are useful for tourist agencies, architects, realtors, museums, and many other industries where showcasing places or objects from different perspectives or at different times is important. They can also be used for educational purposes, allowing students to virtually visit places and even interactively learn about them.