AI Application Development, Fast Focus

AIT05 Fast Focus: AR vs. VR vs. MR - What Does it All Mean?

11/19/2019

2:00pm - 2:20pm

Level: Introductory

Nick Landry

Senior Software Engineer

Microsoft

For over 40 years, we have been content with using a keyboard and monitor to interact with computers. The mouse, touch screen, and other input devices have transformed how humans interact with computers; but 2D screens of all sizes – from 1” to 80” – have all always been the de facto method to perceive the primary output from our microcomputers and devices. Until now. Since 2016 the technology world has seen the introduction of modern consumer devices for Virtual Reality (VR) – including Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Samsung Gear VR, Google DayDream – making their way into the mainstream public. On the enterprise side of things, the Microsoft HoloLens & Magic Leap One merge the real world with the virtual via holograms to create advanced Mixed Reality (MR) scenarios. Mixed Reality covers a full range of devices and experiences from Augmented Reality (AR) to VR.

This session is your fast-paced introduction to the landscape of VR, AR & MR (together known as XR) from the perspective of software developers. We’ll review many of the hardware & platform options, their respective SDKs, and where to find resources to get started. Mixed Reality and Virtual Reality projects are no longer a dream. The technology is here. The hardware is here. The tools and SDKs are here. Come learn about the opportunities and how to get started building experiences beyond anything you ever imagined.

You will learn:

  • The principles of Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality & Mixed Reality
  • About the various VR, AR & MR platforms – like Oculus Rift & Windows Mixed Reality
  • About the resources available to get started with various XR platforms