VR/AR/XR Glossary
Essential definitions to master the vocabulary of virtual reality, augmented reality, and immersive technologies. 163 key terms explained with examples.
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A
AvatarDigital representation of the user in a virtual environment
Augmented RealityARTechnology that overlays digital elements onto the real world
AnalyticsCollection and analysis of usage data
APIApplication Programming InterfaceA standardized interface enabling software systems to communicate with each other
ARCoreGoogle's augmented reality development platform for Android
ARKitApple's augmented reality development platform for iOS
Apple Vision ProApple's spatial computing headset blending mixed reality and productivity
AutostereoscopyGlasses-free 3D display technology
Artificial IntelligenceAITechnology enabling machines to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence
B
Behavioral Software AssistantIntelligent digital assistant that adapts to user behavior
BIMBuilding Information ModelingA digital building model containing all technical data
BiosensorA device that measures biological signals
Bird Bath OpticsA semi-reflective mirror optical system for lightweight AR/XR glasses
C
CADComputer-Aided DesignProfessional software for 3D product modeling and design
CardboardGoogle CardboardA low-cost cardboard holder that turns a smartphone into an entry-level VR headset
Cloud ComputingComputing services accessible via the internet without local installation
CybersicknessMotion sickness caused by immersive technology use
Computer-Generated ImageryCGIImage created by computer
Cloud RenderingRendering in the cloud
D
E
Eye TrackingTechnology that tracks where the user is looking
Equirectangular ProjectionProjection format that transforms a 360-degree spherical view into a flat rectangle
Enterprise Resource PlanningERPIntegrated enterprise management software
easybox360Self-contained all-in-one VR carry case for deploying immersive experiences without Internet
easykiosk360Interactive self-service VR kiosk for public and cultural venues
easystory360No-code SaaS platform for creating and distributing immersive 360° experiences
easyviewer360Native Meta Quest app for viewing easystory360 experiences in immersive VR
ExohandExternal artificial hand
ExoskeletonMotorized external skeleton
Extended RealityXRUmbrella term for all reality-blending technologies
F
Field of ViewFOVThe angular extent of the visible world seen through the headset
Force Feedback ArmA robotic haptic arm that transmits force and resistance sensations
FrameworkA pre-built foundation providing reusable components and structure for software development
FramerateFPSNumber of images displayed per second
Foveated RenderingFocal-zone rendering
Force FeedbackResistance sensation
Foveated StreamingOptimized video streaming that concentrates maximum quality on the area the user is looking at
G
Gaze InteractionInteraction controlled by the direction of the user's gaze
GDCGame Developers ConferenceThe world's largest professional event for game developers and interactive technologies, including virtual reality
GyroscopeMotion sensor enabling 360° navigation by orienting a device
Gaze and PinchInteraction mode combining eye tracking and finger pinching
Guardian SystemSafety boundary system
H
Hand TrackingController-free hand and finger detection in VR
HapticsTechnology that simulates the sense of touch in virtual environments
HeadsetVR HeadsetHead-mounted display for virtual or mixed reality
HotspotInteractive clickable zone in a 360° or VR experience
Head-Up DisplayHUDInformation projected directly into the user's field of vision
Haptic SuitA connected suit equipped with sensors and actuators for virtual interaction
Head-Mounted DisplayHMDDisplay device worn on the head
Haptic GloveGlove with tactile feedback
HologramThree-dimensional image projected in space
Haptic FeedbackHaptic feedback
Head Tracking SystemHead movement tracker
I
ImmersiveImmersionState of being fully absorbed in a virtual environment
Immersive StorytellingNarrative techniques designed for immersive and spatial media
Immersive DesktopA virtual workspace that fully surrounds the user
Interpupillary DistanceIPDDistance between the two pupils
Immersive WindowA window into the virtual world
IframeInline FrameHTML element that embeds the content of one page inside another
ImmersionBeing plunged into the virtual world
Insta360Manufacturer of 360° cameras and action cams for immersive capture
InteractionExchange with the environment
InterfacingConnection between systems
Immersive OnboardingProcess of integrating new employees using immersive technology
Immersive RoomCAVEVirtual experience room
Inside-Out TrackingBuilt-in tracking
Immersive TechnologyVirtual immersion technology
K
L
LatencyDelay between user action and visual response, critical in VR
Laval VirtualEurope's leading trade show for virtual reality and immersive technologies
Location-Based ExperienceLBEImmersive experience in a dedicated physical venue, open to the public
Leap MotionPrecision hand and finger tracking device
LiDARLight Detection and Ranging3D laser scanning technology
LMSLearning Management SystemLearning management system for organizing and tracking training programs
LynxFrench startup developing open mixed-reality headsets for professionals and developers
LighthouseTracking Base StationsLaser-based tracking system for precise spatial positioning
LatencyResponse delay
M
MetaversePersistent, shared virtual worlds accessible via immersive technologies
Motion SicknessCybersicknessNausea and discomfort caused by sensory mismatch in VR
Mixed RealityMRSeamless blend of real and virtual environments where both coexist and interact
Motion CaptureMocapRecording body movements for digital reproduction
Magic LeapMixed-reality AR headset for professionals
MESManufacturing Execution SystemReal-time production management system for the factory floor
MetaphorAnalogy used to make a digital interface more intuitive
Monoscopy2D display with no stereoscopic depth
MultisensoryEngaging multiple senses simultaneously
Mixed RealityMRMixed reality
N
O
P
PassthroughReal-world camera feed displayed inside the VR headset
Position SensorA device for real-time spatial localization
Point CloudSet of 3D points representing a scanned object or environment
PanoramaVery wide-angle image, often covering a full 360 degrees
ParallaxDepth perception from different viewing angles
PCVRPC Virtual RealityVR powered by a desktop computer
PersistencePixel display duration that can cause motion blur
Photogrammetry3D modeling from photographs
PicoRange of enterprise-focused standalone VR headsets, owned by ByteDance
PLMProduct Lifecycle ManagementProduct lifecycle management
PluginExtensionSoftware extension that adds functionality to an existing program
POVPoint of ViewInitial viewpoint in a 360° scene, determining the starting direction
PresenceThe feeling of truly being there
PlayspacePlay AreaVR play area
Q
R
Real-Time InteractionInstantaneous exchange
Ray TracingAdvanced rendering technique for ultra-realistic lighting and reflections
Reality LabsMeta's division dedicated to VR, AR, and MR research and development
RenderingGraphics rendering
ReprojectionImage reprojection
ROIReturn on InvestmentRatio measuring a project's profitability relative to the cost invested
Refresh RateDisplay refresh rate
Room-Scale VRRoom-scale VR
S
Spatial ComputingComputing paradigm where digital interactions occur in 3D space
StandaloneStandalone HeadsetVR headset that operates independently without an external computer
Spatial AnchorA fixed virtual reference point attached to a real-world location
Spatial Audio3D positional audio that changes based on user position and orientation
SensorA device that detects and measures physical phenomena
Spatial MappingDigital mapping and recognition of the physical environment
Software Development KitSDKSoftware development kit for building VR/AR applications
SLAMSimultaneous Localization and MappingSimultaneous localization and environment mapping
SaaSSoftware as a ServiceCloud-hosted software distribution model accessible by subscription
SIGGRAPHLeading international conference on computer graphics and interactive techniques
Spatialized Sound3D audio
Sound Spatialization3D audio positioning
SSOSingle Sign-OnUnified authentication system for accessing multiple applications
StereoscopyStereoscopic vision
StitchingAssemblyThe process of assembling multiple images to create a seamless 360° panorama
StreamingContinuous DeliveryContinuous delivery of content over the Internet without requiring a full download
Social VRSocial virtual reality
T
U
V
Virtual RealityVRTechnology that creates a fully simulated immersive environment
VR HeadsetVisiocasqueHead-mounted display device for virtual reality experiences
Volumetric CaptureFull 3D recording of objects or people for virtual reconstruction
Visual FieldThe total area of vision the eye can perceive without moving
Visuo-Vestibular ConflictA mismatch between what the eyes see and what the inner ear feels
Virtual Reality InterfaceGateway to the virtual world
Virtual HandDigital representation of the user's hand in VR
Virtual WorldComplete artificial environment for exploration and interaction
Virtual PrototypeDigital test model
Vestibular SystemBalance organ of the inner ear
Volumetric VideoVolumetric video
VirtualThat which exists in potential, without being present in a specific place or moment
ViveHTC ViveHigh-end VR headset range designed by HTC
VoxelVolumetric Pixel3D pixel
