Washington, D.C. — On Tuesday, November 14 the XR Association (XRA) – a leading XR trade association representing the augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and virtual reality (VR) ecosystem – released the second edition of “Into the Digital World,” an infographic that introduces users to the fundamentals of safety, privacy, and the customization of user experiences on extended reality (XR) devices and uses.
“The future holds tremendous promise for XR applications, especially for youth — from education, entertainment, healthcare, and other uses. Immersive technology will change the way people of all ages interact with the world. But we as an industry recognize that users and potential users may have questions around how the technology works, and what tools are available to keep people safe,” said Elizabeth Hyman, CEO of the XR Association. “We’re pleased to offer this resource to help demystify the technology and shine a light on how today’s immersive devices are built with privacy and safety by design.”
This illustrative guide is a downpayment on work arising from the Future of XR Advisory Council which has brought together industry, public interest groups, academics, and others to identify challenges and opportunities for immersive technologies. XRA will be releasing its report early next year.
The first chapter of “Into the Digital World” introduced users to the fundamentals of extended reality (XR) devices and uses. In “Customizing Your Immersive Experience in the Digital World,” we’ve reintroduced Kayla, a medical student and the main protagonist from XRA’s first edition, who gifts her nephew, Anthony, a VR headset for his birthday. As Anthony and his parents set up the device, readers are shown important safety and privacy tools available to users of XR devices.
With his new headset, Anthony can interact with friends and family like his aunt Kayla, play games and even explore entire solar systems from the comfort of his living room. “Into the Digital World” demonstrated the ways XR can transform users’ interactions with the world around them. This newest edition details examples of how users can customize immersive technologies to practice safety and privacy while still enjoying themselves as they explore virtual worlds.
In the comic, Anthony’s parents are able to tailor the types of content Anthony is allowed to access and purchase, providing them with peace of mind as he delves into the metaverse. “Customizing Your Immersive Experience” demonstrates how users of all ages can maximize their devices while staying safe online.
“As immersive technologies and the digital landscape evolve rapidly, it is imperative that users are well-informed about online safety practices and the potential risks and benefits of XR,” said Joan O’Hara, Senior Vice President of Public Policy at the XR Association. “By grasping these crucial aspects, individuals can harness the full potential of this groundbreaking technology while safeguarding their privacy and well-being. ‘Into the Digital World’ serves as a helpful primer for anyone interested in learning more about XR.”
To meet Kayla and Anthony online and learn more about XR technology trends, visit XRA’s resource center at xra.org/howXRworks and follow #HowXRWorks on Twitter.
