The year 2022 will be the year that a new type of convergence becomes a reality.

Over the past few years, I have written a lot about extended reality (XR), which covers virtual reality (VR), augmented reality, and mixed reality (MR), as well as assisted reality (ASSR), and many other subjects. We don't want to confuse an already complicated subject. Recent announcements suggest that AR and VR will soon be converged.

Last week, Lenovo has announced the ThinkReality VRX, which is a VR headset specifically designed for the "Enterprise Metaverse." Lenovo's "high-resolution passing capabilities for mixed reality applications" are one of its key features. To understand why Lenovo is highlighting this, and why it is important for augmented-reality users, it is helpful to first understand what it is.

What is pass-through AR?

A traditional AR headset allows you to see the world through transparent lenses. Your view can be augmented with digital content. Imagine a pair of see-through glasses that add 3D holograms to your field of vision.

Your entire vision is replaced with a 3-dimensional digitally generated world in virtual reality. Passthrough AR is a method that uses cameras mounted on the headset's front to digitally recreate your real-world environment in VR. Traditional AR shows you reality, while pass-through AR lets you see a live stream of reality.

Pass-through AR allows AR developers to create apps and experience in VR headsets. This allows AR/VR to be combined in one device, at a much lower price than an AR headset. AR, or AR in the form factor, price and functionality that will drive mass adoption of AR, is not yet available. Passthrough AR is a way to bridge the gap between the present and the future when AR glasses will become more feasible.

Vishal Shah, Lenovo’s GM of XR Metaverse was my contact regarding the announcement. He explained the advantages of pass-through AR over traditional AR. He replied, "Full-color passing through allows the ThinkReality VRX users to seamlessly transition from immersive use cases such as 3D content consumption, collaboration, and interaction with real-world environments to do normal activities. This allows for a safer and more enjoyable experience when using VR in enterprise settings.

Meta will announce next week a VR headset for enterprise customers. This headset will feature advanced features like face tracking and high-resolution video pass-through if the rumors are true.

These announcements are timed differently, but they share two interesting similarities. Both products use pass-through AR and are targeted at enterprise customers.

With the Oculus Quest 2, we were able to see pass-through AR. The Quest 2 has cameras that can provide pass-through AR, but the quality is not great. Black and white cameras have poor picture quality so they are limited in their use.

Horizon Workrooms is a collaboration app created by Meta that allows people in VR to meet in virtual conference rooms. Workrooms have a unique feature that allows you to access your computer from within VR. Your computer screen can be seen in VR and you have the option of sharing it with others on a larger display on the wall.

Pass-through AR allows you to use VR to dictate while in workrooms. It uses pass-through AR to locate your keyboard and show you your hands as you place them on the keyboard. This functionality would mean that you could only type by feeling, which I've never been able too. This is just one example of pass-through AR in VR. Full-color, high-resolution pass-through allows for almost all AR applications to be used and allows users to switch between them.