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Introduction to XR: VR, AR, and MR Foundations

Approx. 20 hours to complete

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Course Summary

This course provides an introduction to the world of XR (extended reality), covering the fundamental concepts and technologies behind it. Students will learn how to design, develop, and deploy their own XR projects using popular platforms like Unity and ARKit.

Key Learning Points

Gain a deep understanding of XR concepts and technologies
Learn how to design and develop XR projects using Unity and ARKit
Explore real-world XR applications and use cases

Learning Outcomes

Ability to design and develop XR projects
Understanding of XR concepts and technologies
Practical experience with Unity and ARKit

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic understanding of programming concepts
Access to a computer running Unity and ARKit

Course Difficulty Level

Beginner

Course Format

Self-paced
Online
Project-based

Similar Courses

Introduction to Virtual Reality
Augmented Reality and ARCore
Unity XR: How to Build AR and VR Apps

Related Education Paths

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Description

What is XR? It’s shorthand for a related set of new technologies that are changing the way we interact with the world and with each other: Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Mixed Reality.

To understand XR, you need to understand the technologies that enable it. If you understand the available technologies, how they are used, and what their future holds, you’ll be well equipped to deal with XR as it rapidly evolves and converges. In this course, we will present an introduction to XR using a broadly chronological approach, focusing on how all of the underlying technologies came together at key moments in the history of XR to launch the concepts of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality into the mainstream consciousness. Throughout the course, we’ll give a brief description of each of the supporting technologies, some history about when it first came into use, limitations and future potential for improvement, and how it’s used for AR, VR, and MR. As you learn about the technology, you’ll also develop hands on experience in the field along two tracks. First, you will use Unity to build and run two simple XR applications on your own smartphone: a “VR Museum” app and a handheld Augmented Reality app. Second, you will brainstorm, define, visualize, and iterate your own original concept for an XR application, ending the course with a thorough and peer-reviewed XR Product Brief that you could use as the basis for future development. This is the first of three planned courses in Unity's XR Specialization, which include the Mobile VR App Development with Unity course as well as a future course focused on developing Augmented Reality (AR) applications with Unity.

Outline

All Aboard - How Google Cardboard Brought VR to the Masses
Welcome to Introduction to XR!
Module Overview
What is XR?
It's All About the IMU
Fast Mobile CPUs
The Optics of VR
Course Prerequisites and Hardware Requirements
Additional Resources and Getting Help
Activity - Course Technology Table (Optional)
What is XR?
Non-graded quiz
Non-graded quiz
Non-graded quiz
Graded Quiz

From Google Cardboard to Google Earth VR
Module Overview
VR - The Wonder Years
VR Demystified
The VR Platform Landscape - Mobile VR
The VR Platform Landscape - Room Scale VR
Comfort Ratings
VR App Stores and 360 Videos
Categories of VR Apps
UX in VR - The Infinite Screen
Text In VR
Guidelines for Immersive Virtual Reality Experiences
Project Work: Install Unity and Device SDKs
Project Work: Build a VR Application to Your Device
Project Work: Explore the VR Museum
Non-graded quiz
Non-graded quiz
Non-graded quiz
Non-graded quiz
Graded quiz

Get Ready, Get Set, Pokemon GO!
Overview
Spatial Computing
What's the Difference Between MR and VR?
Marker and Face Detection
Unity AR Libraries, SDKs and APIs
Reality is What You Make of It
Location is Key
Safety Concerns in AR
Project Work: There’s a Robot on Your Table
Non-graded quiz
Non-graded quiz
Non-graded quiz
Graded quiz

My Implants Don’t Distinguish Between Realities
Overview
Convergence on the Horizon
Do You Feel Me?
A Magic Leap Beyond
The Future of XR
Explore more about haptics
Non-graded quiz
Non-graded quiz
Non-graded quiz
Non-graded quiz
Graded quiz

Summary of User Reviews

Read reviews on Coursera for XR Introduction course. Learners praise the course for its comprehensive curriculum, hands-on assignments and industry-relevant insights. Many users found the course suitable for beginners as well as professionals.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

Comprehensive curriculum

Pros from User Reviews

Hands-on assignments
Industry-relevant insights
Suitable for beginners and professionals
Engaging lectures
Great introduction to XR technology

Cons from User Reviews

Some users found the course too basic
Lengthy lectures
Not much interaction with the instructor
No real-time feedback on assignments
Limited resources for further learning

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