Meta Embraces ‘Mixed Reality’ as Umbrella Term for VR and MR

In a recent development, Meta, the tech giant behind the Oculus Quest series, has adopted the term “mixed reality” (MR) to cover both virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality experiences. This change, clearly outlined by Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth on X (formerly Twitter), is set to revolutionize how the company communicates its product offerings.

Meta CTO’s Clarification

Back in February, Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth tweeted, “NB: we use MR instead of MR/VR now. The term covers both for us internally.” This confirmation addressed comments by John Carmack, a prominent figure in the VR industry, who was critical of Meta’s perceived overemphasis on mixed reality. Carmack’s concerns were centered around Meta’s focus on VR content that blends with a passthrough background, which he believed lacked nuance.

Redefining Terminology on the Quest Website

The transition to “mixed reality” is already evident on Meta’s official Quest website. The term “virtual reality” is almost entirely absent from the main Quest section, including the Quest 3 and Quest 3S product pages. One of the few remaining mentions is in a reference to Batman: Arkham Shadow, where the game is described as offering a “fully immersive VR” experience. However, it is marketed elsewhere as a “mixed reality” game.

Interestingly, Meta now describes VR experiences as “immersive experiences.” This rebranding reflects their broader strategy to group VR and MR under a single term.

Meta Connect 2025 Developer Signup

This shift in terminology extends to Meta’s developer community as well. When developers sign up for Meta Connect 2025, the registration form no longer includes an option for “Virtual Reality.” Instead, they are categorized as AI developers, AR developers, or MR developers, among other options. This change underscores Meta’s commitment to using “mixed reality” as the overarching term for its headset experiences.

Implications and Confusion

The new terminology has not been without controversy. Many developers and users find it confusing, as the term “mixed reality” is often associated with AR, where digital content is superimposed onto the real world. In Meta’s case, they are using “mixed reality” to encompass everything from fully immersive VR to MR games. This ambiguity has led to some frustration and confusion among the community.

Matthew Ball, a venture capitalist and VR expert, comments, “Meta’s approach can make it difficult for consumers to distinguish between different types of experiences. The term ‘mixed reality’ is already associated with a specific type of technology, and using it to cover a broader category of products can be misleading.”

Future of Meta’s Terminology

Despite the confusion, Meta appears committed to the “mixed reality” umbrella term. The company is considering alternatives, such as “XR” (cross-platform reality), which encompasses VR, AR, and potentially other immersive technologies. However, Meta has decided to stick with “mixed reality” for now to differentiate their product line from other forms of XR.

It’s worth noting that Meta’s VP of MR/VR, Mark Rabkin, is stepping down in March due to family health issues. His successor, who has yet to be announced, will likely take on the role of VP of MR, continuing Meta’s focus on the unifying term.

Conclusion

Meta’s decision to rebrand its product offerings as “mixed reality” represents a significant shift in how the company communicates its technology to the public and its developer community. While the move aims to simplify and unify their offerings, it has also caused confusion. As the technology continues to evolve, it’s crucial for Meta to strike a balance between innovation and clarity in their communication.

What do you think about Meta’s new terminology? Are you confused by the changes, or do you see the benefits in this approach? Share your thoughts in the comments below.