XR is XR: Rethinking MR and XR as Neutral Umbrella Terms

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the origins and usage of the term XR, proposing it as a neutral umbrella term rather than an abbreviation, emphasizing the need for collaborative governance for stable terminology.

Contribution

It provides a historical timeline and reexamines XR's role as a symbolic label, not an abbreviation, highlighting the importance of collaborative governance.

Findings

XR functions as a neutral symbolic label, not an abbreviation

A timeline distinguishes term coinage from adoption drivers

Stable terminology requires collaboration among stakeholders

Abstract

The term XR is currently widely used as an expression encompassing Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR). However, there is no clear consensus regarding its origin or meaning. XR is sometimes explained as an abbreviation for Extended Reality, but multiple interpretations exist regarding its etymology and formation process. This paper organizes the historical formation of terminology related to VR, AR, MR, and XR, and reexamines the context in which the term XR emerged and how it has spread. In particular, by presenting a timeline that distinguishes between the coinage of terms and the drivers of their adoption, we suggest that XR, as an umbrella term, functions not as an abbreviation of Extended Reality, but rather as a neutral symbolic label that encompasses multiple "reality"-related terms. Furthermore, we argue that stable usage of terminology, including XR, requires governance through collaboration among academia, industry, and standardization organizations.