According to the report, what has previously been called virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) has in recent years become known under the umbrella term 'extended reality'.

The report adds that the tipping point of mass adoption is nearing. Pointing to trends in the past several years, the report notes that many companies are already moving towards XR.

For example, Disney has hired a senior executive for the metaverse and Facebook believed so strongly in this that it changed its name to Meta.

The report explores:
  • setting the scene for XR
  • tools and technologies to get started
  • AR for news
  • VR for news
  • commercial opportunities of XR, and
  • what the metaverse is. 
The report indicates that, as hardware and technology that allow readers to move between screens and glasses continue to become cheaper, more readers will have access to immersive experiences. This allows media companies to give readers much more context at one time.

The new study is based on INMA's six-part master class series 'How newsrooms can creatively use and report on XR'. The masterclass is held in partnership with Meta and aims to provide a blueprint for news media companies to navigate the new 'reality' landscape.

Written by INMA product initiative lead Jodie Hopperton, the study distills lessons learned during the master class series and looks into:
  • XR's specific benefits and opportunities as related to the news media industry
  • how to explain XR to readers
  • specific tools media companies can use that cost less than an iPhone in some cases
  • why media companies should give platforms like Snapchat another look, and
  • why publishers must remember that the story matters more than the platform. 
Among the report's experts are:
  • Laura Hertzfeld, a storytelling innovation executive
  • Robert Hernandez, professor of professional practice at the University of Southern California
  • Chloe Rochereuil, co-founder and VR director at TARGO
  • Zillah Watson, an XR executive producer
  • Raymond Soto, senior director of emerging tech at Gannett | USA Today Network, and
  • Stephen Shaw, global business development director at Iconic Engine.
"After a false start for news organisations experimenting with VR in 2015 the tipping point is finally coming," INMA's Hopperton concludes. "We don't yet know what the metaverse will look like, but we do know that AR is already built into most social platforms and VR headset sales are increasing dramatically. This report serves as the groundwork to start building skills and strategy for all that is coming in the very near future."

The Opportunities and Blueprint of XR for Media is available for free to INMA members and registered users on the INMA's website. All others may register and download here. 

For more information, visit www.inma.org.za. You can also follow the INMA on Facebook and Twitter.