We’ve Heard Of VR And AR, But What Is Synthetic Reality?

Synthetic reality is a new way of creating digital experiences using AI. It uses generative tools and language models to build lifelike images, videos and avatars from very little input. A person can be turned into a realistic digital twin using just a few minutes of webcam footage. That avatar can then speak in different languages, mimic specific speech patterns and answer questions in real time.

Its good for mixing different media with natural language processing together to create believable digital people who can talk, move and even engage with others online.

Synthetic reality is already alive and well in so many different fields. Avatars can deliver presentations, act as brand ambassadors or guide new employees through training sessions without needing a human to be present. This is often quicker and more cost effective than traditional methods.

 

How Is Synthetic Reality Different From AR And VR?

 

Virtual reality makes fully digital environments where users put on a headset in order to immerse themselves into a space that is an “alternative” to the real world. Augmented reality adds extra content to the real world through screens or glasses. Think of social media filters, made famous by Snapchat.

Synthetic reality works differently. It is not built around physical environments or wearable hardware. Instead, it creates people and interactions using AI. These digital people may appear in videos, on websites or in livestreams. They are often created from text input, allowing companies to generate voices and facial movements that look and sound human.

PwC’s report “Seeing is Believing” speaks on the economic promise of AR and VR. These tools are expected to grow the global economy by £1.4 trillion by 2030. Most of this will come from better training, faster product development, and new ways to shop or visit healthcare providers. For example, VR is already used to train surgeons by simulating theatre experiences.

Synthetic reality’s economic effect is harder to estimate but it is very quickly becoming a tool that many use. It works in areas where AR and VR may be too expensive or impractical. Instead of creating new environments, it builds digital people who can perform tasks, speak to customers or train workers.

 

 

How Are Businesses Using Synthetic Reality?

 

Companies are experimenting with synthetic reality to create content and connect with customers. Marketing teams can build personalised video messages for different audiences. Avatars can be used at virtual events, making them feel more engaging without hiring actors or live presenters.

Training and onboarding are also really making use of this tech… businesses can simulate realistic work scenarios, so that staff can learn at their own speeds. These lessons can be accessed at any time, which is better for workers than traditional classroom training.

Digital avatars can also help with internal communication. Instead of repeating the same messages at staff meetings, leaders can record once and share updates through synthetic versions of themselves. This saves time while still keeping a human feel.

J.P. Morgan’s AI use, as described in Tearsheet’s report, shows how digital tools are changing business. Their virtual assistant COiN processes 12,000 commercial agreements in seconds. While this is not synthetic reality in the visual sense, it shows how companies are relying on AI to handle more complex tasks.

 

Are There Risks With Synthetic Reality?

 

There are certainly some risks associated with this medium or realm. Because synthetic reality looks and sounds so real, it can be difficult to tell if a video or voice is fake. This can lead to confusion, fraud or misuse. Someone could literally create a video of a person saying something they never said.

To avoid this, companies are instructed to use watermarks or verification tools. Synthetic content should follow clear policies. People must give permission before their face or voice is used to make a digital twin.

Employees also need training to spot synthetic content. A lack of understanding on how this tech works may cause users to mistake it for genuine human interaction. Trust is harder to build when people are not sure who or what they are speaking to.

 

And What Makes Synthetic Reality Useful?

 

Synthetic reality works as a great solution because it can save time, maybe cut costs and even create unique and immersive ways to work and learn. The issue with VR and AR is that they need the latest tech installed. But with synthetic reality, it can run on simpler devices and be shared more easily. This makes it attractive to companies who want more viable but still tech forward solutions.

Its still really important that it is used carefully, though. The more lifelike digital media ends up becoming, the easier it’ll be for others to misuse it.