What Are The Differences Between Virtual Reality And Augmented Reality?

What Are The Differences Between Virtual Reality And Augmented Reality?

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality are crucial concepts in a society that is becoming increasingly digital. Despite being distinct technologies, both names are frequently used interchangeably. What are the differences and similarities between augmented reality and virtual reality?

Definition: What is Augmented Reality?

Augmented Reality (AR) fuses the digital and physical worlds. This technology is ideal for both mobile devices and desktop computers. Its distinguishing characteristic is the ability to mirror digital components in the physical world.

Virtual world: What is Virtual Reality (VR)?

The primary distinction between AR and VR is that VR is a computer simulation. This indicates that reality or an alternate universe is formed graphically.

It is feasible for the user to be totally immersed in the digital environment when using the proper hardware. Consequently, there are significant disparities between AR and VR headsets. Virtual reality (VR)-specific hardware requires sensory sensors that translate real-world motion into simulated reality.

What’s the Difference Between the Two?

Both virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) need the use of special hardware and software, but the two types of experiences are fundamentally different.

  • AR takes place in the real world, whereas VR is an entirely simulated environment.
  • Users of augmented reality are able to control their presence in the actual world, whereas users of virtual reality are controlled by technology.
  • AR may be accessible using a smartphone; however, virtual reality calls for a separate headset device.
  • While virtual reality can only improve a fictitious reality, augmented reality can improve both the virtual and actual worlds.

Despite the fact that their hardware looks extremely similar to one another, virtual reality and augmented reality are entirely different experiences that are achieved in very different ways. Virtual reality (VR) supplants real life by transporting users to another location. Augmented reality (AR) superimposes additional layers of data on top of the world as it already exists. Both of these technologies have a long way to go before they become widely adopted by consumers, but they both have a great deal of potential. They have the potential to dramatically revolutionize how we use computers in the future, but it is now impossible to predict which one or both of them will be successful.

What are some examples of augmented reality and virtual reality?

Use cases for augmented reality are diverse and growing. The following are actual programs you can utilize today.

  • Ikea Place is a mobile application that allows you to see Ikea furniture in your own house by superimposing a 3D model of the item over a live video feed of the room.
  • YouCam Makeup enables customers to visually test cosmetics using a live selfie.
  • Technicians can don a headset that guides them through the process of repairing or maintaining a malfunctioning piece of equipment, outlining where each component goes and in what order.
  • Various sports rely on augmented reality to offer athletes with real-time statistics and to enhance their physical training.

Beyond gaming and other forms of entertainment, some examples of virtual reality in business include:

  • Architects are utilizing virtual reality to create homes and allowing clients to “walk through” the structure before the foundation has been built.
  • Increasingly, automobiles and other vehicles are being developed in virtual reality.
  • Virtual reality is being used to train firefighters, soldiers, and other professionals in hazardous areas without putting them at risk.

AR and VR: A successful symbiosis

When combined, augmented reality and virtual reality produce an excellent synergy of systems. Although they can be used independently, their combined functionality provides consumers with a superior and more interesting experience. The idea behind this is to construct a fictional world that retains the capacity for interaction with the existing one. TeamViewer provides you with excellent software solutions that may be used to implement augmented reality as well as virtual reality.

If you want to read more about the benefits of artificial intelligence in marketing, read our blog. 

Lloyd Walden
Marketing Manager Lloyd has helped Technology In The Arts with regards to our online presence, alongside his works on helping us in marketing our brand to other clients