The modern day consumer is looking for increasingly more immersive experiences stated Bahaa Al Zubaidi. Both Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) provide this. But they are very different technologies.
Augmented Reality (AR)
Devices like smartphones and tablets allow users to overlay digital information onto the real world. This augmented reality can include images, videos and may use specific AR headsets. This adds layers to your interaction with the real world by superimposing digital information where it is relevant.
Use Cases
AR games use real-world environments and blend in the elements of the game. AR is also useful for navigation, providing directions and useful information at landmarks. It also enhances educational material by adding interactive models and animations. AR can also help customers try on products virtually before purchasing them. It can help industrial technicians by overlaying schematics and instructions on machinery being used.
Virtual Reality (VR)
VR isolates the user from the real world and drops them into a computer generated environment. It is much more immersive and requires the use of VR headsets. The user, in this case, only interacts with the simulated digital world through input devices like hand controllers.
Use Cases
VR can transform gaming by allowing users to explore completely virtual worlds including interactions with digitally generated characters. It can help in risk-free training and simulation in fields like medicine, aviation, and military. VR can be useful for tourism, allowing virtual travel experiences at destinations of historic or cultural value. It can be useful for exposure therapy allowing patients to get over phobias in a secure environment. VR can also aid in design by allowing architects and engineers to interact with 3D prototypes in a virtual environment.
Key Differences
Immersion Level
AR relies on adding on to the real world while VR provides higher immersion by completely isolating the user from their real surroundings.
Hardware
AR does not require tailor-made hardware and can be used through smartphones. But has to be used with VR headsets and hand controllers.
Use Cases
VR is used for fantastic new virtual experiences while AR expands the real world by adding layers to it.
Conclusion
AR and VR have a wide range of applications in various industries from gaming and education to tourism and healthcare. Because they provide different levels of immersion they serve different functions under the same umbrella of providing immersive virtual experiences. As more and more users adapt to these technologies they will only evolve faster soon.
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