Augmented Reality vs Virtual Reality – Knowing the Key Differences Between AR and VR

In this era of digitalisation, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are revolutionary technologies that completely change the way we all previously interacted with the world. AR overlays computer-generated content onto the physical world to make it more real life, while VR takes away people from the physical world and puts them completely inside a computer-generated world.

AR and VR have both been growing rapidly, with that growing application moving beyond entertainment and education into health and commerce. These technologies promise outstanding opportunities for innovation, the ways we see and interact in the world around us changed: augmented reality overlays extra information on top of the real world, or you find yourself immersed within a virtual environment.

What is Augmented Reality?

Augmented Reality (AR) is an innovative technology that blends digital information with the physical environment, providing an enhanced perception of reality. Unlike Virtual Reality (VR), which immerses users in a completely simulated environment, AR overlays digital content onto the real world.

AR uses cameras, sensors, and displays in smartphones, smart tablets, smart glasses, and other created AR headsets to merge objects and details. These devices receive a signal and project that signal based on where the person is standing, projecting a view of the surroundings augmented with what the user wants: 3D models, images, videos, text, etc.

There are various types of AR:

1. Marker-based AR: Specific markers, like QR codes or images, help trigger digital content when detected with inputs in an AR-enabled device.

2. Markerless AR:  It is called location-based or position-based AR and doesn’t require markers. It does this by positioning digital information in the user’s environment instead of with respect to the user, using GPS, accelerometers, etc.

3. Projection-based AR: It involves projecting digital content onto physical surfaces, like walls or floors, to create an interactive experience. It doesn’t generate entirely immersive settings; instead, it primarily produces holograms for movies and events.

4. Superimposition-based AR: Replaces or augments specific parts of the real world with virtual objects. For instance, this can involve placing virtual furniture in a real room to visualise how it would look.

How Does AR Work?

AR utilises computer vision, mapping, and depth tracking to present relevant content to the users. This functionality enables cameras to gather, transmit, and analyse data to display digital content relevant to the user’s view.

Augmented Reality enhances the user’s real-world environment with contextually fitting digital content instantly. You can engage with AR using a smartphone or specialised hardware.

Virtual Reality (VR) is a science that is new no less in itself being that certain situations create a whole digital or computer generated reality for the user. In AR, extra information is overlaid onto the current environment, but in VR the whole environment is replaced with a virtual environment.

The types of virtual reality are as follows:

1. Non-immersive Virtual Reality:    This is a commonly used category in our everyday lives, but it is overlooked because the mix of real-world and computer-generated settings it offers gives the user a decision tree in which they remain aware and in control of their physical surroundings. These are called systems that use a computer or gaming console, display and input devices like keyboards, mice or controllers, and let users interact with virtual environments.

2. Semi-immersive Virtual Reality: Users can connect to the physical world while remaining in virtual reality, partially allowing other realities to come in. Digital imagery causes the user to focus, and the user still knows that he is in the real world, but he feels that he is in another world immersed in digital images. Semi-immersive technology combined with high-quality 3D graphics achieves simulated realism in the vertical reality depth.

3. Fully-immersive Virtual Reality: It provides the user with the best simulation encounter experience, both in terms of sight and ears. In order to interact and pursue this fully Immersive VR; users need to have proper VR glasses or Head-Mounted Display (HMD). These VR headsets offer clarity images on the screen and a lot of viewing angles. The screen has to split equally between the two eyes to achieve stereoscopic 3D, and it even has facilities for input tracking to make the experience realistic.

How Does VR Work?

Virtual Reality primarily focuses on replicating the sense of sight. Users wear a VR headset screen in front of their eyes, effectively isolating them from the real world. This setup involves two lenses placed between the screen and the user’s eyes, requiring individual adjustments to accommodate eye movements and positioning. Visuals on the screen are generated by connecting an HDMI cable to a PC or mobile phone.

VR utilises goggles, speakers, and occasionally handheld devices to emulate a genuine real-world experience. It incorporates visual, auditory, and sometimes haptic (touch) stimulation to create an immersive constructed reality.

Also Read: Virtual Reality Games

The Difference Between AR and VR

People often need clarification on AR vs. VR. The following table explains the difference between AR and VR.

AR and VR Difference

The Middle Ground: Mixed Reality

Mixed Reality (MR) is the term used to describe where an interactive virtual experience in the real world is taken. It unites physical and 3D digital contents for real-time interaction and coexistence. MR differs from VR in that users never completely break their connection to the real world. Essentially it relies on a headset that shows parts of the real world to the user. Virtual scenes are adjusted for the user’s real view, and MR adjusts with a user’s movement.

Unlike AR, where users view virtual images on a 2D screen without interaction, MR allows manipulation of overlaid digital images within the real world. In essence, users perceive 3D holograms of digital objects superimposed in their actual environment, enabling manipulation by altering the positions, sizes, shapes, rotation, and movement of these objects.

Applications of AR and VR in Different Sectors

AR and VR have found applications in many domains across many sectors to transform the way industries operate by way of evolving the user experience, increasing efficiency, and creating new solutions. Here are some sectors and their applications:

• AR: Interactive textbooks, immersive learning experiences, virtual field trips, enhancing traditional learning materials.

• VR: Simulated environments for practical training, historical reconstructions, virtual laboratories, and immersive language learning.

1. Healthcare:

• AR: Surgical navigation, patient education using 3D models, vein visualisation, remote assistance during surgeries.

• VR: Treatment of pain management; exposure therapy for phobias; simulation-based medical training; creating calming environments for patients.

2. Retail and E-commerce:

• AR: Virtual try-on for clothing and accessories, AR product visualisation, interactive catalogues.

• VR: Virtual showrooms, immersive shopping experiences, retail analytics using VR data.

3. Entertainment and Gaming:

• AR: Pokémon Go-style games, interactive movie experiences, and location-based AR games.

• VR: Immersive gaming experiences, 360-degree videos, VR concerts and events.

4. Manufacturing and Engineering:

• AR: Assembly instructions overlaid onto machinery, remote assistance for field technicians, and quality assurance using AR inspections.

• VR: Virtual prototyping and design reviews, simulating manufacturing processes, and training for hazardous scenarios.

5. Real Estate and Architecture:

• AR: Property visualisations and tours, augmented property listings, virtual staging of properties.

• VR: Virtual property walkthroughs, immersive architectural visualisations, and interior design simulations.

6. Military and Defense:

• AR: Heads-up displays (HUDs) for situational awareness, training simulations, and maintenance guidance for complex machinery.

• VR: Military training simulations, scenario-based training exercises, flight simulations.

7. Tourism and Hospitality:

• AR: AR-based city guides, interactive travel experiences, and historical site reconstructions.

• VR: Virtual tourism experiences, immersive hotel previews, VR travel simulators.

8. Training and Skill Development:

• AR: AR overlays on the job, interactive manuals and guides, and hands-on learning exercises.

• VR: Immersion simulations for different industries, soft skills training (communication, leadership) and hazardous environment training.

9. Automotive Industry:

• AR: Heads-up displays (HUDs) for navigation and driver assistance, AR-based maintenance guides.

• VR: Virtual showrooms and test drives, design reviews and prototyping, employee training.

AR and VR applications continue to expand as technology advances. They offer innovative solutions and enhance user experiences across numerous sectors, fostering growth and efficiency in various fields.

Also Read: What is Extended Reality?

Advantages and Disadvantages of AR and VR

Features of AR and VR

Wrapping Up

Today, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) have become great technologies that shape human interaction in the way they dream of in the digital age. AR is mixed reality, meaning digital content on top of the physical world, whereas VR is 100% computer-generated environments where users leave reality.

AR is the ability to overlay information onto the world around you, all seamlessly, using cameras, sensors, and displays. For example, VR provides users the immersion in virtual environments using headsets, which cut off the users from his or her environment and enable immersive experience.

The real difference between AR and VR is their immersion. While AR connects to the real world, VR completely loses the user in the virtual world. AR doesn’t need a headset, but it allows people to interact with digital objects placed in the real world, while VR requires a headset and places people in pure fantasy.

These technologies have multiple applications in all sectors. They turn learning into immersive experiences and simulations in education. Also used in healthcare, they help in surgeries, therapy, and patient education. AR and VR enable you to experience everything from retail and entertainment, to automotive and manufacturing, in a new and improved way, and to improve efficiency and increase innovation in every industry.

As AR and VR technology advances, their applications will expand further. They promise innovative solutions, enhanced user experiences, and continued growth across diverse sectors, spearheading the digital transformation of our world.

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