Augmented Reality vs Virtual Reality

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are two prevalent terms in the era that we are living in right now. Although the concept may be similar for both of them there are significant differences between the two terms, despite that they are repeatedly used as synonyms. With a brief description, through this article let’s sort out their differences and understand the concept of how both of the technologies are being used and under which sectors.

Augmented Reality

Augmented reality in more straightforward terms can be overlaying sensory information over the real-world view to enhance the view and experience of the user or to demonstrate structures of any form to explain the format of it and how the design would be executed. Augmented reality only includes about 25% of the virtuality as most of the configurations are processed through real-life structures. AR creates one of the most unique and almost perfect amalgamations between 3D structures and the real world.

Also Read: What is 3D Printing?

The primary devices that the AR is being executed on are either smartphones or special glasses configured according to the needs of AR. The primary hardware required for AR is most probably already present in a smartphone and hence, is very well capable of handling AR. Sensors along with cameras, accelerometers, gyroscope sensors and even GPS (Global Positioning System). Due to this accessibility of ARs on smartphones, it is much more convenient.

Uses of AR

AR is used widely today and in various fields as well. AR is used for product display in retail and businesses. With the insane widespread use of AR in the gaming industry. The most prominent game that uses the concept of AR has to be Pokémon Go. It uses AR to give a realistic feel to the game, players have to go around in the real world to look for these monsters called Pokémons. When you spot a pokémon nearby, if one clicks on it, players get a pokémon with a real-life background and players can catch them. It is also used in the medical field to create surgical simulators to help understand human anatomy. With the possibility of AR, the world has been constantly evolving around it for the welfare of us humans.

Virtual Reality

A computer-generated simulation of three-dimensional surroundings to provide a realistic experience by using special electronic equipment such as helmets, or different sensors attached to the body is known as Virtual Reality. Virtual reality is considered a 75% virtuality full experience of interacting with the virtual things that you can look at through the specially configured box that contains glasses. Virtual reality is used variously but mostly for entertainment purposes.

As we are speaking of Virtual Reality, Metaverse’s entire concept is based around virtual reality alongside augmented reality too. As we have already discussed the Metaverse and NFTs in the previous articles, we know how the future era is heavily dependent on it. The concept of VR has given an open the door to many possibilities. With various fields utilizing VR, so many things have been accessible and happen to make things go smoother by having a demonstration before actually having to experience it in real life.

Uses of VR

Although VR has been primarily used for entertainment purposes, the most useful way VR can be used in the medical field is to estimate the chances of survival through pre-surgical demonstrations and even practical ones through which, doctors and student doctors can perform surgery through various VR components to practice. Besides these, the various uses for VR include entertainment, education, military and many more. VR has various functions and how can be used for various uses in various fields. As it’s virtual you can even say that it has endless possibilities counting.

So at the end which one is better? Or is one even better than the other?

Conclusion

So, technically one is not better than the other, both have to be used simultaneously to provide the best experience to the users. While VR immerses the users in this virtuality, AR keeps them connected to the real world. Most of the technology that uses these concepts uses both concepts together to provide the best of both worlds. You’d be wrong to believe that AR and VR are meant to function independently. When these technologies are combined, they provide a more immersive and exciting adventure for the user, bridging the gap between the real and virtual worlds in exciting new ways.