Key takeaways
- Augmented reality (AR) adds digital information to the real world. In contrast, virtual reality (VR) creates a completely new digitized environment.
- Augmented reality is easily accessible and affordable, as you do not need to purchase additional, costly equipment. In contrast, virtual reality requires expensive gear.
- Augmented reality might become a part of everyday life with innovations like smart glasses, while virtual reality can influence our lives with immersive experiences.
- AR apps’ cameras and sensors can capture user environment data, raising privacy concerns. VR also faces challenges with collecting sensitive personal and behavioral data.
In recent years, technology has changed how we see and interact with the world around us. Two of the most exciting advancements are augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).
While they might sound alike, AR and VR are different in many ways and offer unique experiences. The only thing they have in common is that both change how we view reality.
Often called “the real world plus,” augmented reality enhances everyday experiences by adding digital information to the real world.
Need directions? AR can show you the way by offering real-time directions as you drive. Want to know a building’s history? AR can tell you its story.
Virtual reality, on the other hand, is more like stepping into a dream world. It immerses you in a completely different reality. With a headset, you can explore a computer-generated environment and experience things that might not be possible in the real world.
Definition and applications of augmented reality
AR technology overlays digital content, such as sounds, images or data, onto the physical world. You need gadgets like smartphones, tablets or AR glasses to see and interact with these digital features, which enhance your perception of reality.
Remember Pokémon Go? It’s an example of AR in action, where players can see and capture virtual monsters in the real world using their smartphone screens.
AR uses your phone’s camera and sensors to determine what’s around you and where you are. This information is then used to seamlessly blend digital content with the real world, allowing you to experience and interact with digital elements in a real-world setting.
Definition and applications of virtual reality
VR makes a digital world feel completely real. Unlike AR, which adds digital elements to the real world, VR creates a fully immersive experience by replacing the real world with a computer-generated one. When you put on a VR headset, it covers your eyes and ears, cutting off the outside world and surrounding you with an imaginary environment. It’s like being in a movie where you’re the star.
VR can transport you to different places, like a dream world, a historical site or even a real-world simulation. It’s popular in video games, where players can explore virtual worlds and interact with digital characters. VR is also used in therapy sessions, training simulations, and virtual tours because it provides a controlled setting in which you can experience new environments.
The metaverse — a virtual world based on a blockchain — uses aspects of both AR and VR. You might also hear the term “extended reality,” which is a mix of AR and VR and mixed reality experiences.
Did you know? Augmented reality is transforming shopping. With apps from clothing retailers like Zara, you can now see how clothes look on you virtually, eliminating the need for fitting rooms. This blends online and in-store shopping, making finding the perfect outfit easier and more convenient than ever.
Differences between augmented reality and virtual reality
Here’s how augmented reality differs from virtual reality:
Immersion
- AR: You stay in your real-world environment, but digital elements are layered on top of it. It’s like enhancing what you already see.
- VR: You’re fully immersed in a new environment and enter a different world.
Equipment and mobility
- AR: You usually just need your smartphone or tablet; it’s highly portable. Special AR glasses are also an option, but the tech is integrated into your own devices.
- VR: You need a VR headset to fully experience virtual environments, which are less portable than AR equipment. Sometimes, you’ll also need handheld controllers to interact with the virtual world.
Interaction
- AR: You interact with both the real world and the digital elements added to it. For example, you point your phone at an object to trigger an animation.
- VR: You interact solely with the virtual world. The VR system tracks your movements and actions, making it feel like you’re physically interacting within the virtual space.
Did you know? The merger of VR and crypto is paving the way for a more immersive and decentralized digital economy. VR is integral to metaverses, where avatars buy virtual goods and attend exclusive events.
Applications and use cases of AR and VR
As augmented reality and virtual reality are both different technologies, they are often used for distinct purposes:
Augmented reality
AR is especially useful in fields where adding digital content to the real world can improve it for you. Here are some use cases of augmented reality:
- Retail: AR helps you make decisions in online shopping by letting you visualize digital representations of products. For example, apps like IKEA Place let you see how furniture will look in your home.
- Navigation: AR can overlay information and directions in the real world. For example, AR guidance tools help you find your way on apps like Google Maps.
- Education: AR can bring textbooks to life with 3D models and animations, making learning more fun and dynamic. For example, if you are interested in historical places, AR apps can make your online visit more engaging.
- Healthcare: AR gives doctors real-time information and pictures during medical care and treatment. Surgeons can view digital overlays of information about patients or surgical tools while performing the surgery.
Virtual reality
VR is often used when the user wants to experience complete immersion. Here are some use cases of virtual reality:
- Gaming: VR lets you explore and interact with virtual worlds, giving you a sense of realism. VR boosts the experience when you’re playing games like Beat Saber and Half-Life: Alyx.
- Training simulations: VR provides realistic training for military, healthcare and aviation professionals. You can work on skills and situations in a controlled setting without taking real-life risks.
- Virtual tours: VR lets you view distant places, historical spots or homes for sale without being there. This can be very helpful for the real estate and tourism businesses.
- Therapy: VR is useful for helping you overcome fears, deal with pain or improve your mental health.
Comparing AR and VR
This table sums up how augmented reality and virtual reality compare to each other:
Benefits and risks of AR and VR
Here are the benefits and risks associated with AR and VR:
Benefits of augmented reality
- Real-world interaction: AR adds digital content to the real world, enabling you to interact with both worlds simultaneously. This makes AR apps easy to use for everyday tasks.
- Cost-effective: You’re likely to already own gadgets to access AR, so you don’t need expensive gear. This lowers the cost of accessing AR.
- Accessibility: Simple to access, AR experiences are usable in several environments, from navigating a city to enhancing learning in a classroom or exploring interactive features in a museum.
Risks of augmented reality
- Limited immersion: AR doesn’t immerse you as much as VR because you can still see around. This can make it harder for you to have fully immersive encounters.
- Privacy issues: Cameras and sensors in AR apps raise privacy issues because these devices can gather and process information about your environment.
Benefits of virtual reality
- High immersion: VR lets you explore and connect with virtual worlds, giving you a fully immersive experience. This level of immersion works well for situations where you need to feel like you’re part of it.
- Training: VR creates a safe space for realistic training situations, making it useful for fields that need hands-on practice without the risks associated with the real world.
- Costly gear: VR requires special gear you can’t easily handle, making it harder to use.
- Potential for motion sickness: You may feel sick or uncomfortable using VR, especially when there is fast movement or sense inputs you cannot adjust.
Risks of virtual reality
- Health concerns: Extended VR use may result in health issues like eye strain, motion sickness, headaches and even seizures.
- Social isolation: If you spend too much time in the virtual world, you may get disconnected from real-life relationships.
- Addiction: Excessive usage of VR may lead to addiction and compulsive behavior, thanks to its immersive and engaging nature.
Did you know? AR is making learning fun and exciting! Imagine exploring ancient pyramids or dissecting a frog, all from your textbook. AR apps are turning these experiences into reality, making lessons interactive and unforgettable.
What the future holds for AR and VR
AR and VR have a bright future thanks to continued technological progress and growing uses in many fields.
Continued research has led to better hardware and software, resulting in better user experiences. Lighter, more affordable AR glasses and VR headsets are under development and are set to boost accessibility and comfort. AR makes digital information easier, improving work, learning and fun. AR-powered smart glasses will likely become routine, changing how you communicate, find your way and shop.
VR will make experiences more immersive, changing how you consume content. Gaming, training, healthcare and education are all likely to be impacted by VR. Virtual reality could open up new ways for you to interact with computers, making the difference between the real and virtual worlds less clear.