The words “virtual reality” and “augmented reality” are more frequently used by people interchangeably. They may sound similar, and as technology enhances further, they begin to blend. However, they are two distinct concepts with qualities that individualise one from the other.
Augmented Reality (AR):
A communicative, collaborative experience with an actual world environment in which virtually simulation generated perceptual information is used to augment the items in the real world, sometimes spanning many sensory features such as to visualize, to hear, to grasp something, to feel pressure, pain and to sense smell known as Augmented Reality. Users experience augmented reality with a smart screen along with a camera at its back to capture the real-world environment. Augmented reality is an augmentation of a direct view of the physical world.
Virtual Reality (VR):
Complete computer-generated true-to-life images that are subjected to the knowledge similar to but completely varied from the actual world environment with the multi-projected environment where users can physically present in the virtual environment feel sound and other sensations. Virtual reality is experienced by the user with wearable technology such as head-mounted display accessories having a screen in front of eyes.
Technologies for AR and VR:
Components involved in the interactive technologies are a processor, a display, sensors and input devices. Modern technologies such as smartphones and tablets contain all these components combined. Smart screen with touch technology for display, camera as an input device, operating system to process and generate output and microelectromechanical system sensors makes augmented reality possible in these smart devices. These technologies work in various industries alongside humans in archaeology, architecture, literature, visual art, industrial manufacturing, etc.
Similarities and Differences:
In virtual reality (VR), the user’s understanding of the world is based entirely on virtual information. In Augmented Reality, the user receives extra computer produced information from real-life facts, which improve his sense of reality. For instance, Virtual reality may be used in architecture to generate a simulation of the inside of a new building by walking around; and Augmented Reality can be used to display structures and systems of a building superimposed on the real world. Another example is the usage of utility apps. Some AR apps, like Augment, allow users to implement digital items in true surroundings so that companies may utilise AR devices to showcase their goods in the real world. It may be used to demonstrate what products might look like in a real-world environment to customers.
Conclusion
Various augmented reality applications have been developed and incorporated 3D models and simulations into our worldly experiences allowing us to preview what products might look like if it is in reality. For instance, if you are buying furniture for your home, augmented reality gives you an experience of how the product will suit you by scanning and taking your space as input and giving out a visual experience of the furniture which is pre modelled and stored in the space where you want it to be placed. You can even modify based on your preferences to know-how, in reality, will it be. But, in virtual reality, the furniture is visualised in a virtual space.
Augmented reality gives way more understanding of the product exactly how and where you want them rather than virtual reality. Still, Virtual reality is widely used in games and exploring spaces than ever before.
Such technologies throughout the globe are used for various purposes, including advocacy and creative expression.
