Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality Explained

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are growing as new technologies that can make the experience with brands more immersive and engaging. Today people find themselves catapulted into a reality where the boundaries within the physical and digital world are mingled and interconnected. Giants like Apple, Amazon Facebook, Samsung, and Sony are not the only ones to invest in AR-VR technologies, given that even the range of start-ups dedicated to this area is gradually increasing.

However, both AR & VR are often confused – but they’re more like technology cousins than twins. The need to demystify these technology has raised these days primarily because of its extensive utilization and adaption by businesses of all types. In this blog, we will deep dive into AR & VR and explore its possibilities.

What is Virtual Reality?

The outline of virtual reality comes from the definitions of both ‘virtual’ and ‘reality’. The meaning of virtual is near and reality is what we experience. Thus, the term ‘virtual reality’ means a reality that stands near to us. This could mean anything but it usually refers to a specific type of reality emulation. Unlike conventional user interfaces, VR sets the user inside an experience. Rather than viewing a screen in front of them, users are involved and able to interact with 3D worlds. This happens by simulating as many senses as possible, like vision, touch. hearing, even smell.

Where is Virtual Reality Used?

• VR technology is employed to build and enhance a fictional reality for the gaming world.
• VR technology gives a secure environment for patients to come into contact with anything they fear.
• VR is used as a digital training device in many sports and to help to measure a sports person’s performance and examine their techniques.
• VR is often used by the military to create battlefield simulations or fight simulations.
• Using VR devices such as Google Cardboard, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, or users can be transported into real-world and imagined environments like being in space or sitting on the back of a dragon.
• Before getting into the actual medical procedures, a lot of medical students use VR to practice.

What is Augment Reality?

Similar to virtual reality, augmented reality is an agglomeration of two words augment and reality. The definition of ‘augment’ is making something greater by adding something to it. Thus, the word Augment Reality means technology that enhances or augments your experience of the world around you.” In other words, AR is an interactive experience of real-world conditions where the real-world objects are enhanced by computer-generated technology, sometimes across multiple sensory modalities, including visual and auditory.

Where is Augmented reality used?

• AR technology is being adapted by apparel brands. With the help of technology, they help users to see how a dress would look on them.
• Marketing and Advertising industries often use AR technology apps to display digital content on top of real-world magazines.
• AR technology allows you for the development of language translation apps that helps you to decipher the text in other languages.
• AR is majorly used to develop real-time 3D games.

Conclusion

The basic idea of AR & VR is to offer to our senses in such a way that we experience it as if we were really there. Also, as the technology is becoming cheaper and more widespread, we can expect to see many more innovative uses for technology in the future. In fact, AR and VR can help one get the optimum level of experience. They are mostly compounded together to create an improved pleasant experience to transport the user to the fictitious world by giving a new dimension of interaction between the real and virtual world. It would be intriguing to see the opportunities and solutions that AR and VR will present in the times to come. We are looking forward to it. What about you? Do let us know in the comments below.