Artificial Intelligence might be the trending technology right now, but a few years ago, the buzzwords were AR and VR. Companies invested heavily in these technologies, which were said to be the next big thing. Even Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook changed its name to Meta, seeing the potential of the Metaverse.
Apple invested in its futuristic Vision Pro headset, which didn’t quite hit the market as the company. But that doesn’t mean AR and VR tech is fading away, not at all. Many companies continue to implement it, and with help from AI, the two might have another breakthrough.
There are also success stories from the technologies, especially in gaming. Pokémon GO is one of the most popular AR games ever, with over 750 million downloads.
In this article, we’ll look at these two technologies, their differences, and their applications.
What is Augmented Reality (AR)?
Augmented Reality is a technology that overlays digital or virtual elements like images and 3D models onto the real world, creating a unique experience. You’ll need a smartphone with a camera or AR glasses and an AR app to use AR. With augmented reality, the physical and virtual worlds combine to enhance reality.
Applications of AR
Here are examples of real-world applications of AR technology.
- Gaming:
The AR gaming experience is like nothing ever experienced before. Gaming elements like characters are projected onto the physical world, creating a familiar yet exciting gaming environment. Pokémon GO is one of the most successful AR games, but there are other options like Walking Dead: Our World and Jurassic World Alive.
- Retail and Ecommerce:
AR helps create a personalized and more enhanced shopping experience where customers can visualize a product before purchasing. Retail giant IKEA uses the AR experience to show customers what furniture would look like in different spaces before buying.
- Healthcare:
Surgeons use AR to overlay medical images onto a patient for better visualization. Physical therapists can also use AR for rehabilitation.
- Education:
Augmented Reality makes education more interactive as scientific concepts or historical events can be overlaid on physical spaces, enhancing a student’s learning capabilities.
Popular apps built using AR technology include Pokémon GO, Google Maps, Holo, IKEA Place, Yelp, and Quiver.
What is Virtual Reality (VR)?
Unlike Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality transports users from the real world into a virtual world immersed in a fully digital and 3D environment. You only need a VR headset or controller to take you to these simulated worlds.
Applications of VR
With its simulation capabilities, here are some virtual reality technology applications.
- Gaming:
It’s safe to say that VR technology was meant for gaming because of the fully immersive experience players get when placed in virtual worlds. Titles like Half-Life: Alyx and Beat Saber show VR’s potential in gaming.
It’s not just video games; casino gaming is also adopting VR technology. PokerStars VR offers a virtual poker experience where players sit at a virtual table, interact with others, use gestures, and even access props like cigars and drinks. As online casinos try to replicate the real-life casino experience, VR holds the potential to offer a more realistic environment.
- Training:
In fields like aviation, healthcare, and military, virtual reality simulates real-world scenarios but in a safe environment. Professionals and military personnel can be trained through simulation, reducing risk but still being prepared for real-life experiences.
- Entertainment:
Virtual reality made films, concerts, and live performance events more immersive. Virtual concerts, also known as V-concerts or virtual live events, have gained significant popularity and success. Examples include Travis Scott’s Fortnite event and Justin Bieber’s Wave virtual concert.
Popular virtual reality apps include Google Cardboard, Oculus VR, The VR Cave, and Tilt Brush.
What is The Difference Between AR and VR?
Even though both technologies provide users with an immersive experience, some differences make each concept unique in its own way.
- Experience
Augmented reality overlays digital elements onto the real world, enhancing reality, while virtual reality creates a digital world and immerses users in a simulated environment.
- Devices
To enjoy the AR experience, you’ll need a smartphone or AR glasses and an AR app. On the other hand, virtual reality requires special VR headsets or controllers to transport users to a virtual world.
- Software
Creating a digital environment for VR technology requires robust software to create a realistic experience, while AR technology is relatively simple to build.
- Applications
Since AR connects users with the real world but differently, it is more versatile and has many applications in various industries. Virtual reality is more immersive and takes users to a different dimension, making it excel in fields that require simulations like gaming and training.
AR and VR: Which Tech Dominates?
Augmented and virtual reality operate differently, and each technology has its applications. However, in the future, the two concepts will merge into mixed reality (MR) technology and leverage their advantages. Mixed Reality blends real and digital worlds, providing a more interactive user experience. As AR, VR, and MR continue to evolve, they have the potential to revolutionize digital interactions.
