Augmented Reality vs. Virtual Reality: What are the Differences ?

by Ruturaj Desai Yantram Studio – 3D Architectural Animation

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are the two most discussed topics of the gaming world. Both show a promising growth and their most remarkable similarity is their capability to alter the perception of the world around us. However, there are major differences between the two technologies, and comprehension of the differences is required to make optimum use. A short introduction, therefore, is needed for conceptual clarity.

What is AR?

AR is a technology that layers the elements of a real-world environment with computer-generated sensory enhancements like sound, graphics, or GPS data. Through Augmented Reality(AR) app development, end users are surrounded with a world which is more interactive and can be digitally manipulated. Information from an AR app usually overlaps the real world but, one can easily tell them apart. A person can perceive the components of the digital world into his or her real world.

What is Virtual Reality?

The term ‘virtual reality’ refers to technologies that generate realistic sounds or images with the help of VR headsets. Virtual reality development replicates real environment in an imaginary setting. The physical presence of end users is simulated in this replicated environment. The imaginary setting is displayed through a VR headset and is arrayed in three spatial dimensions.

A person using this equipment is able to ‘virtually feel and interact’ with the artificial world. Also, one can have a first-person view in it which is why the word immersive is often used to describe this technology.

AR vs. VR

The first major difference between the two lies in altering the perception of our presence.
Augmented reality supplements or rather ‘augments’ our current reality with clear visors, but does not change our environment. Virtual reality, on the other hand, acts as a virtual portal that takes its users to an entirely different world. Once you put on a VR headset, your real world is blocked out from your vision. You are transposed to some other place.

Without any doubt, VR sounds more exciting but, it is definitely not something that one can think about using in day-to-day life. For instance, think about wearing a headset in a public place. Practically, it does become difficult as well as dangerous to move in a state where you are completely shut off from the real world. VR may be more immersive but AR offers more freedom to its users and is also more useful for marketers.

Perhaps, that is the reason why Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, stated that he was more excited about augmented-reality development rather than virtual one because the former enables individuals to be present in the real world, but at the same time, it allows improvement on the present conditions. Pokemon Go is the most classic example of AR app. Besides gaining massive market acceptance, it also infiltrated our daily lives. Any AR development company that wishes to hit the market big has lots to learn from this app.

The Future of ‘Reality’ Technologies

Both AR and VR have made dramatic improvements. Virtual startups are introducing their way into the industry to expand the sensory experiences of users. In terms of commercial success, augmented reality has an upper hand, but that does not undermine the rapid growth that virtual reality has shown. However, given the present adoption ratio of these two technologies, it is clear that a VR development company will need to work harder to reach up to the platter of mass acceptance.

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Article source: http://yantramstudio.com/blog/virtual-reality/augmented-reality-vs-virtual-reality-what-are-the-differences/