In recent years, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality technologies have become an integral part of our ever growing digital and real-world landscape. Bringing utmost innovation in the spheres of digital media and entertainment, they blur the lines between cyberspace and the physical realm. While both offer an immersive experience, the technology,application and user experience will surely differ depending on the one chosen. In this article we will explore the major differences between the two and their impact on different industries.
To start off we must first understand what each of these terms really means. The first one we will be exploring is Virtual Reality, or in short - VR. VR is a modern-day technological advancement which uses computer-generated simulations to create three-dimensional interactive environments. Users can interact with these environments via specialized hardware such as VR headsets and motion controllers. When diving into a VR experience, users are fully submerged into a digital space with little to no awareness of their real-life surroundings. VR tech tracks the head and body movements of the player and thus creates a truly unforgettable virtual world in which they can explore and interact with in real-time.
Next let’s explore Augmented reality and what it really encompasses. AR is a technology that sets up a digital layer over the physical world, typically this layer is viewed through the lens of one’s smartphone, tablet or any other wearable smart device. Unlike VR, which fully submerges the user into a digital simulation, Augmented Reality just enhances the real world with adding digital elements and information into it. AR uses different types of sensors as well as cameras and GPS in order to detect and track the user’s location, allowing for a flawless integration of digital overlays.
The most blaring difference between VR and AR is in the level of immersion and interaction that they offer. Virtual Reality’s main goal is to completely lose yourself into this made-up digital world, leaving behind your physical boundaries and situation. While AR simply enhances what is already there to make it more interesting. You can still interact with whatever is in front of you, while being mesmerized by whatever you have decided to add from cyberspace.
Another key difference is the application of these two similar, but varying technologies. Virtual Reality is perhaps most popular in the gaming and entertainment industries, thanks to its degree of immersion - it offers a whole new spectrum of gameplay and storytelling possibilities. It is also very popular in training and professional simulation as it allows users to practice skills in a controlled environment. On the other hand, Augmented reality finds itself most popular in the spheres of retail, marketing and healthcare. AR can offer interactive shopping experiences, as it can visualize the products before it’s purchased. It also strongly aids marketing as it can offer an innovative approach to advertising.
Both VR and AR face considerable challenges before they can be truly adapted into everyday life. For VR the main issue is the high cost of the needed hardware, motion sickness triggers and limited content as of now. And as for AR, major problems include technical limitations such as inaccurate tracking and display quality and also privacy concerns. A shared challenge between the two is the one set up by the user’s experience - strong fatigue after prolonged use.
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality, though many find them similar, are two distinct technologies with varying strengths and uses. As society becomes more and more attached to the digital realm and technology in general, it is safe to say that both will soon become an integral part of our everyday lives. The future of AR and VR is likely to be filled with intense growth and innovation which will only further enhance our lives and experiences.
