Augmented Reality Vs. Virtual Reality Differences And Similarities

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality are two buzzwords we hear in the technology sector. Though People are aware of the two technologies in a broad manner but very few understand their true meaning, potential and how they are similar in certain ways yet different altogether.

Let’s have an insight into the two futuristic technologies that are slowly transforming the world around us.

Augmented reality is a breakthrough technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user’s view of the real world, thus enhancing the actual picture. Augmented reality brings the elements of the virtual world into the real world and improves the real world. For example, if you need to change a car’s tire and you are not sure how to go about it, then augmented reality can do wonders by walking you through the entire process of changing a tire with superimposed imaged and text explaining the process. Therefore Augmented reality makes our real world more exciting and convenient. With augmented reality, one will have no fear of getting lost in woods as a virtual map of the location guiding one through the jungle is just a click away. This is the power of Augmented reality.

On the other hand, Virtual Reality is a technology where a computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment is created that is interactive in a seemingly real or physical way by a person. Virtual Reality tricks the mind into believing the virtual environment as real. Virtual Reality has the power to take one into a completely different world and experience it or make one see things that are yet not built or just not there. Virtual Reality has been finding large applications in sectors such as real estate where you can have a virtual tour of the property and tourism where customers can get a feel of the destination before they decide to go for it.

Similarities

Augmented Reality and the Virtual Reality are similar in a fashion that they both provide the user with an enhanced experience.

Both technologies enable experiences that are increasingly becoming more commonly expected and sought after for entertainment, business and training purposes. Companies have identified AR and VR as technologies with huge potential and are investing in and developing new adaptations, improvements, and products based on these technologies.
Both VR and AR have great potential in optimizing the medical field by making things such as remote surgeries a real possibility.

Differences

AR works by combining the real world with the elements of the virtual world. Developers create images or sounds in apps to mix these into the actual world content. On the other hand, VR creates its reality that is computer generated and driven.

To experience Virtual Reality, a head-mounted, or hand-held controller (e.g. Oculus Touch) is used. This equipment takes people in the world of  Virtual Reality and allows them to control and navigate their actions thus interacting with the environment that is meant to simulate the real world.

Augmented Reality is commonly used in mobile devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets.

Both Augmented reality and Virtual Reality are futuristic technologies having immense potential to make our lives better.