Difference Between Augmented Reality And Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) bridge the digital and physical worlds. They allow you to take in information and content visually, the same way you take in the world. 

Augmented Reality expands the ways our devices can help with everyday activities like searching for information, live translation, identifying objects and shopping. Virtual Reality lets you experience what it's like to go anywhere, from home to different cities.

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What is the difference between Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality?

Virtual reality (VR) is a computer-generated world that can be accessed using immersive devices - helmets, gloves, headphones. The virtual environment completely replaces the real world without reacting to its changes, while the user can influence it, immersing himself, for example, in a video game.

Augmented reality (AR) adds layers to the real world. People can still interact with the physical environment by receiving additional information from their devices or augmented reality applications.

What can I do to immerse myself in VR and AR?

To immerse yourself in virtual reality, you need to use an immersive headset. Information provided by a VR device can include the image, sound, tactile sensation, smell, and even taste.

Augmented reality devices include headsets like Google Glass glasses, mobile phones (you need to download a special application), cameras (the "overlay" layers on the physical environment when the user looks into the lens). When interacting with augmented reality, a person receives only visual and audio experience as a rule.

Is it true that VR and AR are the most popular in the entertainment industry?

Video games and movies are the most common formats adapted for virtual reality. Using an immersive headset, the user can find himself, for example, in Antarctica or among dinosaurs. Advanced interactive VR entertainment appeared not so long ago - team games with full immersion, freedom of movement without restrictions in the form of wires. 

Augmented reality is also used in games: for example, the famous Pokemon GO application works just like AR. The user looks at the world around him through the camera and the gadget's screen, and the application imposes additional objects on reality - Pokemon, which must be caught and then trained. They create interactive books, postcards, colouring pages, and applications for museums, city tours, and much more using augmented reality.

Is it just for games?

Virtual and augmented reality is increasingly being introduced into professional spheres. Virtual Reality (VR) is actively used in journalism, mainly foreign. 

Designers and architects use this technology to present their projects (for example, IKEA). Physicians need virtual reality - as a teaching aid for medical students and to prepare patients for surgery - they are shown the manipulations that will be performed.

Medical startups using VR are helping patients with Alzheimer's, cancer, low vision. Virtual reality is used to train soldiers, pilots and salespeople, engineers and power engineers. For example, oil company Schlumberger uses VR simulators to teach newcomers to work on rigs. Many companies offer their solutions in virtual and augmented reality for educational purposes.

What's next for VR and AR?

Key uses for these technologies in the near future are video games, real-life events, VR parks, healthcare, real estate, education, and the military. 

VR / AR projects will become more complex, interesting, and rewarding in the coming years. With the advancement of technology, devices capable of supporting augmented and virtual reality will be more powerful and will be able to broadcast better images. 

In the industry, VR and AR will increasingly help control the quality of processes and finished products in retail - to attract buyers with new functionality, and cars will also be equipped with AR technologies.