Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality

 

Augmented Reality (AR) vs. Virtual Reality (VR)

AR is a perfect blend of the digital world and the physical elements to create an artificial environment. Apps which are developed using AR technology for mobile or desktop to blend digital components into the real world. Example: AR technology helps to display score overlays on telecasted sport games and pop out 3D photos, text messages, and emails.

Augmented Reality (AR)

How does AR work?

AR uses computer vision, mapping as well as depth tracking in order to show appropriate content to the user. This functionality allows cameras to collect, send, and process data to show digital content appropriate to what any user is looking at. In AR, the user’s physical environment is enhanced with contextually relevant digital content in real-time. You can experience AR with the smartphone or with special hardware.

Advantages of AR

o   Offers individualized learning

o   Fostering the learning process

o   Wide variety of fields

o   Offers innovation and continuous improvement

o   Increase accuracy

o   AR can be used to increase user knowledge and information

o   People can share experiences over long distances

o   Helps developers to build games that offer ‘real’ experience to the user.

Disadvantages of AR

o   Very expensive to implement and develop AR technology-based projects

o   Lack of privacy is a major drawback of AR

o   Low-performance level of AR devices is a major drawback

o   AR can cause mental health issues such as eye problem and obesity

Applications of AR

o   AR apps are developed to embed text, images, videos, etc.

o   Printing and advertising industries use AR technology apps to display digital content on top of the real-world magazines.

o   With the help of Unity 3D Engine tool, AR is being used to develop real-time 3D games.

 

 Virtual Reality (VR)

VR is a computer-generated simulation of an alternate world or reality. It is used in 3D movies and video games. It helps to create simulations similar to the real world and “immerse” the view using computers and sensory devices like headsets and gloves. Example: Apart from games and entertainment, VR is also used for training, education, and science.

How does VR work?

The focus of virtual reality is on simulating the vision. The user needs to put a VR headset screen in front of his/her eyes, therefore, eliminating any interaction with the real world. In VR, two lenses are placed between the screen; and the user needs to adjust eyes based on the individual movement of the eye and its positioning. The visuals on the screen can be rendered by using an HDMI cable connected to a PC or mobile phone. VR uses goggles, speakers and sometimes handheld wearables to simulate a real-world experience. In VR, you can also employ visual, auditory, and haptic (touch) simulation, so the constructed reality is immersive.

Advantages of VR

o   Immersive learning

o   Create an interactive environment

o   Increase work capabilities

o   Offer convenience

o   VR helps to create realistic world so that user can explore the world

o   VR in the education field makes education easier and more comfortable

o   VR allows users to experiment with an artificial environment

Disadvantages of VR

o   VR programmers will never be able to interact with virtual environments

o   Escapism may become an issue as people will start living in the virtual world

o   Training in VR environment will not have the same result as training/working in the real world.

Applications of VR

o   VR technology is used to build and enhance a fictional reality for the gaming world

o   VR is used by military for flight simulations and battlefield simulations

o   VR is used as a digital training device in many sports to help measure a sports person’s performance and analyze their techniques

o   Primary method for treating post-traumatic stress

o   Using VR devices like Google Cardboard, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, uses can be transported into real-world and imaginary worlds

o   VR technology offers safe environment for patients to come into contact with things they fear

o   Medical students use VR to practice and procedures

The key difference

o   AR augments the real-world scene, whereas VR creates completely immersive virtual environments.

o   AR is 25% virtual and 75% real, while VR is 75% virtual and 25% real.

o   In AR no headset is needed, while VR requires a headset device.

o   With AR, end-users are still in touch with the real world while interacting with virtual objects nearer to them, but in VR technology, the VR user is isolated from the real world and immerses himself/herself in a completely fictional world.

o   AR requires upwards of 100 Mbps bandwidth, while VR requires at least a 50 Mbps connection.

o   VR is used to enhance both real and virtual worlds; while IR is used to enhance fictional reality for the gaming world.

The bottom-line is AR and VR if blended together, the result will be the generation of an improved engaging experience, whereby users are transported to the fictitious world with the offering of interaction between real and virtual world.