The Differences Between VR and AR

Many people believe that augmented reality or AR and virtual reality (VR) are one and the same yet they are quite different.

They are both types of technologies that can change the way we look at the world. Since they are frequently used in technology, it is understandable why people get confused between the two.

Augmented Reality

Augmented reality can be defined as an enhanced version of reality. It is created by using technology to add digital information on an image of a particular item. Hence it is used in apps for smartphones and tablets. With ARR, you can use your phone’s camera to see a view of the real word in front of you and then put a layer of information on that view.

Virtual Reality

On the other hand, virtual reality can be defined as using technology to create a simulated environment.  When using virtual reality, you see a completely different reality than what is in front of you. VR can either be:

• Artificial such as an animated scene
• An actual place, photographed and included in a virtual reality app

Virtual reality makes it possible for you to move around and look in every direction be it up, down, sideways or behind. It gives you the feeling as though you were physically there.

The differences between AR and VR

1. Difference in immersion

The difference in the immersions provided by these two technologies is the main difference between them. On one hand, virtual reality creates a completely computer-generated world. This means that everything you see in VR is just an artificial recreation and you easily lose touch with the real environment. On the other hand, augmented reality just enhances the reality by adding a little digital transformation. With VR, you will still be in contact with the real environment. So with an AR experiences, you can interact with augmented objects while being in contact with the real world.

1. Difference in devices

As you expected, the devices used to deliver these two technologies are quite different. With virtual reality, headsets are used. These headsets immerse your vision and hearing into the virtual world. With augmented reality, a number of devices can be used including:

• AR headsets
• Laptops
• Tablets
• Smartphones

The difference in the devices used arises mainly because of the difference in contact with the real world.

1. Difference in Edtech application

Both virtual reality and augmented reality are applied to different industries with the most relevant industry being education. With the technologies, traditional methods of learning are disrupted but their applications is different. In VR, students are immersed into historical worlds thus making it ideal for theoretical lessons. In AR, practical lessons are more relevant because the technology is centered on the interaction with the augmented world.

You can clearly see that there are significant differences between VR and AR. But one thing is for certain, both are disruptive technologies which do away with the traditional approach to doing things. In addition, they are both expected to grow and be used in the creation of new applications and solutions.