The Difference between Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality: A Quick Overview

A lot of technology has transcended into our real world where people are often using words like AR or Augmented Reality and VR or Virtual Reality. Although, these terms are often used interchangeably, but in truth there is a vast difference between these two terms especially what it means to the user and the technology behind it. Through this article, you will learn about the difference between AR and VR that will help you distinguish between the two.

Understanding Virtual Reality

• Tethered VR headsets
• Mobile-based headsets

Tethered VR headsets

• Different technology companies like HTC, Windows and many more provide with headsets that are worn by the user that replaces the line of vision of the wearer.
• The impression that the wearer gets is that they are transported to another world.
• The headsets are opaque, blocking out external light and vision.
• When they are turned on while wearing, the user is in another world virtually.
• If the wearer turns it off while wearing the headset, they are under the impression of being blindfolded.
• Headsets are capable of detecting motion due to the motion detectors installed in the device.
• Some headsets are capable of detecting bodily movements and allow the wearer to move around in the virtual space and even use virtual hands.
• The headset is connected to the gaming set or your computer whichever way, these are tethered headsets.

Mobile-based Headsets

• Google Daydream View is one such example of VR but on the mobile device of the user.
• Smart-phone or tablet based games giving the experience of VR to the user.
• Three degrees of freedom is given to the user as it only enables in tracking the direction of the user.
• One controller is designated to work with using gamepads. The user is however confined within a limited area with their VR helmet or device.

Understanding Augmented Reality

• AR adds up to the reality of the user the best example is that of Microsoft HoloLens or in layman term smart glasses.
• The vision of the user is not blocked, rather enhanced by the technology; they are able to see everything.
• Using the smart glasses the images are projected over their view wherever they are looking.
• For instance wearing a smart glass, the user may want information regarding the rating of a restaurant in the vicinity, looking at the restaurant; they will get the information via smart glass within seconds.
• User is able to move about freely in the world without any distraction or disturbance, but at the same time gain information regarding their surroundings within a span of few moments.
• AR apps and games are available on the smartphone like Pokémon Go that tracks the movement of the user via motion trackers and overlays the information on top of the screen.
• Information in the form of hologram is floating around the user.
• AR apps work via Smartphones or Tablets and the information is displayed in a limited field of vision of the user.
• iPhone X is an advance phone that comprise of rear-facing cameras capable of tracking depth. It is a hi-tech AR centric smartphone.

Difference Between AR and VR

• Both VR and AR are designed to achieve two different things on different levels using different devices.
• While VR replaces the actual vision of the user, AR adds or rather enhances the vision of the user.
• The information is projected in the line of vision of the user of AR while in VR they are virtually in a different reality blocked from the real world.
• In VR the user is limited or rather confined to a limited space due to the attached cables and tethered device, in AR the user is carrying their attachment device Smartphone or Tablet with them displaying information instantaneously to them enabling free movement anywhere.

Both are designed to revolutionize the way we experience a different world than our own, these hold a significant meaning to the users. Which one is better, it’s hard to tell as both serve different purposes.