Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are two cool technologies that change how we see and interact with the world. AR adds digital things, like images or information, to the real world around us. It’s like seeing extra stuff through special glasses or on your phone. VR, on the other hand, takes you to a completely different world that only exists in the computer. You wear a headset that covers your eyes, and it feels like you are inside a video game or another place. Both AR and VR are used for fun, learning, and even helping people do their jobs better. While AR adds things to the world we see, VR lets us explore new, made up places.
The phrases “virtual reality” (VR) and “augmented reality” (AR) are used a lot today, and both are growing quickly. However, these technologies are not new. The first AR/VR device was invented in the 1960s. But it wasn’t until recently, with the internet, that AR and VR started to become more useful. Both AR and VR rely on good internet and more people using them, both in businesses and at home. Recently, VR has become very popular in gaming, while AR is quietly making progress in business. Both have big potential for work-related uses, but right now, they are growing the most in gaming, marketing, and online shopping.
What is AR?
Augmented Reality (AR) adds digital things to the real world, often using the camera on a smartphone.
The main benefit of AR is how it makes digital elements look like they are part of the real world, not just simple displays of information. A great example of AR is the popular mobile game Pokémon Go, where players can find and catch Pokémon that appear in the real world through their phones.
AR is commonly used in training, education, audits, and inspections. In healthcare, doctors can use AR to practice difficult surgeries safely, without using expensive equipment or affecting patients.
What is VR?
Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology that creates a completely different world for you to experience, replacing the real world you are in. You can use VR with something as simple as a plastic holder for your phone, but most people use special headsets now. VR has changed gaming and entertainment by letting users feel like they are inside the game or movie. It’s also important in education, like for medical or military training, and in business, like for virtual meetings.
VR headsets used to need to be connected to another device, but now many can be used on their own or wirelessly. The most famous VR headset for regular use is the Oculus Quest 2, and for business, it’s the Vive Focus 3.
What is the difference between AR and VR?
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are two different technologies that work in different ways, even though they might look similar.
- VR replaces what you see with a completely virtual world.
- AR adds digital things to the real world you see.
Here are the main differences:
- AR uses the real world, while VR is all virtual.
- In AR, you can still see and control the real world. In VR, the system controls what you see and do.
- VR needs a special headset, but AR can work with just a smartphone.
- AR improves both the virtual and real world, while VR only creates a new virtual world.
Both AR and VR are strong technologies that many people haven’t used yet. They could change how we use computers in the future, but we don’t know which one will be more successful.
Some Examples:
Many industries already use AR and VR, including education, healthcare, manufacturing, construction, and real estate.
- Nike: In their stores, customers can use AR to scan shoes or clothes to get more information. They can also use VR to see how Nike’s products are made and learn about their supply chain.
- IKEA: Their app, The Place App, lets shoppers use AR to see how furniture would look in their homes using their smartphone cameras.
- L’Oreal: Offers AR makeup try-on experiences with Facebook. Customers can try makeup from brands like Maybelline and L’Oréal Paris to see how it looks on them.
- BMW and Jaguar: Use VR to review car designs and engineering plans before making any physical parts, which helps save money.
- Healthcare: Doctors use VR to practice surgeries and explain treatments, helping them prepare for real-life situations.
These examples show how AR and VR can be useful in many different ways.
The future of AR and VR
There are many reports guessing how big the global AR and VR market will be in the next few years. According to Statista, the global AR and VR market will reach $296.9 billion U.S. dollars in 2024. In 2021, AR technology was most used in industrial and manufacturing industries, making up 24.3% of the market. This trend is expected to continue.
While VR is growing a lot in the gaming industry, AR is mainly used in industrial and business settings to improve work and add digital tools. Many companies are trying to include AR in their Industry 4.0 processes, which focus on smart factories and modern manufacturing.
Augmented Reality at XMReality
At XMReality, we have been using augmented reality since 2007. Our remote visual assistance tool includes an AR feature called Hands Overlay. This lets you guide someone by showing your hand movements on top of a live video. This tool can make work faster, stop problems before they happen, help companies make more money, and reduce their carbon footprint.
Read Also: Quantum Computing: The Next Frontier
Conclusion
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are cool technologies that change how we see and use digital things. AR adds digital stuff to the real world, which is helpful in schools, hospitals, and factories. VR takes us to completely different, virtual worlds, making it great for games, movies, and training. AR mixes the real and digital worlds, while VR creates new virtual places. Both are still growing and could change how we live and work in the future.