Extending Reality
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are two distinct technologies that are used to create immersive experiences for users, but they have different approaches to achieve that. The term Extended Reality (XR) can be used as a catch all in this rapidly growing field.
Augmented Reality
AR is a technology that overlays digital information or images onto the real world, allowing users to interact with both real and virtual objects simultaneously. AR can be experienced through the camera of a smartphone or tablet, or through specialized AR glasses or headsets. AR technology uses the camera and sensors of the device to track the user’s movement and position, and then overlays digital content onto the real-world view in real-time. AR technology is often used in gaming, education, retail, and marketing applications.
Virtual Reality
VR is a technology that immerses users in a completely virtual environment, which is generated by a computer. VR requires the use of a headset or other specialized equipment, which completely blocks out the user’s view of the real world and replaces it with a simulated environment. Users can interact with the virtual environment using hand-held controllers or other input devices. VR technology is often used in gaming, education, training, and simulation applications. In summary, AR overlays digital information onto the real world, while VR immerses the user in a completely virtual environment.