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Are Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality the same?

Virtual reality and Augmented reality visualize to create a world different from what we call the world nowadays.
The world is not what it was twenty years ago. Even the name “world” is not the appropriate one to use for it. The more realistic name would be “The digital world”.
Everything is changing. People are no longer spending their time observing the outside world. The center of attention is “Screens”. The reality is not external anymore. One can see the north pole while sitting on the sofa in the north pole. And this is not the end but the beginning of this bombastically informative and technological “digital world”.

<img src="virtualrealityandaugmentedreality.jpeg alt=man wearing virtual reality and augmented reality device cyber glasses">Virtual reality and augmented reality are the fields that are and will be responsible for such change. Through virtual and augmented reality, we can experience anything even that exciting moment of strong aesthetic emotions as well. VR and AR are developing themselves in their visions and ambitions to change the world into a better and heavenlike place for living. Through AR and VR, we will be able to see anything and everything that we want to see, anything and everything that we want to experience, anywhere and everywhere that we want to go.
To be aligned with this digital world, you must know what it is bringing.

What is Virtual reality (VR)?
Oxford dictionary defined it precisely.
They say;
“the computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way by a person using special electronic equipment, such as a helmet with a screen inside or gloves fitted with sensors.”
The use of computers and advanced algorithms to create an artificial world where people can experience visual sensations, in actual a whole different world of stimulation.

<img sra="virtualreality.jpeg" alt="man wearing VR glasses and smiling">
The limits of sitting in front of screens and seeing a limited visual are bypassed by VR. Through a small gadget, we can see and experience anything in 3D. It is like we are there what we are seeing. The stimulation of VR is not limited to sight. There will be the possibility to hear, touch, and even smell as well.
This is what VR visualizes to create such a visual sensational artificial world of experiences.

Read also: How is Artificial Intelligence the Future?

What is augmented reality (AR)?
Investopedia defined it precisely.
They say;
“Augmented reality (AR) is an enhanced version of the real physical world that is achieved through the use of digital visual elements, sound, or other sensory stimuli delivered via technology.”

<img src="mobile3dar.jpeg" alt="smartphone displaying 3D Augmented reality">
In simple terms, Augmented reality is the use of technology to enhance the real-life experience with the use of smartphones. Through AR technology and algorithms, the users can experience 3D animated versions of the things they want to see and experience through their smartphones. Unlike virtual reality, augmented reality lets its users enhance their perceptions by adding sensory elements to the be real environment through images, sounds, and texts.

What is the difference between virtual reality and augmented reality?
Both the terms, VR and AR, are used for the same concept of “artificial reality” but there is a small difference between these two. The difference is based on the required mediums (the devices used for it) for the experience and the experience itself.
They are particularly the following;

  • AR uses a real-world setting while VR is completely virtual
  • AR users can control their presence in the real world; VR users are controlled by the system
  • VR requires a headset device, but AR can be accessed with a smartphone
  • AR enhances both the virtual and real-world while VR only enhances a fictional reality
    (https://sopa.tulane.edu/)

Both fields are different based on their focused purpose. Yet, they are similar in their vision of creating an artificial reality. The term “artificial reality” sounds a bit negative or I would say degrading in terms of realism and the actuality of life but hold that thought. Each developed change in any field has its pros and cons. VR and AR might sound artificial but they are going to solve many problems that we are facing in the fields of education, medicine, engineering, business and e-commerce, and many other fields.
Entertainment is on top of it. The gaming industry will grow to higher standards due to the application of this technology.

What are your thoughts about virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)?
Leave a comment and share your views.

 

 

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