Tech Check #5: AR and VR

Technology is improving rapidly and somethings that exemplify it are Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality. They are cutting-edge, on the rise and are most likely to dominate how we live in the upcoming years. Both of them provide an immersive and enriched experience to users yet they are quite different from each other. Let’s cut to the chase.

What is VR?

VR is the fabrication of an interactive virtual world. It is an artificial, computer-generated simulation of any real-world experience. It immerses the user as if they are actually interacting with the digital environment. It stimulates vision, hearing and by the use of helmet and/or controller, creates an imaginary reality. It primarily find its use in gaming(as in computer games, video games etc.), entertainment(as in 3-D movies), training simulations (as in flight simulations for prospective pilots).

What is AR?

Augmented reality is the blending of the virtual world into the real world by adding virtual elements atop an existing reality. It enhances experiences by overlaying computer-generated images into a real-life setting. It is developed into apps and used on mobile devices, laptops, etc. to blend the real and virtual world in a way that is immersive yet clearly distinguishable. It can be used to display score overlays on sports games, pop-out 3-D E-mails, phones, etc.

Comparison:

In an Ask Me Anything on Reddit, Abovitz discussed the differences between VR and AR - namely that VR headsets immerse users in an artificial world and AR incorporates objects and environments from the real world.

 "There are a class of devices (see-through and non-see-through) called stereoscopic 3D," he said. "We at Magic Leap believe these inputs into the eye-brain system are incorrect and can cause a spectrum of temporary and/or permanent neurologic deficits."

AR and VR are both immersive and serves to enhance user experience. While the former adds something extra to what we see, the latter alters the reality we see altogether. AR “augments” our current state of presence, VR changes our presence. The difference between AR and VR is like watching an aquarium and swimming in the aquarium respectively.

BOTTOM LINE

Both of these are revolutionary technologies, and both are bound to succeed, if you ask us. It is yet to be seen which one succeeds first. Here AR might have an upper hand since it does not take the reality entirely away and appeals to the senses. VR might work better for video games such as PlayStation, etc. The pioneers in this industry are working on the blend between the best of both, which we
term as Mixed Real The future does look bright.