The differences between VR and AR
Virtual Reality is getting more and more popular, both in the world of video games and in our daily lives. This futuristic technology allows us to live ever more immersive experiences and brings us into another digital reality. This technology has exciting potential in the future of gaming, marketing, e-commerce, education, and many other fields. But if the expression “Virtual Reality” is known by the general public, we also often hear about the word “Augmented Reality”. Two terms which, although similar, work in very different ways to alter your experience with reality. Both technologies are known for their enriched experience that brings together a virtual world and the real one with enhanced, 3D visuals.
What is VR ?
VR stands for virtual reality. It’s probably the most immersive of the two. Equipped with a headset, you can be completely immersed in another parallel world. These immersive experiences can create almost any visual or place imaginable using special equipment such as computers, sensors, headsets, and gloves. VR headsets cover your field of vision to create a brand new reality around you.
What is AR ?
AR stands for augmented reality. As opposed to virtual reality, augmented reality combines virtual elements with physical reality using a camera. It doesn’t require a headset to be used. Almost any person with a smartphone can get access to augmented reality which makes it much more accessible. However, this technology is less immersive than VR. The application or game changes the view of the physical world that you see through the camera of your smartphone or other device. This technology is already used in several smartphone apps such as Snapchat or Pokemon Go for example. It basically consists of an improvement of your own reality. AR uses a real-world setting while VR is completely virtual.
