Augmented Reality vs. Virtual Reality: differences and commonalities
How does Augmented Reality (AR) differ from Virtual Reality (VR)?
When talking about the new immersive technologies that are emerging today, it is very common to see the concepts of Augmented Reality y Virtual Reality. However, although both technologies are related to the union between the real world and the digital world, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality pose totally different ecosystems, hardware and applications.
While the Virtual Reality (VR) is the technology that seeks to immerse users in completely virtual environments by blocking out the real world, the Augmented Reality (AR) rather than blocking the real world, it seeks to "augment" it by superimposing virtual objects on reality.
Both technologies are included in the concept of Extended Reality (XR), an umbrella term that seeks to combine the characteristics of each of these immersive realities, including, in addition, the Mixed Reality (MR), Artificial Intelligence (AI)connectivity 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT).
What is Augmented Reality?
In order to see more clearly how each of these immersive technologies differs from each otherThe first thing to do is to know what each one of them consists of.
Starting with the Augmented Reality (AR), is the technology that combines the real world with the digital world. superimposing virtual elements on reality itself. Thanks to this immersive technology, the real and virtual environments are intermingled, creating interactive experiences accessible from several devices at the same time: from cell phones and tablets to Augmented Reality glasses.
What is Virtual Reality?
On the other hand, the Virtual Reality (VR) is the technology capable of to immerse ourselves in fully digital alternative worldswhere we, the users, decide where to focus our attention. 3D environments in which our senses cease to perceive the real world thanks to total immersion through Virtual Reality glasses (HMD or Head-Mounted Display).
Ultimately, the origins and AR/VR software are different, but the goal of both technologies is similar: eliminating the barriers between the real and the virtual. While Virtual Reality takes us to computer-generated worlds that seem real around us, Augmented Reality is based on the real world to superimpose digital elements fully integrated into our reality.
Main differences between Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
Beyond its interaction with the real worldAugmented Reality and Virtual Reality present other substantial differences in relation to the immersive experiences that are developed thanks to these technologies, the devices and how they are already being applied both in the business environment as in that of leisure y entertainment.
Next, we will explore the main differences between both: Augmented Reality vs. Virtual Reality.
Differences in immersive experiences
The VR experience is totally virtual. When wearing Virtual Reality glasses, everything we see and hear is computer-generated. In contrast, in AR virtual elements intermingle with the real worldWe can see at the same time tangible, real elements, with digital elements superimposed, visible through our mobile devices or Augmented Reality glasses.
Thus the user feeling also changes from one immersive technology to another. In Augmented Reality, we do not know what is real and what is not when we see it through the screens or glasses. In Virtual Reality, we know that we are in a virtual environment, but our senses can deceive us with the effect of total immersion.
Differences in interaction with the environment
Between Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, one of the most decisive differences is the degree of immersion. In Augmented Reality the sensation of teleportation is null. In Virtual Reality, users experience a real sensation of having traveled to other worlds, where the level of detail e interaction is much higher.
The interaction in Augmented Reality experiences occurs only in the screen limits of the mobile device, on the other hand, in Virtual Reality and thanks to VR goggles the interaction is 360º degrees.
Use of devices for each type
Another major differentiating point between Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality is the devices that each technology uses. While with AR it is sufficient for the device to have a screen and camerato enjoy the experience, in VR more powerful and specific devices are required, such as the helmets or gogglesi.e., a device that visually isolate the user.
In addition to the Virtual Reality glasses other types of accessories such as remotes, gloves, headphones and haptic suits can also be incorporated into the experience. Complements that not only allow us to see, hear and feel these new digital experiences, but also offer us a great freedom of movement to enjoy the virtual universe.
Differences in the applications of each type
Although both technologies can be applied to all types of industries and activities, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality have unique characteristics that can make one more effective than the other in developing immersive experiences.
For the digitization of physical spaces and actions of experiential marketingAugmented Reality is more effective because the experiences can be accessed directly from cell phones. This makes it easier for several people to enjoy immersive activities at the same time. In addition, in sectors such as educational, retail o industrialThe ability to superimpose notifications, information, photographs and videos on real classrooms, products or machinery is a differential point in the user experience.
On the other hand, Virtual Reality increases the levels of immersion and gamification of the experience. A fact that, in the training area both educational and professional, online and offline, it enhances the user's attention, motivation and retention of the new knowledge acquired. At the industrial levelVirtual Reality is used in Virtual Trainings and 3D simulators to boost the autonomous learning of professionals.
Mixed Reality: the union of both technologies
Despite the differences between Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality, the trend is that little by little the two technologies are approaching and merging into a new immersive reality: the Mixed Reality (MR)where the VR immersion and interactionis complemented by the overlapping AR elements about the real world.
Mixed Reality is the Combining Virtual Reality and Augmented Realitywhere through glasses or helmets it is possible to see the real world and interact with all the superimposed virtual elements. The immersive experience is 360º degrees, taking Augmented Reality beyond the simple visualization of digital elements, being able to interact with all of them without limits.
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Projects with Imascono
Understand the differences between the Virtual Reality and the Augmented Reality makes us more aware of their characteristics, applications and limitations when deciding which technology to use.
At ImasconoOur team of experts in Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality will help you make the decision taking into account your specific objectives and requirements to offer you a high quality experience that awakens the emotional connection with the end users.
No matter the size of your company or the complexity of your project, we are ready to meet the challenge. Our technical team of engineers and designers has extensive experience in immersive technologies and the latest trends in the market.Contact with us and we will take your project to infinity and beyond!
