Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are technology terms that have been around for a while but are just now becoming mainstream. Both involve computer-generated imaginary worlds, but they function very differently. AR enhances real-world environments while VR completely immerses users in virtual worlds. Together, these revolutionary technologies are poised to change how we interact with technology and each other.
What is Augmented Reality?
Augmented reality, or AR, overlays digital information and images on top of the real world using devices like smartphones, AR glasses, and headsets. With AR, instead of replacing the real world like VR, digital objects are placed into the real environment and interact with it in real-time.
AR uses devices with cameras and sensors to detect and understand what the camera is viewing. Digital imagery is then projected on top of real-world scenery through transparent screens. This allows digital objects like graphics, animations, video, maps and more to blend seamlessly into the real world like they were really there.
Some common examples of AR experiences include Snapchat filters that change your facial features, Pokemon Go which places virtual creatures in real environments, and IKEA and Wayfair apps that let you view furniture in your actual home before buying. AR is also becoming more common in industries like construction, manufacturing, education, and more for visualizing designs and information.
What is Virtual Reality?
Virtual reality, or VR, completely immerses users in simulated environments and experiences through headsets and sensors. While AR overlays digital content with the real world, VR replaces the real world entirely with a virtual one. With VR, users are fully contained and can’t see or interact with the physical world.
VR headsets create immersive, three-dimensional worlds that respond to the wearer’s movements and position in real-time. Sensors track head and body motion to make interactions feel natural and seamless. This gives users a strong sense of presence in virtual environments whether they are exploring new destinations, attending virtual events, or taking part in games and other activities.
Common VR experiences include gaming like Beat Saber, socializing in virtual worlds through apps like VRChat, interactive storytelling titles such as Myst, and 360-degree videos that transport viewers. VR headsets are also used in fields like education, medicine, architecture, and more to visualize content in three dimensions.
Differences Between AR and VR
While AR and VR both deal with virtual elements and computer-generated experiences, there are a few key differences between the two:
- Reality Continuum – AR enhances the real world around you while VR replaces reality entirely.
- Devices – AR experiences can be had through smartphones, tablets, smart glasses, or headsets. VR requires immersive headsets to fully block out the real world.
- Interaction – AR content interacts with the real world but VR allows full interaction within virtual worlds.
- Mobility – AR can be taken anywhere while VR needs space for movement.
- Focus – AR experiences augment your surroundings where VR aims to have your full attention and presence.
- Adoption – AR is more widely adopted commercially while VR is still emerging for consumers.
Understanding these differences is important as both technologies continue to converge and more hybrid approaches emerge.
Advancements and Applications
Thanks to rapidly evolving technology like increased processing power, 5G connectivity, advanced sensors and displays, AR and VR are advancing at an incredible rate. Here are a few areas where these immersive technologies are making a major impact:
Education
AR and VR bring education to life by making abstract concepts more concrete. From virtual field trips to interactive anatomy lessons, these tools motivate students to learn in new hands-on ways.
Tourism
The travel industry is tapping into AR and VR to let customers virtually “visit” destinations through guided tours or travel guides before booking trips. This helps reduce risks.
Gaming
VR gaming has taken off with immersive titles on Meta Quest and PSVR. AR games like Pokémon Go blend real and virtual worlds for refreshing outdoor play.
Medicine
Doctors use VR and AR to better educate patients, visualize complex procedures, and even perform “remote surgery” through teleoperation robots.
Engineering
Design engineers create and test virtual prototypes of products through AR/VR before the expensive physical manufacturing process. This saves lots of time and money.
Social Media
Expect more hybrid social apps that blend online virtual interactions with real locations through AR. Brands are also experimenting with immersive AR ads.
The future possibilities for AR and VR seem endless as new experiences are imagined and costs continue dropping. As the technology matures, expect their role in our personal and professional lives to increase exponentially over the next decade.
Consumer Trends and Future Growth
Analysts predict the global AR and VR market will be worth over $300 billion by 2025 as mainstream adoption takes off. Key metrics and trends point to ongoing growth:
- More advanced and affordable hardware like Meta Quest 2 is fueling mass consumer market growth for VR.
- Smartphone-based AR apps and filters significantly boosted the AR user base, especially among youth demographics.
- Remote working trends accelerated hybrid AR/VR solutions for collaboration, like Anthropic’s PBC tool.
- Over 150 million AR-enabled smartphones will ship in 2022 according to International Data Corporation (IDC).
- The education sector will invest heavily in tech after seeing learning results from AR/VR pilot programs.
- Multinational brands from Disney to IKEA continue pouring money into immersive content for marketing and e-commerce.
As 5G networks roll out and chipsets become more powerful yet efficient, expect untethered AR glasses and other form factors to emerge for truly ubiquitous experiences. The ongoing merger of digital and physical worlds through AR and VR will transform how we live, work and play in the very near future.