The world is currently ravaged by an overwhelming influx of robust technologies emerging at a rapid pace. Among all the latest technologies taking the world by storm, Augmented Reality has etched a mark as a transformative force. However, another tech revolution that has moved beyond the novelty phase is Virtual Reality, which is now giving AR stiff competition.
AR-VR, although limited at present, will be a robust technology in redefining the employee and consumer experience in the upcoming years. Both these technologies are poised to help employees deliver more detailed training in certain areas of their professions, ranging from airplane maintenance to midwifery, while improving workforce collaboration, through telepresence.
From consumer perspectives, these technologies can deliver perks such as better speed, greater experience, improved brand reputation, enhanced equipment utilization, and more!
Looking to embrace the game-changing potential of AR and VR to keep your business ahead of the competition? Or, are you stuck in a dilemma between these two robust technologies? Either way, this comprehensive guide explores AR and VR, their key differences, and everything you should know to make an informed choice.
Augmented Reality or AR overlays digital content onto the real-world with devices such as tablets, smartphones, AR glasses, and more. Unlike VR that immerses users in a digital environment, AR helps in enhancing the existing world with interactive elements like images, texts, 3D models, etc.
Some of the Key Features of AR Technology –
Here are some of the most popular examples of AR –
These social media applications rely on AR to apply different digital effects to users’ faces.
Enables users to detect objects, translate texts, and find product details by pointing their smartphone camera.
A highly popular mobile game where users can interact with virtual creatures overlaid onto real-world locations.
An AR app, which allows users to visualize how furniture would look in their abodes prior to making a purchase.
Virtual Reality aka VR builds a fully immersive digital environment, which isolates users from the physical world. This revolutionary technology counts on specialized headsets such as the HTC Vive, PlayStation VR, and Oculus Rift to transport users into a computer-centric space where they can seamlessly interact with a 360-degree virtual world.
Some of the Key Features of VR –
Below are mentioned some of the most popular examples of VR –
A highly popular VR headset that allows users to attend virtual events, play immersive games, and explore interactive environments.
A virtual platform where users can easily interact in virtual spaces with the help of customizable avatars.
Enables users to explore different locations globally as if they were physically present.
Utilized by aviation experts for pilot training in virtual yet realistic environments.
Before investing in Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, or both, explore some of their most popular use cases –
With advanced learning apps powered by AR Technology, you can explore interactive 3D models of human anatomy, historical landmarks, scientific simulations, and more. Apps such as Google Expeditions enable students to explore augmented versions of different historical sites.
VR allows students to visit historical sites besides conducting virtual science experiments, and partaking in various realistic training simulations. Using this technology, medical students can practice surgeries in a completely controlled environment.
AR Technology has an important role to play in medical imaging. Using AR overlays, surgeons can easily visualize tissues or organs during procedures. Apps such as AccuVein help locate veins for injections.
VR has also yielded benefits galore in mental health therapy, physical rehabilitation, and pain management. VR exposure therapy assists patients with PTSD by simulating different real-life scenarios in a controlled environment.
Online retailers rely on Augmented Reality to deliver virtual try-on experiences for makeup, clothes, and accessories. Brands such as Warby Parker and Sephora provide robust AR features for consumers to preview products prior to making a purchase.
Virtual showrooms enable users to explore products in an immersive environment. Some brands craft VR shopping experiences, which mimic physical stores.
AR-based games such as Pokémon GO, etc. are capable of encouraging users to explore their surroundings at the time of interacting with virtual elements.
VR gaming platforms such as PlayStation VR, Oculus Quest, etc. offer an immersive experience where players can seamlessly engage in 3D virtual worlds with realistic physics and interaction.
Backed by an AR app, prospective property or home buyers can see how a property would potentially look with various furniture arrangements. Architects use AR Technology to display design concepts with digital overlays.
VR allows virtual property tours, enabling potential buyers to explore homes remotely. Architects count on VR to create realistic 3D models of buildings before the beginning of construction process.
AR heads-up displays (HUDs) in vehicles project real-time navigation and driving data onto the windshield.
Car manufacturers count on VR for crash testing, vehicle design, and consumer test drives in a virtual environment.
Now that you’re familiar with the key differences between AR-VR technologies, you’re likely intrigued about what the future holds for them. While both boost user experiences in different ways, their applications cater to distinct requirements and industries.
AR seamlessly blends reality with digital elements, making it a perfect solution for retail, education, and healthcare, while VR provides full immersion, ideal for simulations, training, and gaming. As technologies continue to evolve, the line between AR-VR will blur, bringing innovative apps to the fore to transform physical and digital interactions.
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