Virtual Reality (VR) vs Augmented Reality (AR)! Which One Do You Prefer?

Virtual Reality (VR) vs Augmented Reality (AR)! Which One Do You Prefer

WHAT IS VIRTUAL REALITY?

The definition of Virtual Reality comes naturally, from the definitions for both ‘virtual’ and ‘reality’. The definition of ‘virtual’ is near and reality is what we experience as human beings. So the term ‘Virtual Reality’ basically means ‘Near-Reality’. Answering “What is Virtual Reality” in technical terms is straight-forward. Virtual reality is the term used to describe a three-dimensional, computer-generated environment which can be explored and interacted with by a person. That person becomes part of this virtual world or is immersed within this environment and whilst there, is able to manipulate objects or perform a series of actions.

• To create and enhance an imaginary reality for gaming, entertainment, and play (Such as video and computer games, or 3D movies,-head=mounted display).
• To enhance training for real life environments by creating a simulation of reality where people can practice beforehand (Such as flight simulators for pilots).

WHAT ARE THE AREAS VIRTUAL REALITY IS USEFUL TO US?

There are numerous ways virtual reality can be used which provide enormous benefits to us. These include:

• Healthcare/surgery
• Military
• Architecture
• Art
• Entertainment
• Education
• Business
• The media
• Sport
• Rehabilitation/treatment of phobias

The list of applications for VR is endless.Virtual reality may have been considered an overnight sensation but it has been re-invented under the term ‘virtual environments’and is proving to be useful in ways which had never been previously considered.

WHAT ARE HEALTH ISSUES CAUSED BYVIRTUAL REALITY TO US?

One of the main problems with virtual realityis motion sickness. It is not unknown for people to suffer from nausea after spending a period of time in a virtual environment which is due to the effects the shift in perception has on balance. Our balance is affected bychanges in the inner ear which result in feelings of nausea often experienced by people when travelling on a ship or some other form of transport. Some people are affected by this after spending only 30 minutes in a virtual environment whereas others can go several hours before they notice any ill effects. Another name for this sensation is ‘cybersickness’.

WHAT IS AUGMENTED REALITY?

To create and enhance an imaginary reality forgaming, entertainment, and play (Such as video and computer games, or 3D movies, head-mounted display). Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that layers computer-generated enhancements atop an existing reality in order to make it more meaningful through the ability to interact with it. AR is developed into apps and used on mobile devices to blend digital components into the real world in such a way that they enhance one another, but can also be told apart easily.

AUGMENTED REALITY VS VIRTUAL REALITY

Augmented reality and virtual reality areinverse reflections of one in another with what each technology seeks to accomplish and deliver for the user. Virtual reality offers adigital recreation of a real life setting, whileaugmented reality delivers virtual elements as an overlay to the real world.

HOW ARE THEY DIFFERENT FROM EACH OTHER?

First of all, both differ in their purposes virtual reality creates its own reality that is completely computer generated and driven. Where as Augmented reality enhances experiences by adding virtual componentssuch as digital images, graphics, or sensations as a new layer of interaction with the real world.

The next thing they differ are delivery methodAugmented reality is being used more and more in mobile devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets to change how the real world and digital images, graphics intersect and interact. Whereas Virtual Reality is usually delivered to the user through a head-mounted, or hand-held controller. 

SOURCE: - AUGMENT, VIRTUAL REALITY SOCIETY.