Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

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INTRODUCTION:

Virtual reality (VR)?and?augmented reality (AR)?are two technologies that are changing the way we use screens, creating new and exciting interactive experiences.

Virtual reality?uses a headset to place you in?a computer-generated world?that you can explore.?Augmented reality, on the other hand, is a bit different. Instead of transporting you to a virtual world, it?takes digital images and layers them on the real world around you?through the use of either a clear visor or smartphone.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality immerses you in a virtual world through the use of a?headset?with some type of screen displaying a virtual environment. These headsets also use a technology called?head tracking, which allows you to look around the environment by?physically moving your head. The display will follow whichever direction you move, giving you a 360-degree view of the virtual environment.

Types of VR devices

At the moment, there are two major types of headsets. Both have their pros and cons, which you'll want to consider if you're looking to purchase one.

The first type has a?screen built in to the headset. These devices connect to a computer and require a pretty powerful system to operate smoothly. They have great graphics and perform well, but they're also?pretty expensive. A few popular examples of these include the?Oculus Rift, the?Vive, and the?PlayStation VR, which connects to the PlayStation 4 game console.

The other type of headsetnbsp ;houses your phone and uses its screen as the display. These don't require a computer and run completely off of apps on your smartphone.

Augmented Reality

Augmented reality allows you to?see the world around you with digital images layered on top of it. There are currently a couple of AR headsets available, including the?Microsoft HoloLens?and the?Magic Leap. However, they are currently more expensive than VR headsets, and are marketed primarily to businesses.

Augmented reality can also be used on devices like?smartphones?and?laptops?without the use of a headset. There are a variety of apps that use AR, including some that allow you to?translate text using your camera,?identify stars?in the sky, and even?see how your garden would look with different plants. You may have even previously used AR without realizing it, while playing a game like?Pokemon Go?or using?filters on Snapchat.

Both VR and AR technologies are growing at a pretty rapid pace. Many experts predict that they'll continue to become more and more popular in the near future. As technology becomes more advanced, it'll be exciting to see how they'll be applied to both business and everyday life!

What the Difference Between the Two?

The distinctions between VR and AR come down to the devices they require and the experience itself:

• AR uses a real-world setting while VR is completely virtual
• AR users can control their presence in the real world; VR users are controlled by the system
• VR requires a headset device, but AR can be accessed with a smartphone
• AR enhances both the virtual and real world while VR only enhances a fictional reality

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