But these digital realities are not one and the same, and each has its own set of uses.
VR vs. AR.
Adds digital layers on top of real-world footage.
Bigscreen VR
Combines VR and AR to create a world of virtual and real elements present simultaneously.
Applications
Video games, tourism, employee training, architecture, therapy, educational videos.
Video games, e-commerce, education, marketing, interior design, product design.
Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock.com
Video games, military training, product design, interior design.
Software: BeatSaber, Half-Life: Alex, No Man’s Sky VR.
Hardware:Apple Vision Pro headsetand most modern smartphones, tablets,and laptops.
Matthew Corley/Shutterstock.com
Software: Pokemon GO, IKEA Studio, Snap AR.
Hardware: HoloLens 2, Meta Quest 2, 3, and Pro.
Software: PianoVision, VR Painting, First Encounters.
TierneyMJ/Shutterstock.com
Now we know the main points, let’s move on to how each of these technologies work.
What Is Virtual Reality (VR)?
Virtual reality, or VR, is the most well-known of the three digital realities we’re discussing here.
VR involves the computer generation of entirely digital 3D worlds, with no real-world elements.
In other words, VR is like a digital simulation.
In many cases, items within a VR environment can be interacted with.
To use virtual reality software, youneed an VR headsetto suspend you in the digital environment.
Examples of these headsets include the Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest Pro.
A VR headset can come in one of two forms.
Some can be connected to a PC, while others are wireless, standalone products.
Notably, the Meta Quest series of headsets can be used both for standalone and PC-connected VR.
However, PC-connected headsets can be very pricey, so they aren’t accessible to everyone.
What Is Augmented Reality (AR)?
Unlike virtual reality, augmented reality (AR) involves superimposing virtual elements onto real-world footage.
In other words, digital elements are inserted into your view of the world.
No headsets are needed to use AR software, which makes the technology a lot more accessible.
Pokemon GO is a prime example of AR in action.
This smartphone app involves searching for Pokemon using the unit’s camera.
Some of Snapchat’s AR items can be interacted with, while some are just for viewing.
The interaction is left to the user, not the real-world environment itself.
What Is Mixed Reality (MR)?
As the name suggests, mixed reality (MR) combines both AR and VR.
It’s easy to confuse AR with MR, as the two involve real-world and virtual elements.
But the two are not one and the same.
So, what does this look like?
Say, for example, you’re playing a mixed reality tabletop game using a headset.
you might also pick the cards up from this surface.
Where it’s possible for you to Experience VR, AR, and MR?
One of the most popular examples of VR isthe metaverse.
This is a collection of virtual digital worlds that a person can access via a VR headset.
But VR also has its uses outside the entertainment industry.
However, these applications are not yet widespread, and it may be some years before they become commonplace.
AR has gained a lot of popularity, mainly because no dedicated hardware is required to use it.
As previously mentioned, Snapchat, a major social media platform, uses AR frequently.
These try-before-you-buy filters also work with makeup products.
There are also many AR games out there today.
Additionally, AR can prove beneficial in the design process of consumer products.
For instance, CAD design engineers can use AR programs to visualize their designs in a realistic environment.
In anOn Shape post, it was stated that…
Using parametric CAD with AR helps engineers and designers develop products more efficiently and accurately.
Mixed reality games are a prime example of MR in action.
On top of gaming, mixed reality also has applications in employee training, education, and healthcare.
MR has also beenused by Case Western Reserve Universityin Ohio when teaching students about anatomy.
