Ever since the pandemic, the world has been forced to incline towards digitized forms of reality.
This conversion from the real to the virtual world has led to an increase in the importance of technological innovations such as AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), and, MR (Mixed Reality).
Numerous AR & VR development Services are coming up with innovations each new day.
These technologies move on a continuum that starts in the “real environment”, and ends in the “virtual .”
Along the path of this continuum, digital elements are added at each stage to finally result in the creation of a completely virtual world.
While AR, VR, and, MR are all based on the usage of some common elements such as 3D objects and artificial intelligence, it is crucial to understand the differences between the three.
Key Differences Between AR, VR, AND MR:
AR (Augmented Reality)
Augmented reality is basically super-imposing digital elements onto the physical or real-world elements.
It is an integrated view of the elements of the real environment and the virtual environment.
A key point to note is that there happens only a superpositioning of the virtual onto the real and the elements of both environments do not essentially interact with each other.
In other words, the elements of the physical environment are supplemented or augmented by computer-generated inputs such as sound, graphics, video, etc.
Popularly known as AR, augmented reality is the process of adding digital elements to a live view using the camera on a smartphone.
It uses the vision of a computer, maps, as well as well tracks the depth to show appropriate content to the user. It allows the camera to send, collect and process data to show suitable digital content.
The user’s physical environment is strengthened with contextually relevant content in real-time. It sounds fun, right?
The game that is so popular among the young generation-Pokémon Go is an example of augmented reality.
Since AR acts only as a digital layer on top of our actual world, there is immense freedom for the experiences that are led by ar technology. Popular examples include games like Pokemon Go and the global brand Nike.
VR (Virtual Reality)
Virtual reality is the creation of a completely virtual environment that is immersive in nature.
When a user enters into the virtual reality created by the VR technological elements, the real or physical world is completely shut out or blocked out.
It can be best understood as entering a hypothetical or dream world where you escape the real world for a brief period of time.
In other words, VR is a computer-simulated reality that provides an immersive experience. It makes use of realistic elements such as headsets, sounds, images, etc. and tries to involve the use of all five senses.
While virtual reality was most prevalent in the world of gaming, today it is expanding to various other niches such as health, education, lifestyle, fashion, and much more.
From virtual labs for the purpose of education to virtual stores for shopping, virtual reality is gaining popularity in them all.
Virtual Reality can take you to places that you have only imagined! It implies a complete immersion experience that shuts out the physical world.
VR focuses on simulating the vision. The user needs to put a VR headset screen in front of the eyes. Two lenses are placed between the screens. The user needs to adjust it to the movement and positioning of the eyes.
In VR, users can employ auditory, touch, and visual stimulation. Using VR devices, the users can place themselves in the world of dinosaurs and unicorns.
MR (Mixed Reality)
As the very name suggests, mixed reality is a blend of the real environment and virtual environment.
MR as a technology not only allows the superposition of digital elements onto the real environment but also allows an interplay and interaction between the two.
It is a hybrid environment where the real and virtual co-exist.
It is as if placing imaginary elements in the real environment such that the two can interact to an extent. This technology allows the user to be in both the real and imaginary at once.
Importance of AR, VR, AND, MR:
While these technologies were mostly used in the gamification industry at first, today they are relevant to various niches.
Global brands allow their customers to have a virtual tour of their showrooms, and to try out clothes and spectacles virtually.
The Healthcare sector uses these technologies for tests, procedures, and even surgeries.
The education domain resorts to virtual labs, gamified modules, proctor examinations, etc.
All these are instances of VR, Mr, and, AR entering the realm of today’s digital age.
Not just this, they are also popular in the entertainment industry where effects and animations thrill their audience time and again.
Due to this increasing demand for the three technologies, various AR and VR development services are emerging in the market today.
AR and VR can be quite complex and challenging if the basics are not clarified. It is essential that the learning objectives are accomplished, and the interest is maintained. But, unfortunately, many e-learning service providers fail to deliver authentic and immersive learning.
Conclusion:
So, the key difference between AR, VR, and MR lies in their degree of immersion and interaction between the digital and virtual elements.
While in augmented reality, there is only a superpositioning of digital elements on the real ones, virtual reality completely blocks out the real environment.
Mixed reality is a lend of both and gives access to both real and digital.
If you are on the hunt for services that can help you with AR and VR technology, don’t worry! Numerous websites can help you. Be wise while choosing one!
Author Bio: Hope James is a prolific senior content writer with more than five years of experience. She has contributed to the domains of digital marketing and E-Learning extensively. Apart from this, she is also associated with various AR and VR development services.