Understanding the difference between virtual reality and augmented reality

The launch of Apple Vision Pro and its review by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has once again ignited the difference between virtual reality and augmented reality. The two terms are used interchangeably so often that they sound similar. In reality, however, virtual reality and augmented reality are two different concepts with the ability to change the future of gaming, education, and how we interact or connect. 

They both work on the fundamental concept of offering an immersive experience and have the potential to change the idea of computing altogether. Let’s get to know them better.

Virtual reality: What is it and how does it work

Virtual reality or VR is a technology that simulates a real-world environment in a three-dimensional world which the users can interact with and explore in an immersive way. They work with the help of a head-mounted display (HMD) or goggles that cover the user’s eyes and ears and replace the real world with a computer-generated environment.

With VR, a user is transported from the real-world environment to a virtual one that feels incredibly realistic and immersive. The HMDs used for VR rely on head tracking and gestures to navigate and interact with virtual environments, and include high-resolution displays, motion-tracking sensors, and powerful graphics processing units to render complex 3D graphics in real time.

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The most common application of virtual reality has been in the field of gaming and entertainment, but it is also being used in healthcare for medical training, patient rehabilitation, and therapeutic interventions. VR is being used in the education industry to enable immersive learning experiences that bring subjects to life and engage students in interactive simulations. The Meta Quest 2, PlayStation VR2, and HTC Vive Pro are some of the popular VR devices.

Augmented reality: What is it and how does it work

If VR is all about blocking the real world and immersing users in a virtual world, then augmented reality (AR) is all about bringing virtual elements to the real world. It works by overlaying digital content onto the real world and seamlessly blending both into the user’s physical environment.

In order to achieve this, AR applications use the device’s camera and sensors to detect and track objects in the user’s surroundings and then superimpose them with digital elements in real-time. With AR, you can enhance the real world by overlaying it with additional information, images, or animations.

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Imagine taking a walk through the streets of Kyoto in Japan, and suddenly your AR headset can place additional information on top of the landmarks and other cultural gems. AR experiences are currently offered with the help of head-mounted displays like Apple Vision Pro or Microsoft HoloLens 2, and are also available on smartphones and tablets.

AR and VR: What is the key difference

AR and VR are only similar in terms of their immersive capabilities and the digital experiences they deliver. They differ in terms of their approaches and applications with the main difference being how they relate to the real world. A VR creates entirely new virtual environments to replace the real world whereas an AR experience is designed to enhance your reality with virtual elements.

While the fundamental difference between augmented reality and virtual reality is mainly down to how they interact with real-world environments, there is some convergence seen in this world with mixed reality gaining prominence. 

The use of outward-facing cameras and environment-scanning technology will allow VR users to have a clear look at their surroundings even while wearing the headset. This transformation will make every VR headset a mixed-reality headset, while AR headsets will be limited by processing requirements and display technology.

AR headsets are not expected to become affordable anytime soon, but there will be a pair of glasses without significant heft in the near future where wearing AR glasses will be as simple as wearing eyeglasses or sunglasses. For now, Apple Vision Pro will remain the epitome of this experience, but devices like Meta Quest 2 will help more people experience mixed reality.