VR and AR

Augmented reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) bridge the digital and physical worlds. They allow you to take in information and content visually, in the same way you take in the world. AR dramatically expands the ways our devices can help with everyday activities like searching for information, shopping, and expressing yourself. VR lets you experience what it's like to go anywhere — from the front row of a concert to distant planets in outer space.

What is Virtual Reality?

Virtual Reality (VR) is the use of computer technology to create a simulated environment. Unlike traditional user interfaces, VR places the user inside an experience. Instead of viewing a screen in front of them, users are immersed and able to interact with 3D worlds. By simulating as many senses as possible, such as vision, hearing, touch, even smell, the computer is transformed into a gatekeeper to this artificial world. The only limits to near-real VR experiences are the availability of content and cheap computing power.

Virtual reality (VR) is a simulated experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world. Applications of virtual reality include entertainment (e.g. video games), education (e.g. medical or military training) and business (e.g. virtual meetings).

One may distinguish between two types of VR; immersive VR and text-based network VR (also known as "Cyberspace").The immersive VR changes your view, when you move your head. While both VRs are appropriate for training, Cyberspace is preferred for distance learning.

What is augmented reality?

Augmented reality (AR) is an enhanced version of the real physical world that is achieved through the use of digital visual elements, sound, or other sensory stimuli delivered via technology. It is a growing trend among companies involved in mobile computing and business applications in particular.

Amid the rise of data collection and analysis, one of augmented reality’s primary goals is to highlight specific features of the physical world, increase understanding of those features, and derive smart and accessible insight that can be applied to real-world applications. Such big data can help inform companies' decision-making and gain insight into consumer spending habits, among others.

Augmented reality overlays digital content and information onto the physical world — as if they’re actually there with you, in your own space. AR opens up new ways for your devices to be helpful throughout your day by letting you experience digital content in the same way you experience the world. It lets you search things visually, simply by pointing your camera at them. It can put answers right where your questions are by overlaying visual, immersive content on top of your real world.

What’s the difference Between Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality?

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality are two sides of the same coin. You could think of Augmented Reality as VR with one foot in the real world: Augmented Reality simulates artificial objects in the real environment; Virtual Reality creates an artificial environment to inhabit.

In Augmented Reality, the computer uses sensors and algorithms to determine the position and orientation of a camera. AR technology then renders the 3D graphics as they would appear from the viewpoint of the camera, superimposing the computer-generated images over a user’s view of the real world.

In Virtual Reality, the computer uses similar sensors and math. VR immerses users, allowing them to "inhabit" a virtual environment created and rendered by computers. Users may be immersed in an animated scene or an actual location that has been photographed and embedded in a virtual reality app. Through a virtual reality viewer, users can look up, down, or any which way, as if they were actually there. Rather than compositing virtual objects and a real scene, VR technology creates a convincing, interactive world for the user.

Applications of VR and AR

Gaming

The viral Pokémon GO is still the first AR app that comes to most people’s minds when they think of AR. However, apart from Pokémon Go, there are many other AR games. For example, The Walking Dead: Our World. This AR mobile game allows users to fight with zombies in the park, at your home, in the street, wherever.

Ecommerce and retail

Augmented reality app development is reshaping online and offline shopping. AR apps let shoppers interact with products and help in creating personalized shopping experiences.

Interior design

Apps like IKEA Place not only help to put 3D models of IKEA furniture and room sets to see which items will fit best your own home. People can test colors and other ideas and calculate the necessary materials and labor costs. Construction workers can bring blueprints to life and images for clients to see how their prospective homes might look.

Real estate

The Internet is the first place where buyers and renters look for properties. AR can help customers experience homes differently and save time. For prospective investors, AR lets showcase properties before they have been built or turn 2D blueprints into interactive 3D visualizations.

Tourism and travel

Navigation is an obvious use case. Google Maps - users can view the streets through their smartphone’s camera, and the directions appear on their screen. GPS apps powered by AR show tourist routes, translate signs on streets, and give sightseeing tips.

Education

VR and AR work beautifully in education, especially considering the social distancing policies due to the COVID-19 pandemic. AR technology makes schooling more interactive, engaging, and efficient. For instance, with AR applications, students can observe a 3D galaxy on their tablets or witness an extinct animal come to life. VR will help students see scientific breakthroughs from the scientists’ perspective or even make discoveries in a virtual lab.

Training

AR and especially VR can deliver realistic psychological and physical experiences through immersive real-life simulations in a safe environment. The technologies thus bring virtually unlimited possibilities for safe training processes.

VR training simulators are used in aviation, automotive, construction, energy, medical, military industries, and professional athletics - just to name a few.

Healthcare

The healthcare industry is a Petri dish for augmented and virtual reality business ideas. AR apps are already used for various tasks, from helping patients identify their symptoms to enabling surgeons to peer inside a patient's body without making large incisions.

Advertising & marketing

Creative use of AR can strengthen customer relationships while increasing the likelihood to purchase. Entertaining content motivates customers to use a brand’s mobile application regularly. Unique and fresh AR experiences offer a chance to surprise customers and competitors that haven’t yet embraced this trend.

Manufacturing and construction

AR technology can facilitate and accelerate processes at factories. AR enables engineers to demonstrate prototypes, construction sites, etc., and share their vision. AR markers on equipment help to monitor the work in progress. Digital maps and plans save time and promote understanding. AR glasses can give manufacturing and field workers real-time data that helps to reduce errors and improve accuracy, safety, and quality.