3 Differences between Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR)

Virtual and Augmented Reality are two of the most disruptive and popular technologies nowadays. Both keep growing and showing new applications and solutions they can provide. Although they are well-known worldwide, the differences between them are not clear at all. These three differences between AR & VR may help:

1. Immersion:

The main difference between these two technologies is the immersion they provide. Virtual Reality generates a completely computer-generated world, everything the user sees is an artificial recreation, so the user loses contact with the real environment. On the other hand, Augmented Reality enhances reality by adding digital information to it, so the user is still in contact with the real environment during the AR experience. This allows the user to interact with the “augmented” objects while being in contact with the real world.

2. Devices:

Immersion is not the only difference between these two technologies, the devices they use to deliver innovative experiences are also different between them. VR uses headsets that immerse the user’s vision and hearing into the virtual world. AR is provided from a wider variety of devices: AR headsets, laptops, tablets, smartphones… Don’t forget that AR keeps the user in contact with the real world, that’s what makes the biggest difference between the devices used.

3. Edtech application:

Both technologies are applied to different industries, as we have already discussed here, but maybe the industry where they can grow the most is education. They both offer the chance to disrupt traditional methods, but their applications as edtech solutions are different. VR can be used to immerse students into historical worlds for example, making it a good solution for theorical lessons. However, the main feature of AR is the ability to interact with the “augmented” world, that’s why it can provide students more practical lessons. You can learn more about how AR benefits education here.

Sources:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2018/02/02/the-difference-between-virtual-reality-augmented-reality-and-mixed-reality/#79bd92022d07

http://www.augment.com/blog/virtual-reality-vs-augmented-reality/

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/augmented-reality-versus-virtual-reality/3844772.html