Augmented and virtual are the new realities

Augmented reality is a term that you may have heard due to the on-going Pokemon Go frenzy. However, people often confuse augmented reality with virtual reality. They are both cutting-edge technologies that involve advanced hardware and are subjects of fascination. While AR and VR are harmonious by nature; both are quite contradictory.

Augmented Reality is a computer-generated enhancement that adds cues to existing reality.

Users are able to interact with virtual content in the real world but they are also able to distinguish between the two. Virtual Reality, on the other hand, is a computer-generated recreation of real life environment. It makes the users feel like they are experiencing the stimulated reality first-hand.

Differences and similarities: Both technologies pull in users to the virtual world, but both systems use different ways. Users can stay in touch with the real world while interacting with virtual objects in AR. With VR, the user is isolated from the real world and is found indulging in a completely fabricated reality.

Furthermore, VR is implemented through head-mounted displays like VR helmets or goggles or world-fixed displays like CAVEs. AR is achieved through the use of hand-held display like mobile phones

The future: Both are stepping up to the plate. AR, however, seems to be gaining prominence at the moment. This is primarily because the technology does not take people completely out of the real world experience.