Augmented Reality (AR) vs Virtual Reality (VR)

Virtual world: What is Virtual Reality (VR)?

The main difference between AR vs VR is that VR is a computer generated simulation. This means that reality or an alternative world is generated graphically.

By using appropriate hardware, it is possible for the user to be fully immersed in the digital world. Therefore, there are also important differences between AR headsets vs VR headsets. Hardware geared towards VR requires sensory devices that translate real-world movements into a modeled reality.

Here’s how virtual reality (VR) works

The focus of VR is to simulate a new reality. By using a VR screen, the user can perceive and interact in the digital world. This requires two lenses between the user and the screen. They interpret the movement of the eyes and adapt the individual movement to the VR. Therefore, in this case, extensive hardware is necessary to isolate the user from the real world.

Virtual Reality (VS): Pros and Cons

Every new technology has its very own pros and cons. This is also true for VR.

Advantages

• Immersive learning is possible in an interactive environment.
• Users can explore the virtual world in all its facets.
• The education sector benefits from these new possibilities.

Disadvantages

• A genuine interaction in the virtual environment is not possible.
• It is tempting to transfer one’s life completely to the virtual world.
• Even though training or learning in the VR environment is very beneficial, it cannot completely replace the real training experience.

Practical application of virtual reality (VR)

Virtual Reality enjoys great popularity especially in the field of video games. Nevertheless, VR offers many other possible applications:

• In the military, this technology is used in flight simulators or battlefield simulations.
• In sports, digital training devices help athletes improve their own performance and analyze their techniques
• In medicine, VR can be used for post-traumatic stress or anxiety. At the same time, the technology allows trainee doctors to train surgical techniques.

Augmented or virtual reality? A direct comparison of the two technologies

AR and VR differ from each other in key aspects. However, this stark difference does not mean that one of the two technologies is better than the other. Instead, both technologies stand out in different application spheres:

• VR creates an immersive virtual environment, while AR augments a real-world scene.
• VR is 75 percent virtual, while AR is only 25 percent virtual.
• VR requires a headset device, while AR does not.
• VR users move in a completely fictional world, while AR users are in contact with the real world.
• AR requires higher bandwidth than VR.
• AR is intended to enhance the virtual world and the real world. VR replaces the real world with a fictional reality, which is primarily intended to enhance games.

AR and VR: A successful symbiosis

The combination of AR and VR results in a symbiosis of excellent systems. While they also work separately, when combined they offer users an enhanced and more engaging experience. The basis for this is to create a fictional world that still allows interaction with the real world. TeamViewer offers you great software solutions to implement both augmented and virtual reality.