AR and VR are among the hot topics in the tech industry. Although these words are common, there are some slight differences that you can easily miss.
In today’s post, we’ll compare both technologies and explain how they work. Moreover, we’ll discuss the various pieces of equipment that use virtual reality and augmented reality.
Before that, let’s check a quick comparison between augmented reality and virtual reality.
Features
Environment
Ratio
Immersion
Headset
Application
Augmented Reality
Real-world
70% real – 30% virtual
Partial
Not required
Real and virtual
Virtual Reality
Virtual world
30% real – 70% virtual
Complete
Essential
Only virtual
Augmented Reality Review - Convenient and Cheap
Augmented reality, as the name suggests, is a combination of the physical world and digital elements. It creates a virtual environment in the real-world setting.
Moreover, you can use augmented reality to represent virtual objects or incorporate real-world objects.
For example, the banners hovering over a sports telecast are a form of augmented reality. Even the overhead names of players are also a part of AR technology.
Features of AR (Augmented Reality)
- Informational representation
- Partial immersion
- Easy to adapt
- Doesn’t require a headset
- Generally budget-friendly
- No disorientation
- Can be used in any environment
- No specific headset device
- Applicable on various technologies
- Wide area of application
- Requires fast speed internet
Benefits of AR (Augmented Reality)
When it comes to the benefits and application of augmented reality, the list is endless. You can basically use AR to enhance any aspect of your real world.
One major benefit of AR is that it uses elements from the real and virtual worlds. It creates a dynamic outlook that boosts your learning ability subconsciously.
For example, suppose you are watching a game of soccer. With the help of AR, broadcasters can project important information about the game.
This way, you can watch your game and learn about other stats like fouls, injuries, or possession.
What are some other uses of augmented reality?
Moreover, AR can be used as a demonstration tool. You can build a virtual model of almost anything and combine it with a real-world setting to show what it would look like.
Let’s take an example. Suppose you have a presentation of the real estate growth over the past year. With augmented reality, you can generate dynamic graphs.
These graphs can help you improve the quality of information and makes it easier for your audience to understand.
Is AR accessible for everyday use?
We must also mention the accessibility of augmented reality. Unlike most high-end technologies, augmented reality is really easy to integrate.
You can use AR with your mobile phone, glasses, or a projector. AR devices aren’t specific. However, they can vary in the immersive experience.
One good example of convenient accessibility comes in the form of Pokemon GO. You can use your phone and point it to real-world objects.
It blends real-world elements with in-game elements and gives you the best of both worlds. You can play the game while connected to the aspects of the real environment.
Factors to Consider Before You Buy Augmented Reality
Before we get into the factors, it is important to note that it will be regarding the devices and applications integrated with AR. Let’s check these factors out.
Utility
The first and foremost thing you need to look out for is the utility. If you are going to use augmented reality devices/applications, they should have more than a single purpose.
For example, Google Glass can be used for a variety of purposes. You can wear it to attend zoom calls, get information about an object, or simply use it to view your notifications.
What about AR apps?
AR apps can also be installed on mobile phones to generate augmented reality models.
For example, the Google AR app lets you can create a 3D model of almost any object with your phone’s camera. You can further use these 3D models for any personal use.
So, whenever you buy any AR devices or AR applications, make sure that it serves more than a single purpose. Otherwise, it won’t have a good money-to-value ratio.
Price
As we have already mentioned, augmented reality can be used with a piece of special equipment or just your average mobile phone. However, you still need to pay for it.
First, we’ll discuss the price aspect of AR devices. In general, there aren’t many AR devices that use augmented reality technology.
You can buy them off the market for a price range of $300 to $500. These devices come in the form of smart glasses, AR headsets, and special projectors.
What about augmented reality applications?
AR is mainly accessible in the form of applications. This is mainly because it just needs a real environment and the software can do the rest even with a phone’s camera.
As far as the price is in question, there are two ways to look at it. If you just want to use AR, applications can be bought for as cheap as $5.
However, if you want to create AR simulations and other aspects of it, these applications can range from $5000 to $15000.
How do I decide which app is suitable for me?
Well, the easy way to do so is to create a list of things you need. Afterward, you need to carefully inspect multiple applications and figure out which one is a viable option for you.
Compatibility
For a device to be compatible with AR, it needs two basic things. Firstly, it needs processing power. Secondly, it needs a high-speed internet connection.
Why is processing power important for AR devices?
The main reason you need high-end processing power is motion tracking. Since AR application uses real-world elements, it needs the power to compute various measurements.
It includes depth, height, shadow, and numerous other variables.
What is the suitable processing power for an AR user?
Normally, all the current generation smartphones are compatible with AR applications. If you have an older phone, it has to be at least Android 7.0 or iOS 8 to run AR apps.
Furthermore, newer devices have built-in AR applications as well. For example, phones with Android 9.0 and higher have the ARCore pre-installed in them.
Why does AR require a fast internet connection?
As we mentioned earlier, AR requires high processing power. The data required to process AR is stored on large servers. A fast internet connection helps to fetch this data for your device.
For example, the smart glasses from Google can only be operated optimally if you have an internet connection of 100 Mbps or higher.
Uses
Augmented reality (AR) can be used for several reasons. However, in a general comparison, AR is used for rather serious and official purposes.
For example, many schools in the EU use AR as a tool to enhance the learning of their students from a young age. Moreover, for higher education, it is a necessary tool to teach.
Can I use AR to learn specific courses?
As a matter of fact, you can. Difficult courses in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, and architecture are often learned with the help of AR devices.
It helps you understand the schematics of a system visually.
What Do the Customers Think?
We decided to explore the internet to find some reviews related to AR devices and applications. On forums like Reddit and Quora, our team found many regular users of AR.
Many of them stated that AR has significantly helped to improve their quality of work. It helped them convey and achieve their tasks conveniently.
Moreover, we also found some online reviews related to learning. Many students stated that difficult engineering courses were made easier with help of AR projections.
Some of them also mentioned how convenient it was for them to learn anything remotely. All they needed was a smartphone and a stable internet connection.
Best Convenient and Cheap Technology
The AR technology is convenient and cheap because it lets you modify your surroundings. It blends the elements of your environment with a virtual one to create a new reality that can be used to your advantage.
Virtual Reality Review - Vivid and Immersive
Virtual reality is often considered a counterpart to Augmented reality. However, both of these technologies share a lot of similarities.
AR technology requires a real-world setting to create virtual environments. On the other hand, virtual reality uses a computer-generated simulation to generate a virtual world.
For example, the simulations shown in The Matrix film are a form of virtual reality. Even though the world feels realistic, it is generated through a computer.
Features of VR (Virtual Reality)
- Complete immersion
- Spatial environments
- Endless possibilities
- Complete control over customization
- Entirely virtual world
- Immersive audio effects
- Multiple virtual worlds
- Easy to create
- Multiple user support
- Fit for gaming and learning
- User has no awareness of real-world
Benefits of VR (Virtual Reality)
There is a common misconception among people that VR is only used for gaming purposes. This statement is partially true but that’s not all virtual reality has to offer.
While you can use virtual reality to enjoy and interact with an alternate world, it can also be used to create situations that aren’t possible in real life.
For example, flight simulators in VR can help a pilot to understand various conditions without even stepping into the cockpit.
Any virtual space can be explored to the user’s will in VR. This is the main difference between augmented reality and virtual reality. AR has limited exploration capabilities.
On the other hand, VR lets you explore various worlds. Moreover, you can even create your own virtual worlds easily.
Factors to Consider Before You Buy Virtual Reality
As we have mentioned earlier, the following factors will be related to VR devices and applications. Let’s check them out one by one.
Utility
Unlike AR, virtual reality needs special equipment to be completely experienced. Usually, it is in the form of VR headsets that you can buy from various brands.
Apple, Google, and Sony have their own VR headsets. Even though these headsets are unique in their features, they still only serve one single purpose.
So, how do I determine which headset to buy?
It is quite simple to narrow down your choices. There are two types of VR headsets. One that doesn’t require real-life movement and the other is built around spatial movements.
For example, the Oculus Rift is designed to mimic your real-life movements. Whereas, the Meta Oculus is only designed to experience VR from a stationary position.
Once you understand your desired experience, the choice becomes clear.
What else should I look for in a VR device?
Another aspect you should keep an eye out for is the comfort factor. Unlike AR heads-up displays, VR headsets are quite heavy.
Extended use can lead to fatigue around your neck and forehead. You can avoid this by finding the headset that fits your head perfectly.
Price
The next thing you need to keep in mind about VR gadgets and applications is the price. As we mentioned earlier, AR has cheap devices but expensive applications.
For VR, the relationship is inverse. The applications for VR are quite cheap but the gadgets can go up to $2000.
Why are the prices of VR headsets so high?
It mainly has to do with the equipment itself. The basic VR includes a headset, controllers, and occasionally a camera setup.
In order to experience VR, you at least need the headset. Furthermore, the headset contains audio and video output.
Can I buy VR gear for cheap?
While it is possible to find cheap VR gear, you’ll have to compromise on the quality of the experience. This is why companies like Valve charge such a high price.
Compatibility
When it comes to compatibility, you’ll rarely find yourself in trouble with VR. Except for specific games, almost every VR headset is compatible with other VR applications.
Unlike AR, you don’t need a high-end computer/phone or even a high-speed internet connection. This provides a lot of accessibility for the average user.
What’s the limit of compatibility for VR devices?
Technologies like VR have vast compatibility. You can pair a VR headset with a phone, a laptop, or even a gaming PC.
In some cases, you can even pair a tablet screen with a VR headset. Unlike an AR headset, you don’t have to worry about limited compatibility.
Uses
Compared to augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) lets you explore at your own will. It is mainly used for simulations and gaming technologies.
Unlike AR, you can create a completely virtual space with real parameters. Users can explore this world and learn various things that are otherwise impossible to do.
What is an example of such a situation?
Virtual reality (VR) is often used in flight schools. They put their pilots in situations like a plane crash and perform various tests to determine their expertise.
What do the Customers Think?
After searching the internet, we found that many people praised VR for its versatility. Many professionals stated that it was quite easy to use and adjust to VR in general.
We also found many students that praised VR for its ability to mimic real-life situations. Furthermore, we also found reviews related to the difference in gaming.
Many users stated that the VR elevated their overall experience.
Best Immersive Technology
The best immersive form of entertainment is VR because it lets you dive right into any virtual world. You can easily explore various aspects of a controlled environment. Moreover, you can also use virtual reality (VR) for gaming purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use AR in other countries besides the US?
You can use AR in almost every country with a good internet connection. Besides that, there isn’t any problem you should face. In terms of performance and output, your AR device should work fine.
What’s better between AR and VR?
It depends on the purpose you want to use it for. If you want something professional, AR is your best option. Whereas, VR is used for rather conventional and recreational purposes.
What is the ideal time to spend in VR?
Since virtual reality replaces your actual reality, it is easy to lose track of time. According to various experts, the average time you should spend in VR is between 3-4 hours per day.
What’s the best way to experience AR?
The best way to experience AR is through a smartphone or an AR headset. The Google AR glasses are a good example of an AR headset that you can buy. Moreover, you can also download apps on your phone that enable AR.
Final Verdict
After a thorough comparison, our team has decided that there is no clear winner. AR and VR both serve different purposes.
AR is used to alter your already existing world to project useful information. While on the other hand, VR is used to simulate real-life situations that are hard to come by. Moreover, AR is used for rather serious purposes, while VR can be used for gaming.
With this, we come to the end of our comparison between AR and VR. Do let us know what you think of AR and VR.