Augmented Reality (AR) vs. Virtual Reality (VR): Key Differences

New and aspiring software engineers of today argue over the merits of augmented reality and virtual reality. The development of such innovative interactive and immersive technology has not gone ignored. As augmented and virtual reality grow in popularity, more and more people are interested in careers in the industry.

Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) will have widespread uses in a variety of fields in the near future, including gaming, advertising, eCommerce, and education. Both are lauded for the superior, three-dimensional visual experiences they bring to the table by fusing the virtual and real worlds. It’s easy to get the two mixed up, but AR and VR do have important distinctions.

To answer this question, we’ll compare and contrast the two technologies and their respective applications in this piece. We’ll also demonstrate what you need to think about in order to make an informed decision about which medium to employ.

How Do You Define Augmented Reality?

The technology behind Pokémon Go, augmented reality (AR), is superior to virtual reality (VR) for gaming, but VR is still the better option overall. Technology has allowed for new ways of perceiving the physical world and has increased the degree to which we can interact with it. AR achieves this by superimposing digital information on a live feed of the physical world. Business software is ideal for augmented reality. Smart glasses with augmented reality allow factory workers to see instructions, data, and visualizations while they work.

Virtual reality: what is it?

For a very long time, virtual reality was little more than a novelty in media like movies and video games. Virtual reality (VR) is quickly becoming an integral part of many different markets. Virtual reality uses a combination of pose tracking and 3D near-eye displays to create a convincing simulation of the actual world. Business, education, and entertainment can all benefit from virtual reality’s many features.

Virtual reality (VR) technology mimics human senses, provides haptic feedback, and isolates users from the real world. The Volvo Reality app allows you to take the XC90 SUV for a spin, and Walmart employs a virtual reality training program to help its managers learn in a stress-free environment. Naturally, there is also the multi-billion dollar market for virtual reality gaming.

Comparison of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

Aside from superficial similarities in hardware, augmented and virtual realities serve fundamentally different purposes. Using VR, you can temporarily escape the actual world. Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that enriches the world we live in by superimposing digital information on top of it.

Despite their promising futures, neither of these robust technologies has managed to win over the mainstream. Both have the potential to significantly impact future computer use, but it’s yet too early to tell which one will prevail.

See Also: What Is Haptic Feedback And How Is It Useful?

Creating for AR vs. VR

There are several essential measures to take when creating an Augmented Reality experience:

1. Hardware

When comparing the gear for AR and VR, you’ll notice that AR has far less alternatives for creators. However, here’s the thing: your smartphone already has the computing power to run mobile augmented reality applications.

Many pioneering XR developers have started making content for AR, as most modern smartphones already have this capability. One only needs a camera-equipped mobile device and a free 3D game engine to create their own interactive experiences. In order to get over your initial apprehension of augmented reality (AR), try making an augmented version of your T-shirt for one of your first AR apps. To date, just a few of augmented reality headsets have released with open SDKs for developers.

Magic Leap

Although the initial breakthrough AR device has lost some of its luster, it is still widely used, especially in the business solutions sector.

Google Glass 2

The second generation of Google Glass is an Android-based business tool designed with the industrial, medical, and building industries in mind.

HoloLens 2 by Microsoft

You can control the holograms on the screen with your voice and hand motions thanks to this hands-free holographic computer.

2. Get Unity

However, if you’re an augmented reality programmer, you’re free to utilize Unreal or any other game engine you like. It’s the greatest option for the medium, and it comes with no-cost training materials and support.

3. Download Development Applications

Make sure you have the following programs set up before you get started.

Visual Studio

Visual Studio is an integrated development environment (IDE) that can be used to launch the HoloLens emulator, allowing developers to test their code in a virtual environment. Without that, it won’t work right. Set up Visual Studio 2017 in addition to Visual Studio 2015 Update 3.

Hololens Emulator

A Virtual Reality Headset That Works Like a HoloLens Now, you can utilize Windows Holographic even if you don’t have a HoloLens. Hyper-V is essential for this to work.

4. Software Development Kits

Take a look at these software development kits (SDKs) if you’re interested in creating AR software.

HoloToolkit

Accelerate the creation of your next HoloLens project with this collection of scripts and components.

ARKit

Apple’s ARKit provides developers with the resources they need to bring AR apps to iOS.

Vuforia

Put it to work in the creation of holographic programs that can identify things in their surrounding area.

Xperti is a great place to find developers skilled in augmented and virtual reality

Xperti is an extremely dependable technology platform that, in less than three days, can connect you with remote and on-site available resources, whether you are looking to employ an augmented reality developer or a virtual reality developer. So, tell me, what exactly are you anticipating? Get in contact with us right away!

See Also: What is a Virtual Merchant?