Many of us thought that by 2016 we would be getting to our jobs in flying cars while automated servants clean our apartment, though in reality what we ended up with was photography drones and the Roomba. However, many innovations that are at the forefront of technological advancement are much more impressive than our expectations would have had us believe.
Today virtual reality, and its sister technologies augmented reality and mixed reality, are creating totally new ways for average users to experience and interact with the world around them.
This post provides the major difference between these devices.
Environment
Virtual Reality (VR)
Virtual Reality (VR) involves virtual environments which are digital with a complete cut from the physical environment. These environments can be used in games, training, and demonstration. There are several digital agencies which provide customized training solutions based on business needs. The VR example involves police training, sports training, live broadcast.
Augmented Reality (AR)
Augmented Reality (AR) involves real environments with the addition of digital elements. The live view can be captured using the camera. The digital elements will be added on top of the live view. Similar to VR, AR can also be used in games, training, and demonstration. The most popular example of AR is the game Pokemon Go.
Mixed Reality (MR)
Mixed Reality (MR) involves a mix of aspects from both virtual and real environments with the involvement of digital elements. The virtual objects can be mapped to the physical environment. It differs with AR where the virtual objects are placed on a separate layer on top of the physical world. Mixed Reality can be much more useful in AI-based training involving the mapping or interaction of digital elements with the physical world.
User Engagement
Virtual Reality (VR)
In the VR scenario, the user gets completely involved in the digital environment without the involvement of the physical environment. The user is expected to have access to a suitable system and compatible VR device (VR headset) to get involved in the applications or games having support for VR. The popular VR devices include Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Google Cardboard. The gaming agencies target their games specific to these devices having their control mechanism.
Augmented Reality (AR)
Users can engage in AR-based application even with their smartphones having a camera. In most of the cases, there is no need for high-end systems to experience AR. The applications or games just add digital elements on top of live capture to engage the user.
Mixed Reality (MR)
In the case of MR, the user can experience the involvement of virtual objects with the real world or physical view. The user needs a headset capable of MR. The HoloLens device from Microsoft can provide such an experience.