With so many new technologies emerging, it can be hard to keep track of all the acronyms. Virtual reality (VR) and Augmented reality (AR) are two such examples. But what exactly is the difference between virtual reality and augmented reality? This article will explain just that!
What is virtual reality?
Virtual reality (VR) is a simulated experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world. It uses 3D models or captures of real environments, such as 360 video. VR is achieved by using a computer to generate a simulated environment, which can include sights, sounds and other sensations. When you put on a VR headset, you enter this virtual world.
There are many different types of VR headsets, but they all work in basically the same way. They have sensors that track your head movement and adjust the image accordingly. This gives you the feeling of being in another place.
Most VR headsets also have built-in headphones, which provide sound that immerses you in the virtual world. Some even have haptic feedback, which simulates the feeling of touch.
VR is still a relatively new technology, and it’s constantly evolving. As it becomes more sophisticated, it has the potential to change the way we interact with the world around us.
What is augmented reality?
Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information on the real world. It has been used in a number of gaming and entertainment applications, but is also being increasingly used in training and education, industry, and medicine. We also wrote an article about the use cases and benefits.
There are two main types of augmented reality: marker-based and markerless. Marker-based AR uses special patterns or markers to trigger the overlay of digital content. Markerless AR uses GPS, accelerometers, and other sensors to place digital content in the real world without the need for special markers.
AR has a number of advantages over traditional forms of media. It is interactive and immersive, allowing users to engage with content in a way that is not possible with passive forms of media such as TV or movies. AR also has the potential to be more engaging and motivating than traditional educational methods such as textbooks or lectures.
There are a few potential disadvantages to augmented reality. The technology can be expensive, and it requires a high level of technical expertise to develop content for it. Wintor solves this by offering a no-code AR editor.
What is an AR tour?
Wintor is an AR tour platform. An AR tour is a location-based experience, where you can add a digital layer to a physical location. AR content is visible only via smart devices and can incorporate text, video and images. To create your own AR tour, the Wintor app allows you to capture your environment and place assets in space.
To give you an example of their AR tours, the Wintor app can show historic photos in a neighborhood of Rotterdam. The photos were placed on the exact location they were taken in the past. For example, users can take an AR tour and see these historic photos again by opening the Wintor app on the right place, moving their camera around to recognize the surroundings, and the photos will appear on the exact location they were placed before.
On our YouTube page you can learn much more about AR tours and the possibilities of it.
What is the difference between virtual reality and augmented reality?
When it comes to virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), there is a lot of confusion about the difference between the two technologies. To put it simply, VR is a completely immersive experience that takes place in a digital environment, while AR is a technology that overlays digital information on the real world. That is the difference between virtual reality and augmented reality.
AR has been gaining a lot of traction in recent years, thanks to the introduction of products like the Microsoft HoloLens and the Google Glass. However, AR on your phone is the most accessible way to start using AR.
How to choose the right technology for you
With all the different types of technology available today, how do you know which one is right for you? It really depends on what you want to use it for. If you're looking for an immersive gaming experience or want to be transported to a different world, then virtual reality is the way to go. If you're looking to enhance your existing reality or want to be able to interact with the real world around you, then augmented reality is a better choice.
A rule of thumb to decide between the two technologies.
If you should use VR or AR depends on your use-case and problem. We would say the rule of thumb is as follows:
Virtual reality. If you need to be transported to a different location or a different body, then VR might possibly be the right solution. For example: if you need someone to train a procedure without being at the right location, a VR simulation would be the answer. Take a look at this crane simulator.
Augmented reality. If you need to enhance an existing space and you'd like to be able to add information there, without physically altering the environment, then augmented reality would be correct solution. For example: if you want to onboard someone at a location and the goal is to make sure the trainee goes to different spots and learns at the location, AR is the best choice. Take a look at Wintor as an example.
Conclusion
Virtual reality and augmented reality are two very different technologies. Virtual reality is a completely immersive experience that transports you to another world, while augmented reality overlays digital information on the real world. While virtual reality is more expensive and requires specialized hardware, it can be used for gaming, education, and training simulations. Augmented reality is less expensive and can be used for things like navigation, marketing, and entertainment.