What is the Difference between AR and VR?

The difference between AR and VR can be confusing. That’s because while AR is considered a form of virtual reality, there is a vast difference between the technologies that deliver an AR or VR user experience. The main difference between AR and VR is that AR adds digital elements to the physical world, while VR creates an entirely virtual environment for users.

Augmented reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are two separate technologies with different applications. AR is used to supplement a user’s view of the real world by adding digital information, while VR creates an entirely immersive experience where the user is inside a digital environment. The main difference between AR and VR lies in how they interact with the environment around them. AR enhances the real-world view with digital content, while VR replaces it with a totally virtual one. Both technologies are beneficial in certain use cases, but they have very different capabilities and applications.

AR is a technology that enhances the user’s view of the real world by augmenting it with computer-generated objects or images. This allows users to interact with virtual objects in their environment in real-time while still being able to see the actual surroundings. On the other hand, VR completely immerses the user in a virtual world or environment where they can interact with digital objects and content without any reference to their physical location.

The VR experience is a total immersion into new reality that surrounds the user. VR technology requires a headset or other item to create a completely new world when worn. VR also relies heavily upon fictional characters and other items programmed into the world.

AR works mainly with what exists in the real world, but as its name implies it ‘augments’ existing reality by placing virtual items on top of real objects. It is easily accessed through devices such as smartphones or tablets. AR has gained wide acceptance in gaming and entertainment and is now being used to add an extra layer of customer engagement to direct mail marketing pieces.

Both VR and AR are becoming commonplace as more users experiment with and enjoy these powerful and innovative technologies.