Augmented Reality (AR) vs. Virtual Reality (VR): A Thorough Comparison

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are technologies that simulate or enhance the real world. In this article, we'll explain, in simple terms, what VR and AR are, how they differ, some examples, and predictions for their future.

1. What Are AR and VR?

The terms "virtual reality" and "augmented reality" have become widely used as both technologies grow rapidly. This growth is driven by, and depends on, factors such as improved internet connectivity and rising adoption among businesses and consumers. That said, neither technology is actually new.

In recent years, VR has drawn attention in gaming, while AR has been quietly carving out new ground in the enterprise space. AR and VR hold enormous potential for industrial applications, but right now their biggest growth is happening mainly in gaming, marketing, and e-commerce.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

2. What Is Augmented Reality (AR)?

Augmented Reality (AR) most often uses a smartphone camera to enhance your surroundings by adding digital elements to the real world.

AR's core value lies not just in simply displaying data, but in the way digital components blend into the real world, perceived as a natural part of the environment. One of the best examples of AR technology is the popular mobile app Pokémon GO, which lets players find and catch Pokémon characters that appear in the real world.

The most common areas where AR is used in industry are training, education, auditing, and inspection. But healthcare is also making use of the technology. With the right applications, surgeons and skilled professionals can carry out complex procedures without sacrificing costly resources or patient comfort.

3. What Is Virtual Reality (VR)?

Virtual Reality, also known as VR (short for Virtual Reality), is a simulated experience in which the world you're standing in is replaced by a virtual one. This can be achieved with something as simple as a plastic phone holder, though most people these days use a head-mounted display.

Virtual reality has revolutionized gaming and entertainment by letting users immerse themselves in highly simulated environments. VR also plays a major role not only in education fields such as medical and military training, but also in business settings such as virtual meetings.

VR headsets used to require tethering to a device, but more recent versions can be used standalone or wirelessly. The most well-known consumer VR headset is the Oculus Quest 2, while the Vive Focus 3 Pro is aimed at businesses.

4. What's the Difference Between VR and AR?

Despite their similar-sounding designs, virtual reality and augmented reality are two completely different approaches that achieve two completely different things. Virtual reality delivers a purely visual experience, while augmented reality enhances your surroundings by adding digital elements to them. The difference comes down to the devices used and the experience itself.

・AR uses real-world settings, while VR is entirely virtual.

・AR users stay in control of themselves in the real world, while VR users are controlled by the system.

・VR requires a headset device, while AR can be accessed with just a smartphone.

・AR can enhance both the virtual and real worlds, while VR only enhances a fictional reality.

Both are powerful technologies that haven't yet touched most people's everyday lives. They have the potential to completely transform how we use computers in the future, but at this point, no one can say for sure whether either — or both — will succeed.

5. Examples of AR and VR Applications

A wide range of industries are using VR and AR, including education and training, healthcare, manufacturing and logistics, construction, and real estate.

Nike uses augmented reality and virtual reality in its physical stores. Customers can scan items such as shoes and clothing to display information, or step into a VR world to experience the different stages of Nike's supply chain, helping them understand how and where each item is made.

Nike

IKEA developed an app called "The Place." It lets shoppers use their smartphone camera and augmented reality to place furniture items in their home, so they can see exactly how each item would look in their own space.

IKEA's "The Place" app

L'Oréal now works with Facebook to offer an AR-powered virtual makeup try-on experience. Customers can try products from leading global beauty brands such as Maybelline, L'Oréal Paris, Lancôme, Giorgio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent, and Urban Decay.

In the automotive industry, both BMW and Jaguar have used VR for years to conduct early design and engineering reviews. This lets them check a vehicle's visual design and spot object obscurities before money is spent on physically manufacturing the parts.

L'Oréal makeup

Medical professionals use VR across a wide range of fields, from junior doctors explaining diagnoses and treatment plans to orthopedic surgeons performing surgery. Using VR to prepare for a procedure before ever entering the operating room can improve both safety and precision during surgery.

VR use in healthcare

6. The Future of AR and VR

Many different reports have tried to predict how large the global AR and VR market will grow in the coming years. According to Statista, the global AR and VR market is expected to reach $296.9 billion by 2024. AR technology in industrial and manufacturing settings is expected to capture the largest revenue share, at 24.3%, in 2021, and to dominate throughout the forecast period.

While VR is focused on growth within the gaming industry, AR is expected to be used mainly in industrial and enterprise sectors, where it contributes to on-site progress and digitalization. Many companies are also exploring how to incorporate AR into their Industry 4.0 process chains.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About AR and VR

8. Develop VR / AR Together with Miichisoft

Miichisoft mainly develops web systems, mobile apps, and business systems, but since 2021 we've set up a dedicated division called "Miichisoft Solutions" to research and develop cutting-edge technologies such as VR/AR, blockchain, and cloud computing.

We use Unity technology to develop VR and AR apps. For example, please take a look at the demo below.

If you'd like to develop an application around augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR), please don't hesitate to contact us. The Miichisoft Solutions team will be happy to work with you.

We look forward to hearing from you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KI1yVD6gaqs