What is the difference between augmented reality, virtual reality and mixed reality?

Augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) are the most fashionable themes in today's technology world. They have gained great interest from the media and major technology companies that are becoming investing heavily in these technologies. These three techniques will affect many aspects of our lives. They are now used in education, recreation, communication, medicine and many other industries. But the big question is, are they the same? What's the difference between them?

Although there are obvious similarities, AR, VR and MR are three different techniques. In this article, we will discuss the main differences between augmented reality, virtual reality and mixed reality. At the end of the whole, you will be able to draw clearly defined boundary lines between these three techniques.



1. Virtual Reality (VR)     

By name, you can easily find out what VR technology is doing. It simply immerses yourself in the depths of the virtual world. Technology generates a virtual environment with which to interact. You become part of this environment and you can navigate it. VR is an intuitive technology that has an impact on at least two of the five senses. It's sight and sound. This technology creates a strong perception of being in a completely different place even when you're not there.

How is virtual reality achieved? First, you need to wear a headset with an input device connected to a computer that is responsible for creating a virtual environment. If you're using a mobile device, the headset and computer are combined to connect the virtual world.

Although the headset is the primary device for VR setting up, more input devices can be added to immerse the user deeper into the virtual world. For example, it can be enhanced by motion tracking, touch devices and treadmills. The VR headset is designed to look like some kind of goggles. It has a set of lens that is specially aligned to give a 3D effect. The headset is powered by a computer, gaming controller, or even a mobile device. There are some special programs and sensors responsible for creating an intuitive virtual environment.

The most distinctive aspect of VR technology is that it provides high levels of simulation. There is some sense of realism in the way it interacts with the new environment.

Virtual reality technology is widely used in the entertainment world. For example, it is used in video games to improve the gaming experience. Vr is also already used in the medical, military and commercial worlds.


2- Augmented Reality (AR)

Unlike VR technology, augmented reality doesn't take you to the virtual world. It only enhances things in your current world by adding virtual images to it. In simpler terms, AR puts virtual objects in a real-world environment. For example, technology allows you to see a book on your table via your phone. The most popular app of AR technology is PokemonGo.

One of the main features that makes AR completely different from VR is that it combines real-world objects with those created by the computer. For this reason, it doesn't provide a completely immersive experience. This is unlike virtual reality technology that simulates the environment

Another notable feature of AR technology is the type of devices used. Unlike VR, which relies heavily on a range of external devices, AR can be achieved without any external devices. Your smartphone is powerful enough to provide this technology. However, this does not mean that you cannot use an external device. There are special AR speakers but they are slightly different from VR speakers

To achieve AR, you just need a smartphone and an AR application. Your smartphone camera must have the ability to capture the real environment around you. On the other hand, the program or application will view and calculate objects that are created by the computer

One of the perfect examples of ar wearable product is Google Glass. It is designed to display a digital overlay directly in front of users. Augmented reality has many applications. In the medical world, it is used to connect surgeons with each other, especially when they perform the same surgery. Engineers use technology to create charts. AR can also be used to create interactive input options that can replace a regular keyboard

3- Mixed Reality (MR)

Many people tend to confuse MR and VR. This is essentially because both are seen as crossover technologies. In fact, there is a thin dividing line between AR and MR. In fact, mixed reality tends to combine the best features of virtual reality with those in augmented reality.

Mixed reality combines all aspects of the virtual world with aspects of the real world. It enables users to interact with the worlds. Unlike AR, the default things in MR are not just added. In fact, you can interact with them to the fullest. This is the main feature that distinguishes MR from AR. On the other hand, the user remains in a realistic environment. This makes the technology different from VR.

Mixed reality begins with the real world. Over time, digital objects are introduced into this world and the user is immersed in a virtual environment. Sounds like VR, doesn't it? In MR, there is a direct relationship between the real world and the virtual environment. This is unlike VR where the connection between the two is not connected.

Most people see MR as an improvement for THE AR. adds some sense of immersion to AR. There is still constant research on MR technology.

In conclusion, virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality are new technologies that change the way we see things. 

Sincerely JUSTECH Team!