Augmented vs Virtual Reality: What Are They and Where to Use Them 

If you had to choose between augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), would you know the differences? 

If not, you are in the right place. Both AR and VR are related to the virtual realm, but they work differently and have different applications in the real world.  

Learn more about how each technology works, what are their advantages, and where they can be applied in this article.  

What Is Augmented Reality?  

Augmented reality is a technology that combines virtual elements with the real world. AR developers overlay digital content onto reality, enhancing the user experience by allowing them to interact with digital components in a real-world scenario. 

Users can experience this technology using devices such as smartphones and tablets, and it can be applied in very distinct areas, from education to gaming to marketing. 

Some advantages of Augmented Reality include: 

Improved user experience: AR creates more interactive and fun experiences 

Easy accessibility: because users can access this technology using accessible devices, such as smartphones, it can reach a wider audience. 

Real-world applications: AR can improve critical societal fields, such as medicine and education. 

What Is Virtual Reality? 

Virtual Reality is a technology that creates an entirely virtual world where users can interact with digital elements in an immersive experience. To do so, users must wear VR headsets. Virtual reality is more commonly used in gaming but it can also be applied in vastly different areas, such as medicine.  

Some advantages of virtual reality are: 

Learning potential: virtual reality helps people learn new abilities in a controlled environment. 

Immersive experience: VR transports users to a realistic digital dimension where they can enjoy fun, immersive moments.  

Business applications: VR can help businesses reduce costs in prototyping. 

Where to Use Augmented Reality 

Augmented reality can be used in an array of fields. 

Advertising 

Several companies have developed ads with AR because it creates a more engaging and pleasantly memorable experience for the audience. 

Retail 

Stores can also benefit from this technology by creating virtual stores where users can visualise or try out products virtually before buying them. 

Education 

AR can play a role in creating more engaging and motivating experiences for students. 

Gaming 

Interactive features make games more engaging and, thus, more appealing. 

Healthcare 

AR helps medical staff visualise all types of procedures in a risk-free environment. 

Where to Use Virtual Reality 

Virtual reality can be a helpful tool to improve areas such as: 

Workforce Training 

Virtual reality can help train workers for complex tasks by simulating real-life situations. 

Gaming 

VR is most commonly associated with gaming, where it can create an immersive and interactive gaming experience for players. 

Healthcare 

VR can be used to simulate medical procedures and provide medical training to doctors and nurses in a safe, controlled environment. 

Real Estate 

Using virtual reality, it is possible to create realistic virtual house tours, saving buyers and sellers time.  

Travel 

Virtual tours can also come in handy in the travelling realm. VR allows travel lovers to enjoy all kinds of tourist destinations without travelling there. 

Entertainment and Gaming 

Virtual reality allows the audience to enjoy an immersive experience watching movies and TV series. Likewise, games can also become more engaging by allowing players to dive into the game environment. 

Conclusion 

Augmented reality and virtual reality are both great technologies that apply differently to our world. Both can help us have enhanced experiences and are an example of how the advancement of technology can work in our favour.