Virtual Reality vs Augmented Reality Headsets
Whether you want to immerse yourself in a different world through virtual reality, or enhance the one you're already in with augmented reality, wearable headsets can take you to a whole new level of digital experience. But which one is better? Let's dive in and compare.
Virtual Reality Headsets:
Virtual reality (VR) is all about immersion. It completely replaces your view of the real world with a simulated one, giving you a 360-degree experience. A headset that provides this type of experience is called a VR headset.
Pros:
- Total immersion in a virtual world
- Great for gaming, education, and training simulations
- Can help people overcome real-world anxieties by exposing them to virtual versions of those situations.
Cons:
- High-end VR headsets can be expensive (up to $1000+)
- Requires a powerful computer or gaming console
- Can cause motion sickness or eye strain
Augmented Reality Headsets:
Augmented reality (AR) blends the real world with digital information to create an interactive experience. A headset that overlays digital information onto the real world is called an AR headset.
Pros:
- Blends virtual and real-life experience
- Uses your current environment; free from motion sickness
- Great for educational purposes, such as a virtual museum guide
Cons:
- Limited immersion in a virtual world
- Can be less engaging than VR headsets.
- Currently not as effective for gaming purposes
Which One to Choose?
Choosing between VR and AR headsets depends on what you're looking for. If you're looking for a total immersion experience in a virtual world, VR headsets are the way to go. They're a great choice for gamers, education, and training simulations, but they can be costly and require a high-end computer or gaming console.
On the other hand, if you want to blend virtual and real-life experience, then AR headsets are perfect. They're great for educational purposes and also helpful in the workplace, such as showing relevant information to a worker during assembly or repair.
In conclusion, VR and AR headsets offer different experiences, and ultimately the choice depends on your needs.
References:
- Jason R. LaCosse. (2018). Augmented Reality vs. Virtual Reality: What are the Differences and Similarities?. Lifewire. https://www.lifewire.com/augmented-reality-vs-virtual-reality-4947059
- Lexy Savvides. (2019). The differences between VR, AR, and MR. CNet. https://www.cnet.com/how-to/the-differences-between-vr-ar-mr/