Introduction
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are two of the most talked-about technologies in the world today. While both can be used to create immersive experiences, they differ in several key ways. In this blog post, we will be focusing on the advantages of AR over VR and how that impacts their real-world applications.
Advantages of AR Over VR
Real World Interaction
One of the biggest advantages of AR over VR is that it lets users interact with the real world while still providing a digital overlay. This means that users can interact with physical objects while still being guided by the digital interface. For example, a user can physically move around and pick up objects while a digital overlay highlights important points of interest.
Accessibility
AR is more accessible than VR, as it only requires a smartphone or a tablet instead of a high-end computer or console like VR. Additionally, AR is already built into many popular devices, such as iPhones and Android phones, which means that users don't need to buy a separate device to use it.
Better for Education and Training
AR is better suited for education and training scenarios, as it can overlay digital information onto real-life scenarios. For example, medical students can use AR to overlay symptoms and treatments onto a patient, making it easier for them to learn and understand medical procedures. Similarly, mechanics can use AR to overlay instructions onto a car engine while they're repairing it, making it easier for them to complete the task.
Marketing and Advertising
AR can be used to create interactive marketing and advertising campaigns that engage the user on a deeper level than traditional media. For instance, makeup brands can use AR to let customers try on different shades of lipstick or eyeshadow without having to physically apply it. This increases the likelihood of a customer making a purchase, as they can see how the product looks on them before they buy it.
Conclusion
Overall, AR provides several advantages over VR, including better real-world interaction, accessibility, suitability for education and training, and marketing and advertising. While VR might be better in some cases, such as creating fully immersive gaming experiences, AR has a wider range of applications and is becoming increasingly popular due to its accessibility and versatility.
References
- Kipman, A., & Brown, B. (2016). Magic Leap: where dreams and reality collide. IEEE Spectrum, 53(6), 34-43.
- Azuma, R. T. (1997). A survey of augmented reality. Presence: Teleoperators and Virtual Environments, 6(4), 355-385.
- "Difference Between Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality". (2021). Retrieved September 22, 2021, from https://www.cleveroad.com/blog/virtual-reality-vs-augmented-reality
- "The Advantages of Augmented Reality (AR) Over Virtual Reality (VR)". (2021). Retrieved September 22, 2021, from https://lorenztechnology.com/blog/2021/04/08/the-advantages-of-augmented-reality-ar-over-virtual-reality-vr/