Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) have made a big splash in the mainstream in recent years, from the movie, “Ready Player One” to filters on social media and more. They were once futuristic, but now they are part of our daily lives. Let’s explore their differences and how you might already be using them.
What’s the difference?
VR games require a headset device that replaces the user’s field of vision with a virtual world. The Metaverse is an example of VR technology used to create a separate imagined reality for people to meet, interact, and shop.
In contrast, AR can be used with a smartphone or handheld gaming device to create an overlay on the reality seen through the device’s camera. This can add details and information, such as making imagined characters appear to be present in the real world on apps like Pokémon Go.
Summing it up
The real differences come down to the devices you use and the details of the experience itself:
- AR uses a real-world setting, whereas VR is completely virtual.
- AR users control their presence in the real world, but VR users are controlled by the system and seem to exist in an immersive virtual world.
- VR requires a headset device, but AR can be accessed with just a handheld device.
Am I using VR or AR in my daily life?
It’s easy to recognize when you’ve used VR, as you simply need to wear the headset. AR, on the other hand, can be a bit trickier to identify. However, if you’ve ever used Snapchat filters, played games where characters pop up on the screen based on your camera’s view, or used a home decor app to visualize furniture and paint colors in your room, then you’ve experienced AR.
Want to know more? Bloomer Broadband is here to help!
At Bloomer Broadband we value our role as your trusted advisor when it comes to making the most of our internet services and helping you explore all the great new features our technology has to offer. Give us a call at 715-568-4830, we’d love to chat!
