Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality: What’s the difference?

Today, reality technologies are gaining momentum in every sphere of life. The global market size of AR/VR is projected 18.8 billion USD in 2020, says experts. It has huge potential to create a total new experience of  the virtual world for the users. We can experience its’s presence around us like Surgeons are planning treatments with Virtual Reality, training is imparted in corporates, children are learning in stimulating environment, VR tour is being provided to prospect travelers and likewise.  Just to have a clear and better understanding, we are explaining the key differences between VR, AR, and MR.

Virtual Reality:

It is an artificially created environment that replaces the real world completely. This is a stimulating experience where users get immersed with the virtual world while disconnecting with the physical world. This is possible through VR headsets like Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Goggle Cardboard etc. Gaming and entertainment industries are the first to implement Virtual Reality technology whereas industries like military, healthcare, education, engineering, businesses are rapidly adopting it.

Augmented Reality:

In 2021, there will be an estimated 1.96 billion mobile AR users worldwide according to research published by SRD. Augmented Reality is a technology that overlays digital content on the real-world or in other words, these are the software applications that merge digital content with real world environment of a user. Unlike virtual immersive experience, augmented reality reinforces the real environment with text, images, sonic, motion, etc. can be experienced through devices like smartphones, heads-up displays, tablets, AR glasses, and smart lenses.

Pokemon GO, Google Sky Map, Layar, AcrossAir, Lookator are some of the mobile apps stands a perfect example of augmented reality.

Categories of Augmented Reality

• AR in 3D viewers (AUGMENT, Sun Seeker)
• AR in Browsers (Argon4, AR Browser SDK)
• AR in Gaming
• AR GPS

Mixed Reality

Mixed reality is the new evolution in computer, human and environment interaction. As the name implies, Mixed Reality brings the real and digital world simultaneously to deliver a completely new experience. This new-wave technology allows users to get a better sense of realism as here digital objects co-exist and interact in the real environment. This integration is possible through various techniques like streaming video or using 3D digitalization of objects.

The experience is enabled by MR devices like Microsoft HoloLens that offers both real-world and virtual world experiences. Industries like manufacturing, medical, automobile,  and military where you can see the usage of mixed reality that too at an early stage.

According to Forbes research, the automobile company Ford is implementing mixed reality technology to prototype future vehicles rather than making in the physical environment.

What’s the difference between AR/VR and MR?

Coming to the end of the line, let us simplify the difference between VR, AR, and MR in a concise manner-

Virtual Reality– User gets fully immersed in an artificial environment or digital world that stimulates the senses.

Augmented Reality– An experience where digital content is superimposed on the real-world to enhance the interaction, and

Mixed Reality– Being immersed with the digital content, the user still aware of the physical surrounding.

These technologies are quickly developing and their implementation in the present scenario is increasing at an accelerating rate. The upcoming technology is the Extended Reality which incorporates all of the above technologies to enhance our senses. It provides additional insights about the real world or creates the virtual world to experience. 10^th Dimension, Singapore has hands-on designing and developing up-to-a minute Reality Applications and Software that can boost and enhance your business operations. Drop us your requirement and our expert professionals will help you to design the truly immersive experience for your users.