The modern world has greatly changed over the past few years, and emerging technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) are not so emerging anymore.
They have become more mainstream, and many businesses from every industry imaginable are embracing the technology. Some examples of huge brands investing in VR technology are Facebook, Google, IKEA, and L'Oreal.
However, the terms virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality are often used interchangeably, but they refer to three different experiences.
So, what is the difference between augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality?
What Is Augmented Reality (AR)?
Augmented reality is a way to see the world around you with extra information. This information can be in the form of sound, video, graphics, or GPS data. In AR, the real world is "augmented" by computer-generated images, making it appear more interactive.
It is important to note that in an AR experience, the real world is not replaced by a virtual world. Rather, the virtual world is superimposed onto the real world.
An early example of AR technology was the Heads-Up Display (HUD) used in military aircraft. The HUD projects information about altitude, airspeed, and other critical data directly onto the windshield, allowing pilots to keep their eyes on the sky and avoid having to look down at their instruments.
One of the most popular examples of augmented reality is Pokémon GO. This app superimposed digital creatures onto the real world, allowing you to "catch" them. Other well-known examples of AR include Snapchat filters and the IKEA Place app.
What Is Virtual Reality (VR)?
In contrast to AR, virtual reality is a completely immersive experience that replaces the real world with a computer-generated one.
VR allows you to experience and realistically interact with this environment, usually through the use of VR headsets.
A VR headset is a head-mounted display that gives users a realistic, three-dimensional image of the virtual world. Headsets may also include headphones to create a more immersive experience.
One of the most popular VR experiences is gaming, and many big-name video game developers are already creating VR games. For example, Resident Evil 7 is a horror game that can be played in VR.
However, as we mentioned earlier, many other industries beyond gaming are using VR. For example, Walmart is using VR to train new employees, and hospitals are using VR to help patients with pain management.
What Is Mixed Reality (MR)?
Mixed reality is a mixture of augmented and virtual realities. It is an immersive experience that combines the real world with the virtual world.
In MR, computer-generated elements are superimposed onto the real world, but they are also interactive. This means that you can not only see the virtual elements but can also interact with them.
An example of MR is Microsoft's HoloLens, which is a headset that allows users to see, hear, and interact with holograms. Holograms are three-dimensional images that are created by projecting light onto a two-dimensional surface.
The HoloLens is also able to track your movements and understand what you're looking at, which allows the holograms to appear in your field of vision and interact with the real world around you.
In a Nutshell: The Difference Between AR, VR, and MR
The main difference between augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality is the level of immersion:
Augmented reality is the least immersive, as it only superimposes computer-generated elements onto the real world. Virtual reality is more immersive, as it completely replaces the real world with a computer-generated one. Mixed reality is the most immersive, as it combines the real world with the virtual world in a way that allows users to interact with both.
These are the three main types of reality technology, but there is also a fourth type that is worth mentioning: extended reality (XR).
Extended reality is an umbrella term that includes all forms of immersive technology, including AR, VR, and MR.
XR is a relatively new term, and it is still being defined by the industry. However, it is generally used to refer to any type of immersive experience that goes beyond traditional 2D media.
Some examples of XR experiences include 360-degree videos, 3D movies, and interactive games.
XR, however, is not just limited to AR, VR, and MR; it also includes other emerging technologies such as haptics, which are devices that provide tactile feedback, and eye-tracking, which is the ability to track where someone is looking.
Using AR, VR, and MR in Business
We mentioned earlier that AR, VR, and MR are being used in a variety of industries for a variety of purposes. Some of the most common use cases include:
Product visualization
AR and VR can be used to give customers a realistic preview of a product before they purchase it. For example, IKEA has an app that allows users to see how furniture would look in their home before they buy it.
Training and simulation
AR, VR, and MR can be used for training and simulations, as they allow employees to practice in a realistic environment without the risk of injury or damage. For example, medical schools are using VR to teach students about surgery, and the military is using VR to train soldiers.
Customer service and support
AR, VR, and MR can be used to provide customer service and support. For example, Lowe's has started using AR in its stores to help customers find products and get more information about them.
Marketing and advertising
AR, VR, and MR can be used for marketing and advertising purposes. For example, Coca-Cola used AR in its "Share a Coke" campaign, which allowed users to see their names on a can of Coke.
Retail and e-commerce
AR, VR, and MR are starting to be used in retail and e-commerce, as they offer a more immersive shopping experience. For example, Amazon created a virtual "dressing room" that uses VR to allow users to try on clothes before they buy them.
Companies like OctopusXR are also offering an AR/VR marketplace where businesses and customers can interact in the metaverse. The metaverse is a shared, virtual space where people can interact with one another and with computer-generated content.
Learn More About AR/VR/MR for Your Business
If you're wondering how you can leverage the power of augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality for your business, get in touch with OctopusXR to learn more.
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