AR vs VR: What’s the Difference?

Anirudh Agrawal
3 min readApr 19, 2023

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Are you confused between augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. While both AR and VR are immersive technologies, they differ significantly in their capabilities and applications. In this blog post, we’ll explore the science behind AR and VR, their differences, and their potential impact on our lives.

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What is AR?

AR is a technology that overlays digital information on the real world. It uses sensors, cameras, and other devices to track the user’s environment and position, and then adds virtual objects to the user’s view. AR is commonly used in gaming, education, retail, and healthcare industries.

For example, the popular game Pokemon Go uses AR to display Pokemon characters in the real world. Similarly, IKEA’s AR app allows users to visualize how furniture would look in their homes before buying it.

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What is VR?

VR is a technology that creates a simulated environment that users can interact with. It uses headsets or other devices to immerse the user in a virtual world. VR is commonly used in gaming, entertainment, education, and healthcare industries.

For example, the popular VR game Beat Saber allows players to slice virtual blocks with lightsabers while listening to music. Similarly, VR therapy is used to treat mental health conditions like anxiety and phobias.

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What are the Differences?

The main difference between AR and VR is their level of immersion. AR adds virtual objects to the real world, while VR creates a completely new virtual world. AR is less immersive but more versatile, as it allows users to interact with virtual objects in real-time. VR is more immersive but less versatile, as it requires users to wear headsets or other devices that limit their movement.

Another difference is their applications. AR is commonly used in retail, advertising, and education, while VR is commonly used in gaming, entertainment, and healthcare. However, both technologies are rapidly evolving and expanding their applications.

What’s the Future of AR and VR?

Both AR and VR have the potential to revolutionize the way we live, work, and play. AR can enhance our daily experiences by providing real-time information and interaction with virtual objects. VR can transport us to new worlds and provide immersive experiences that were previously impossible.

However, both technologies also raise concerns about privacy, security, and addiction. As AR and VR become more prevalent, we need to address these concerns and ensure that they are used ethically and responsibly.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, AR and VR are two immersive technologies that differ significantly in their capabilities and applications. While AR adds virtual objects to the real world, VR creates a completely new virtual world. Both technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way we live, work, and play, but we need to address their concerns and use them responsibly.

I hope you found this blog post helpful and informative. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below. Thanks for reading!

This article is just my opinion/view on this topic. Please 👏 and follow if you like the article.

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Anirudh Agrawal

Welcome to my little corner of the Mediumverse! I'm a curious mind exploring the world so join me on this journey of discovery and inspiration!