The recent hype around artificial intelligence(AI) has been exciting. However, developments like augmented reality(AR) and virtual reality (VR) can not be overshadowed. A lot has been happening in the space with the increasing technology adoption by significant players in their respective fields. Take CES 2023, where multiple announcements by Sony, Meta, and HTC have made the discussion forums boil, with the posts speculating over the exciting gadgets supporting Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality we can soon buy and use. Developments in immersive technology are all but beneficial for businesses looking for a perfect opportunity to improve their offerings. And, if you are pondering how they are different and which one is for you, you are at the right place. Our aim with this “augmented reality vs virtual reality” blog is to ensure that you have a comprehensive knowledge of both technologies and make sound decisions based on them.
Augmented Reality vs Virtual Reality – how they aid businesses
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are the most exciting current-day technologies. These technologies could revolutionize how businesses interact with their customers and employees.
Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality are used to create immersive experiences that can help businesses improve customer engagement. For example, a furniture store could use AR to let customers see how different pieces of furniture would look in their homes. Or, a car dealership could use VR to let customers take a test drive of a new car without ever leaving their living room. These changes are not only making the shopping experience more comfortable for the users but also reducing the cost and making the businesses more innovative and creative with their operations.
According to a study by Statista, the global AR and VR market in retail is expected to reach $31.12 billion in 2023 and a CAGR growth of 13.72%, resulting in a market volume of $52.05 billion. The gaming market is also expected to reach $52.05 billion by the year 2027 according to the same source. These statistics show that the use of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality is happening in different industries, including real states, where according to Matterport, 95% of people prefer 3D virtual tours. The revolution caused by the advent of immersive technology is significant as it shows the potential for more previously hesitant businesses to be keen on adopting the technology.
What is augmented reality?
Augmented reality, on the other hand, is when you bring your imagination to the real world by using your surroundings as a 3D vector map. You create objects in a 3D tool and then, with the help of a device such as your smartphone, interact with them on the real-world map. Augmented reality has a different goal: to bring your imagination in front of you with a simple gadget and little equipment.
What is virtual reality?
Virtual reality, to understand in the most basic terms, is a form of technology that leverages the science of pose tracking and 3D sensors to help its users experience the virtual world as if they are living a live experience. The main idea and inspiration are to create a world where it is impossible to distinguish whether you are in a world that is digitally created and operated because of the sensors and equipment attached to you or it’s a completely new frontier.
Augmented Reality vs Virtual Reality Examples: Understanding the visual aspect & more
AR: Where Reality and Imagination Converge
You might remember that crazy Pokémon GO thing that happened. It was a perfect example of the application of augmented reality, where digital stuff is mixed with the real world. Instead of being immersed in a virtual world, augmented reality adds interesting and creative virtual things to what you see in real life. You can check it out on devices like heads-up displays, smartphones, tablets, smart lenses, and even AR glasses.
But here’s the kicker—augmented reality is more than just a fun time. To explain this, the furniture store IKEA made this excellent AR app. It helps you see what their products would look like in your home before buying them. It’s just a regular app that shows you virtual versions of the furniture right in your living room. And IKEA is not alone in this game. Companies in aviation, automotive, healthcare, travel, and many other industries are working on their own augmented reality stuff.
Imagine you’re on a self-guided walking tour and stumble upon this aesthetically appealing building. Do you want to know all about its fancy architecture? With an augmented reality app, you can whip out your phone, point it at the building, and voila! All the details about the architecture pop up right in front of your eyes. It’s like having your tour guide in your pocket, and thanks to cool tools like ARKit from Apple and Google’s ARCore, augmented reality is becoming more accessible to the general public. You don’t have to be a tech whiz to try these AR experiences. You’re good to go as long as you’ve got a smartphone. The tech industry is bringing this mind-bending augmented reality stuff to our fingertips. Who knows what amazing things we’ll be able to do with it next? The possibilities are endless, and as a business or an individual looking to launch a service using them, you have all the right resources available efficiently.
VR: Enter a World Beyond Your Wildest Dreams
Virtual reality is this fantastic technology where you put on a specialized headset and suddenly feel like you’re in another world. It’s not just for games anymore, though. VR is used in various places, like the military, engineering, healthcare, education, and business.
So, imagine this, you put on a simple headset, and voila! Your brain is tricked into thinking you’re walking in a virtual world. It’s like being inside a movie or a video game but way more immersive. Some headsets need to be connected to a computer or a game console, but others, like the Oculus Go, can work alone.
But here’s where it gets more exciting, and the applications get helpful. Surgeons are using VR to plan surgeries. They can practice the whole procedure virtually before operating on a patient. It helps them get everything just right and reduces the risk of mistakes. And people can even travel to a destination in VR before actually going there. You can explore and get a feel for a place without leaving your living room. Kids are learning in VR too. They can take a virtual walk on the moon and experience what it’s like to be an astronaut. It’s like a super realistic field trip without having to leave the classroom. And soldiers? They’re using VR to train for combat scenarios. They can practice all sorts of situations and prepare without danger.
VR’s future will be even more mind-blowing. Businesses will find various ways to use this technology to improve their operations. Just imagine what they’ll come up with! It’s like stepping into a whole new dimension where anything is possible. The possibilities are endless, my friend.
Augmented Reality vs Virtual Reality: The fundamental differences
Augmented and virtual reality are going to be everywhere shortly. You can find all sorts of cool stuff to play with on your smartphones, tablets, PCs, and even those fancy VR headsets. We’re talking about movies, games, and mind-blowing 3D content. But let’s break it down and look at the significant differences between the two technologies because they aren’t the same, and to use them properly, knowing the differences is extremely necessary.
Environment
Augmented reality, or AR for short, takes the natural world and adds virtual stuff. It’s like looking through a unique lens and seeing virtual objects mixed with reality. On the other hand, virtual reality, or VR, is a whole different ball game. The entire world around you is created digitally. Let’s understand this more comprehensively; you want to play a game in an AR environment. When you launch an AR service, the world is authentic except for the object or virtually created thing in the real world. But, in VR, you are inside the game, and while you can interact with the objects digitally, they are not real.
Control
Regarding control, AR users are still in the real world. They can move around and do their thing, and the virtual objects tag along. But VR users? Oh no, they’re guided by the VR system. They’re fully immersed in a virtual world, following the rules set by the VR gods.
Equipment needed
You can experience AR using your trusty smartphone, laptop, or tablet without fancy headsets. But VR? You must strap a headset to dive into that virtual wonderland. It’s like putting on special goggles to transport yourself to a new reality.
AR is all about enhancing both the virtual and real world. It’s there to make your life easier and simpler. But VR? Oh, it’s all about improving the imaginary world. It’s like stepping into a fictional reality where anything is possible. My friend, AR, and VR might be perplexing, but they’ll blow your mind. They will change how we see and experience things in ways we can’t even imagine. Get ready for a wild ride!
Empower your Business with AR and VR
These are two of the most exciting technologies in recent years. These technologies could revolutionize how businesses interact with their customers and employees.
Improve Customer Engagement
Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality can create immersive experiences that can help businesses improve customer engagement. For example, a furniture store could use AR to let customers see how different pieces of furniture would look in their homes. Or, a car dealership could use VR to let customers take a test drive of a new car without ever leaving their living room. Here are some ways you can use them to improve customer engagement:
Product visualization:
Augmented Reality can let customers visualize products in their environment and virtual reality can transport them to a simulated world. It can be a great way to help customers make informed purchase decisions.
Training:
Simulated virtual environments and AR can be used to train customers on how to use products or services. It can be a great way to improve customer satisfaction and reduce support costs.
Entertainment:
AR and VR can provide customers with entertainment experiences. It is a great way for businesses to attract and retain customers.
AR vs VR in enhancing employee training.
There is extensive use of immersive technology in industries where they are being used to train employees in situations and scenarios which are not possible or resourceful to recreate in the real world. For example, a construction company could use AR to train employees to operate heavy machinery safely. Or a healthcare company could also use VR to train employees to perform surgery. Here are some other scenarios when you can use them to enhance employee training:
Safety:
You can train employees in a safe environment, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Cost savings:
You can train multiple employees simultaneously, reducing the cost of training.
Increased productivity:
It can be used to increase employee productivity. One can provide employees with hands-on training to help them learn faster and retain information better.
Businesses are transforming their entire workflow with how they operate with immersive technology, changing how they interact with their consumers, and redefining how to market and sell products. According to a survey by Threekit, around 61% of customers prefer shopping where an AR experience is available. With a spending of 18.8 billion dollars in the last fiscal year, there is no reason to believe that AR and VR are not the next big thing in the business space.
Conclusion
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) can potentially revolutionize how we interact with the world around us. In 2023, we expect a significant increase in the adoption of VR and AR. It is due to several factors, including releasing new, more affordable headsets, developing new applications and games, and growing business interest.
Many industries can be exciting growth areas for VR and AR. Businesses can create immersive experiences that attract and retain customers. For example, a hotel could use VR to let potential guests explore their rooms and facilities before booking in the hospitality industry. Or, a restaurant could use AR to let customers see how their food would look before they order. The possibilities for VR and AR in all consumer-based industries are endless. As these technologies continue to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative ways to use them to enhance the customer experience. Any business looking to mark its presence must adapt to the coming changes. Certainly, on this blog “Augmented reality vs virtual reality”, we could draw the key differences and applications. If you want to add flair to your product or service, start recreating them in AR VR today with PlugXR Creator.