The terms augmented reality and virtual reality are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same.
In recent years, these two terms have become more commonplace in everyday life. More and more applications are making use of these tools to offer a different experience to their users. However, these experiences are often confused, as both are different.
Differences between augmented reality and virtual reality
Augmented reality
Augmented reality is also known as AR and is a kind of experience that combines the digital plane with the physical plane. This combination offers users an effect in which it seems possible to coexist with the digital elements on the physical plane. Thanks to devices, such as cell phones, it is possible to interact with them while not overstepping reality. For example, Pokemon Go was the first app to show the world the capabilities of augmented reality.
Thus, with augmented reality, users are partially immersed in a virtual world. They require devices to interact with the digital world.
Virtual reality
Virtual reality is also known as VR and is a cutting-edge technology that, unlike AR, does not perform a combination; rather, it replaces the physical plane with a fully digital one. In other words, it creates a digital or artificial environment that replaces the real one and is captured through virtual reality glasses.
The glasses are responsible for replacing reality, completely detaching the user from the environment since they are opaque. The aim is to fully immerse the user in a simulated environment. This experience is an audiovisual feast of entertainment for the eyes and ears. This technology excels in gaming, design, simulation, and computer engineering.
In short, augmented reality unites the physical and virtual planes, allowing interaction with both worlds, while virtual reality replaces the physical plane completely.
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Sources: Augmented reality vs. virtual reality: What they are and how they differ
