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Augmented reality vs virtual reality

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AR vs VR

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality are important terms in an increasingly digital world. Although they are two different technologies, both terms are often used as synonyms. But what are the differences and similarities between AR and VR?

Definition: What is augmented reality?

Augmented Reality (AR) combines the digital world with real elements. It is a technology that is equally suitable for mobile devices and desktops. What makes it special is the fact that it offers the possibility of reflecting digital components in the real world.

Illustration: Gaming with augmented reality

How does augmented reality (AR) work?

One difference between VR and AR is that AR displays different content in the real world. Computer vision, depth tracking and mapping play a key role within this process. All data can be collected in real time via cameras, for example, and processed directly. This makes it possible to display digital content whenever the user needs it.

Special devices are required to fully use the functionality of AR. Smart Glasses, for example, are often used, which provide the data via Smart Glasses software.

Augmented reality (AR): advantages and disadvantages of the technology

If AR or VR is better is a question that cannot be answered in general terms. Both technologies have their advantages and disadvantages. These are some of the pros and cons of Augmented Reality:

Advantages:

  • Enables individualized learning and enhances the learning process.
  • AR offers a wide range of applications that are continuously being improved.
  • The technology makes it possible to increase accuracy and efficiency.
  • Experience or knowledge can be shared over long distances.

Disadvantages:

  • The costs of implementing AR are comparatively high.
  • Many devices have only a low level of performance.
  • A key disadvantage is the lack of user privacy.
  • If the focus on security is neglected, the introduction of augmented reality can lead to a security breach.

Application: augmented reality (AR) in practice

In practice, augmented reality offers a wide range of possibilities. This makes it interesting for both private and business users. Special apps can embed images, text or videos.

  • Fading in digital content over real magazines already works well in the printing and advertising industry.
  • Users who want to translate texts into other languages can use modern translation apps thanks to AR technology.
  • Augmented reality in construction and logistics is an attractive way to increase the efficiency of employees and the business processes.
  • Augmented reality is an easy way to get in touch with customers, colleagues or technicians.

See how TeamViewer Augmented Reality works

Connect with our experts to see a demo of what TeamViewer AR can do for your Business Solution.

See how TeamViewer augmented reality works

Connect with our experts to see a demo of what TeamViewer AR can do for your business solution.

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Virtual world: What is virtual reality (VR)?

The main difference between AR vs VR is that VR is a computer generated simulation. This means that reality or an alternative world is generated graphically.

By using appropriate hardware, it is possible for the user to be fully immersed in the digital world. Therefore, there are also important differences between AR headsets vs VR headsets. Hardware geared towards VR requires sensory devices that translate real-world movements into a modeled reality.

Here’s how virtual reality (VR) works

The focus of VR is to simulate a new reality. By using a VR screen, the user can perceive and interact in the digital world. This requires two lenses between the user and the screen. They interpret the movement of the eyes and adapt the individual movement to the VR. Therefore, in this case, extensive hardware is necessary to isolate the user from the real world.

Virtual reality (VS): pros and cons

Every new technology has its very own pros and cons. This is also true for VR.

Advantages

  • Immersive learning is possible in an interactive environment.
  • Users can explore the virtual world in all its facets.
  • The education sector benefits from these new possibilities.

Disadvantages

  • A genuine interaction in the virtual environment is not possible.
  • It is tempting to transfer one’s life completely to the virtual world.
  • Even though training or learning in the VR environment is very beneficial, it cannot completely replace the real training experience.

Practical application of virtual reality (VR)

Virtual Reality enjoys great popularity especially in the field of video games. Nevertheless, VR offers many other possible applications:

  • In the military, this technology is used in flight simulators or battlefield simulations.
  • In sports, digital training devices help athletes improve their own performance and analyze their techniques
  • In medicine, VR can be used for post-traumatic stress or anxiety. At the same time, the technology allows trainee doctors to train surgical techniques.

Augmented or virtual reality? A direct comparison of the two technologies

AR and VR differ from each other in key aspects. However, this stark difference does not mean that one of the two technologies is better than the other. Instead, both technologies stand out in different application spheres:

  • VR creates an immersive virtual environment, while AR augments a real-world scene.
  • VR is 75 percent virtual, while AR is only 25 percent virtual.
  • VR requires a headset device, while AR does not.
  • VR users move in a completely fictional world, while AR users are in contact with the real world.
  • AR requires higher bandwidth than VR.
  • AR is intended to enhance the virtual world and the real world. VR replaces the real world with a fictional reality, which is primarily intended to enhance games.

AR and VR: a successful symbiosis

The combination of AR and VR results in a symbiosis of excellent systems. While they also work separately, when combined they offer users an enhanced and more engaging experience. The basis for this is to create a fictional world that still allows interaction with the real world. TeamViewer offers you great software solutions to implement both augmented and virtual reality.

Mixed reality: a perfect mixture

The perfect cross between AR and VR is the so-called mixed reality. This technology is expected to become mainstream for consumers and businesses soon. It’s based on enabling instinctive interaction with data, while eliminating screen-based work. Instead, handheld devices can take over these stationary device tasks. The clear advantage is that it will be easier to target centralized data anywhere and anytime.