Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are two distinct XR technologies. While AR overlaid supplementary information over real world environments, VR immerses users completely within an artificially created world.

Teachers can leverage virtual reality training tools to engage and motivate their students when it comes to academic pursuit. But before adopting AR and VR within an organization, there are various considerations they should keep in mind.

Definition

AR is a technology that marries virtual and real-world experiences by overlaying computer-generated information onto user’s view of reality. AR can usually be accessed using smartphones and tablets; dedicated headsets may also exist.

AR is best known in the gaming and entertainment industries–think Pokemon Go, Snapchat’s augmented lenses or Magic Leap’s AR glasses–but is increasingly making inroads into business sectors as well.

Industrial workers using AR can utilize mobile devices with AR to see superimposed data on equipment in their field of vision and remotely control it via touch, voice control or gesture control – helping improve productivity while decreasing product failures.

AR is also increasingly used to layer 3D models over real world objects and allow users to interact with them, taking them in new directions. This kind of technology is commonly utilized by manufacturers for assembly processes as well as educational settings for understanding objects by immersing students into their natural surroundings.

AR technology can also be used to add digital graphics or text onto physical objects. This type of augmented reality allows people to try on clothing or furniture without physically entering stores; check whether a piece fits in their home; and create fun tattoos on their bodies without getting ink!

Hardware needed for creating an AR experience depends on the technology being employed and will vary based on this factor. A light engine and optical combiner are typically essential, with microdisplay light engines offering various methods for integrating images from displays into the surrounding environment and their performance being determined by how effectively an optical combiner has been designed.

Applications

Virtual reality technology is increasingly used both for entertainment and educational purposes, creating immersive experiences such as games and movies. Furthermore, its use in education helps students learn and comprehend concepts such as space travel and scientific processes by immersing them into an authentic real-world environment without leaving their classroom.

Augmented reality (AR) employs computer vision, mapping and depth tracking technologies to overlay digital content over physical spaces, and can be experienced on smartphones or special hardware like AR headsets. AR technology has seen increasing use in retail and healthcare settings – for instance Rolex uses it so consumers can try on watches before purchasing them through its app, while IKEA’s AR app lets them place furniture before making their purchase decision.

XR technologies are increasingly being employed for training and remote work by connecting soldiers, medical personnel, pilots/astronauts, chemists and scientists from different countries and continents for meetings or collaborating in life-threatening situations. AR and VR can also be utilized in many industries to enhance user experiences – for instance retail uses may benefit by helping customers visualize products better while increasing sales by giving customers an opportunity to test furniture or kitchen appliances before purchase.

As demand for AR/VR experiences rises, a new generation of technological professionals will be needed to design and produce them. If this sounds appealing to you, SMU offers an MA in Creative Technology degree that equips students with the skills and knowledge required for designing immersive augmented and virtual reality applications – so apply today and begin an exciting career exploring emerging XR technologies!

Key Differences

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) blur the boundary between digital and physical realms, leading to their explosive growth in popularity. Yet each technology offers unique benefits and drawbacks.

While AR seamlessly incorporates itself into the real-world environment, VR requires special headsets and powerful computers in order to produce its immersive experience. As such, it is more expensive and less accessible than AR.

VR has significant applications across a variety of industries despite its limitations, from designing and training to customer experience enhancement and collaboration among teams across the globe. Furthermore, it can reduce miscommunication risks and costly errors associated with project management.

AR and VR technology has been put to use widely in gaming. Popular apps and games such as Pokemon Go use AR technology to overlay digital images over physical environments, as well as virtual theme park rides or simulations. Furthermore, virtual classrooms allow students to take field trips from home or school without leaving home or school grounds.

Another application of AR and VR lies within marketing and e-commerce. Some brands have utilized AR to create three dimensional versions of their cartoon characters in magazines. AR can also help enhance customers’ shopping experiences by providing product and service details in an interactive manner; leading to greater sales for brands.

Hardware Requirements

AR requires specific hardware such as smartphones and smart glasses equipped with advanced sensors and displays that support computer vision, depth tracking, mapping and sensor integration for AR to work properly. Sensors play an essential role in sensing our environment, collecting data to be interpreted for users by providing movement/orientation sensor (accelerometers/gyroscopes/light sensors etc), magnetic field (Magnetometer) detection as well as GPS.

These sensors must work reliably even in dusty or dirty environments in order to be useful, while remaining lightweight and comfortable for extended wear. Furthermore, the devices must have the capacity for connecting to the Internet as well as enough power for on-board processing, storage and connectivity as well as input/output functions.

Virtual reality employs headsets equipped with high-definition displays and powerful computers. Whether tethered to an object or wireless, these virtual reality systems must have low latency in order for users to see the virtual world without dropping frames, as well as enough memory and processing power for data capture, visualization, and real-time streaming.

The ARM processor family offers the ideal platform to support cutting-edge AR and VR technologies, from headsets with sensors and displays to mobile phones with low power requirements and advanced displays. ARM’s expertise in providing low power yet specialized processors serves as a solid foundation for this emerging class of AR devices.

Virtual and Augmented Reality technologies hold great promise across industries. But their widest adoption will only occur if it can address specific pain points within businesses, justifying any hardware and software investments required, while remaining affordable enough to meet business requirements while producing results.

Use Cases

AR and VR may still be relatively young technologies, but they’ve quickly become an integral component of many industries’ business models. AR/VR technology offers highly personalized customer experiences as well as creative ways for brands to connect with customers in novel ways.

AR and VR have long been used as powerful learning and training tools, providing employees with realistic virtual environments such as power plants or manufacturing sites, to teaching customer service employees how to handle difficult customer interactions effectively. VR allows employees to learn on the job with hands-on instruction without incurring costly physical materials or instructors fees.

AR and VR technology also enhances customer experiences at points of sale, for instance with Augmented Reality providing customers with an opportunity to preview products before purchasing them – this reduces friction that would normally arise in brick-and-mortar stores, helping consumers feel secure about their decisions and giving them peace of mind when making purchasing decisions.

Augmented reality can further enhance customer experiences post purchase by offering advice or creating interactive packaging; this helps businesses build strong relationships with their customers while increasing retention rates.