Technology Found Here : Why Augmented Reality excites me more than Virtual Reality does..

Despite being so similar, Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality are two completely different concepts. Before I jump into the article, let me tell you more about it.

Let’s get started with the easier one of the two, that’s Virtual Reality. The word ‘Virtual’ means almost or nearly as described, but not completely or according to strict definition. So then, what is Virtual Reality? Well, in simple words, ‘the computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way by a person using special electronic equipment, such as a helmet with a screen inside or gloves fitted with sensors.’ Let me explain this with the help of a Virtual Reality headset, the Oculus Rift. The Oculus Rift looks like this. Once you wear it, it takes you to a completely new, computer generated ‘Virtual’ world.

Here's a user wearing the Microsoft HoloLens.
This is how his existing reality is augmented by the AR headset.

On the other hand we have Augmented Reality. On its own, the word ‘Augment’ means to make (something) greater by adding to it. So, Augmented Reality is basically a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user's view of the real world, thus providing a composite view. In simpler words, Augmented Reality enhances what the user is already seeing. Take the Microsoft HoloLens, an augmented reality glasses. The HoloLens displays information on top of everything that the user is currently seeing.

So what’s the difference? Well, Virtual Reality completely replaces your entire reality with a new computer-generated world. Augmented reality adds computer generated images & information to the existing reality in the form of an overlay of some sort.

And that’s exactly the reason Augmented Reality excites me more than Virtual Reality does. Augmented Reality enhances the world I am in, hence helping me. Augmented Reality can make everything ‘smarter’.

But that’s not to say that Virtual Reality is bad. Virtual reality can be enjoyed while gaming (which is VR’s main targeted audience). Virtual Reality can also help in giving a very aggressive cinematic experience to movies.

So what do you guys think? Be sure to let me in the comments below.

Here are the current AR & VR products (most of them in development)

VIRTUAL Reality

HTC RE VIVE