VR, AR, and MR are the current major virtual reality technologies currently available in the market. But what is more interesting is that there are many other VR technologies present at this time. But have you ever thought, what are the differences between them?
We know that most of us are aware of Virtual Reality. Some of us might even be familiar with Augmented Reality. But the mixed reality is something that is very new to us most of the people out there. So let’s explore the difference between all three before we have a look at the various applications of VR, AR, MR.
Virtual Reality (VR)
Virtual reality is the computer technology that creates an immersive simulation of real-life or imaginary environment. The device used to generate this virtual world is called HMD (Head Mounted Display). It covers the user’s head and displays images on its screen, giving them the experience of being part of this simulated world. The user can interact with this virtual world using some special controllers. Virtual reality creates an immersive 3D environment that can either be realistic or cartoon-like, depending upon the requirement of the application
Best VR in Market :
Samsung Gear VR: This is a very cheap and best virtual reality headset in the market. It is easy to wear and has a touchpad for interaction with the device.
HTC VIVE: This is another good quality, pretty expensive HMD which can create an immersive three-dimensional world.
Oculus Rift: The Oculus rift is one of the most liked VR headsets by gamers. It is also an open-source platform for developers to develop games and applications.
Augmented Reality (AR)
Augmented reality is to overlay information over a person’s view of the real world, thus giving you better knowledge about that particular object or place. This can be achieved using a smartphone or tablet’s camera, which is then processed by the AR application. For example – while looking at a museum, it would highlight wherever there are any paintings of interest, show you what kind of people have been painted in them, and also provide some extra information about them.
Feature of Augmented Reality (AR)
- Layered: In augmented reality, the user can see the real world, and on top of that, there is additional information that can be viewed. This information is layered above the real view of things making it more interactive. So, instead of just viewing a painting in a museum, you can now even touch it to know what kind of material has been used.
Augmented Reality in the Market :
Google Glass: Google glass uses your smartphone’s camera to show you information about places, objects, or people around. It is very useful when you are trying to research anything and also for finding the way out of somewhere by showing you directions.
Microsoft HoloLens: This headset creates an augmented 3D world just like virtual reality. It also uses a HoloStudio for developing 3D objects, which can then be shared among the users of this device.
Also Explore: The Rise of Immersive Technology: Real Impact in the Real World
Mixed Reality (MR)
Mixed reality is the combination of both AR and VR. Here, in this case, the virtual world is combined with the real world to create a new virtual environment that can be interacted with using some special controllers or just by moving your body. For example – you are standing in a room looking at some furniture placed there but then through an application on your smartphone, you are rendered to see that furniture floating in the air.
Features of Mixed Reality (MR)
- Combines real and virtual world: In this case, the user can see the real world as well as a virtual one. The user can choose which one he wants to view by either moving his smartphone or wearing a special kind of glasses that will give him a virtual reality experience.
- Interactive: Like augmented reality, it is also very interactive and can be controlled using virtual reality controllers.
Best Mixed Reality in the Market :
Microsoft HoloLens: This is a standalone device and has no need for a smartphone or PC to run it. It uses its own computing power and sensors for processing the information. It provides very good quality images which can overlay in real-time upon our view of the real world.
Samsung Gear VR: This is a mobile virtual reality headset. It has its own sensors and controls so that the user can interact with it without any hassle.
Final Thought
All these technologies can be used for various different usages, but the main aim of all of them is to provide some extra information which will help people or give them a better experience while using it. VR, AR, and MR are the technologies that are set to revolutionize how we work, live, and play. All of these are at different levels of maturity but are growing rapidly with the rapid growth of smartphone technology.
