Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality are two types of modern technologies that are gradually and increasingly being used in our life. Hence, it is important that we understand what they are about and the difference between the two.
2. Virtual and Augmented Reality
• Augmented reality and virtual reality are two of the ways that technology can
change the way you look at the world. The terms can be confusing.
Sometimes people think AR and VR are the same thing.
• Augmented reality and virtual reality are increasingly used in technology, so
knowing the difference is important.
3. Virtual Reality
(VR)
• Virtual Reality is defined as "the use of
computer technology to create a
simulated environment.“
• When you view VR, you are viewing a
completely different reality than the one
in front of you. Virtual reality may be
artificial, such as an animated scene, or an
actual place that has been photographed
and included in a virtual reality app.
• It is the interaction with a fake world that
users interact with via VR helmet or
goggles that contain sensors. You are
inserted into the film or game.
4. Augmented
Reality (AR)
• Augmented reality is defined as "an enhanced
version of reality created by the use of
technology to add digital information on an
image of something.“
• AR is also used in apps for smartphones and
tablets. AR apps use your phone's camera to
show you a view of the real world in front of
you, then put a layer of information,
including text and/or images, on top of that
view.
• It is the blending of VR and real life. Images
are created through certain applications that
blend with the real world around us, the game
or movie being inserted into reality.
5. VR & AR Headsets
The two main VR and AR headsets are
Oculus Rift and Google glass.
6. Google Glass
• It is designed to offer hands free display
technology to the general public.
• Google glass uses voice commands to
access information from phones or the
internet.
• Google glass adds an augmented reality
overlay to whatever you’re looking at and
brings forth relevant information from
multiple google sources.
• It was released first in Canada in 2015
costing approximately, 1,500$.
7. Capabalities:
• Light weight
• Instant Photos
• Linked to smartphone and home devices
• Built in GPS
• Converts Currency
• Predictive software (predicts traffic and restaurant reservations)
Limitations:
• Poor sound quality
• Google glass becomes cluttered
• Misinterprets commands
• Information overload
• Basic camera function
• Should not be used by children under the age of 13
• Can’t use the product if you’ve had eye surgery
8. Oculus rift
• It is the premier VR technology on the
market.
• Designed to revolutionize the way the
world thinks of video interaction and
gaming.
• Provides a high resolution total
immersion experience for the user.
• Oculus rift developers released kits for
enthusiast gamers and developers in 2012
costing approximately 250$.
9. Capabilities:
• Provides a 110-degree field of vision and is capable of tracking head movement
upto 1/20th of a millisecond.
• The rift can alter perceptions in the long term to treat patients with addiction,
depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, phobias and personality disorders.
Limitation:
• Motion sickness, headaches and nausea sickness
• Hard to separate game from real life
• Brain activity can be affected by unnatural movements
• Long term eyesight damage
10. Future Predictions
• The potential of these technologies are endless. For example, we would be able to
show the world to someone through another’s eyes.
• Sports fans would be able to wear a device that would incorporate aspects of both
technologies. Using a Google glass and the sensory immersion technology of the
Oculus Rift, the fan would be able to actually experience the sensations of being the
player.
• On the other hand, it can also put a bully in the victims shoes, By using Virtual or
Augmented reality, human beings would be able to develop a deeper empathy for
the oppressed and people who are victims.
11. Future Prediction
• In addition, Google glass has endless possibilities for developing apps to aid
those who are hard of hearing; through apps such as voice command text
messaging, the hearing impaired population would be provided further social
liberty.
• The Oculus Rift is a technology that has no ceiling and over time, can evolve
to allow someone to exist and live a separate life inside a virtual reality.
12. Conclusion
There is a high probability that this technology might not only
be the future of technology but also the future of human race.
This technology allows us to live multiple lives simultaneously.