What are the differences between virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality?
Virtual reality (VR), Augmented reality (AR) and Mixed reality (MR) are terms used to describe different technology-driven immersive experiences. Here are the differences between these three experiences:
- Virtual reality (VR): Virtual reality is a technology that creates a completely virtual environment in which the user is totally immersed. This is usually achieved by using a VR headset which covers the user's eyes and ears, giving them the illusion of being transported into a virtual world. VR is often used in video games, training simulations, artistic experiences and virtual tours.
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Augmented reality (AR): Augmented reality overlays virtual elements (such as images, videos or information) onto the user's real environment. Unlike VR, AR does not completely substitute for reality, but enhances it by adding virtual features. Augmented reality applications can be used on smartphones, tablets or smart glasses. For instance, Snapchat filters that add dog ears or flower crowns to your face use augmented reality technology.
- Mixed reality (MR): Mixed reality is a combination of both virtual reality and augmented reality. In mixed reality, virtual objects can interact with the real world environment and vice versa. Users see both the real world and virtual objects, and can interact with both. Mixed reality headsets, such as the Microsoft HoloLens, are designed to track the real environment and display virtual objects depending on the user's position. Mixed reality is used in fields such as design, architecture, healthcare and education.
To sum up, virtual reality creates an immersive virtual environment, augmented reality overlays virtual elements onto the real environment and mixed reality combines elements of both, enabling interaction between the real world and virtual objects.
