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Q. What’s the difference between virtual reality and augmented reality? These tech terms seem interchangeable to me, but I found out the hard way that they’re not. I used the term virtual reality when I should have said augmented reality in referring to Pokémon GO. Let’s just say the eye roll I got from my teenage son was almost audible.
So what is the difference between the two? Thanks in advance for your help.
A. Great question. Quite a few readers have asked this, especially after my most recent article on Facebook’s plans for both augmented and virtual reality. So you’ve inspired an article topic that may help many people.
Tech can alter your reality in many ways, including augmented reality and virtual reality. The terms can be confusing and you’re not the only one to think they’re the same.
This illustration does a good job of helping to show the difference between augmented and virtual reality.
Augmented Reality
Augmented reality, or AR as it’s known in the tech world, 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 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.
Apps can use AR for fun, such as Pokémon GO, or for information, such as the app Layar.
Layar can show you interesting information about places you visit using augmented reality. Open the app when you’re visiting a site and read about it with information that appears in a layer over your view. You can also find ATM’s, see real estate for sale, find restaurants and more using the AR feature of the app. You may even discover new sites you didn’t know existed.
Layar also works with printed materials that are designed for the app. You can interact with the augmented reality images that appear to hover over the page.
This video shows you how augmented reality works with the Layar app.
- Layar for Android on Google Play
- Layar for iPhone and iPad at the iTunes App Store
See, Digital Trends The 20 Best Augmented Reality Apps.
Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality, or VR, is defined as “the use of computer technology to create a simulated environment.” When you view virtual reality, 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 a real one that has been photographed and included in a virtual reality app. With virtual reality you can move around and look in every direction — up, down, sideways and behind you, as if you were really there.
You can view virtual reality through a special VR viewer, such as the Oculus Rift, or a virtual reality viewer that uses your phone and VR apps, such as Google Cardboard or Daydream View.
=> See, Google Cardboard – A New Way to View Reality!
With virtual reality apps you can explore places you’ve never been, such as the surface of Mars, the top of Mt. Everest, or areas deep under the sea. The New York Times has a virtual reality app that lets you become immersed in virtual environments on Earth and other planets.
Google Earth also has a virtual reality app. This video shows you how it works:
Learn about other virtual reality apps at Entertainment Cheat Sheet 11 of the Best Virtual Reality Apps Available Right Now.
Your Thoughts
Have you ever wondered about augmented reality versus virtual reality? Have you tried apps using either one?
Share your thoughts in the Comments section below!
*Augmented Reality vs. Virtual Reality image used with permission of Halfprice.com.au
Google Docs Phishing Scheme
Warning! A Google Docs phishing scheme is sweeping the Internet. If you get an email from someone, even someone you completely trust, inviting you to a Google Doc, do not click on the link. Delete the email, then empty your trash (your email trash, not the trash in your trash can. Well, okay, you can do that too…)
The only exception to that advice is if you are expecting the email and you confirm with sender that the Google Doc link is not a scam.
This article from Wired explains more about the phishing scheme: Don’t Open That Google Doc Unless You’re Positive It’s Legit.
Voice of America Learning English
Interest in tech? Want to learn the English language? Check out my personal technology column at Voice of America Learning English. This week’s article is: Is a Flying Car in Your Future?
Hi Carolyn,
Informative post 🙂
No, I’ve never given a thought to either of the terms! Augmented reality versus virtual reality – I guess we presume them to be one and the same, unless we really dig deep into their meaning, as you wrote it all here. Virtual reality is a common term used, as one uses the virtual world more online! I have yet to try apps using either one of them as well.
Thanks for making us aware of both these terms. Have a nice week ahead 🙂
Hi Harleena, Yes, augmented reality apps are easier to try because you don’t need a special viewer. Google Cardboard is an inexpensive viewer if you want to try virtual reality. It’s worth giving AR a try to see whether you like it. With Facebook adding AR and VR features in the future, these tech terms will become part of our world.
Hey Carolyn,
I have never tried to compare these two terms. Both of these seem similar to me. But I must admit, you have brought it up at the right time. I was about to write a post about the virtual reality.
How has blogging turned into the world where people hallucinate? The augmented reality is the mixer of both the real and the virtual world.
Thanks for sharing with us.
~Ravi
Hi Ravi, Yes, many people do use them interchangeably, but these terms are quite different. The more tech uses AR and VR the more important it will be to understand the difference between the two.
I hope we always are able to tell which reality is the real one, but it looks as if that is only going to get more difficult. Let’s strive to have an actual reality that can’t be improved upon!
Thanks for letting me know the difference between augmented and virtual reality.
I really did not know that what these two things are before but well, now I have a great idea about. There are always some things in our day to day life about which we do not have any idea.
Hello Abdul, Yes, many people don’t realize there is a difference between augmented reality and virtual reality. Or if they do realize it, they don’t know the difference.
I am glad this article helped you to know the differences between the two. It’s always good to be ahead of the game with tech!
Hi Carolyn,
I was confused about the term Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, but after reading your post all my doubts are cleared. Thanks for this valuable sharing.
Good job!
Keep it up!
~ Ashvin.
Hi Ashvin, Yes, the difference between AR and VR can be confusing. In fact, many people think they are the same thing.
But there are major differences between the two and the more we understand the differences the better we will be prepared for the future.
Thank you for this post, Carolyn. Recently we’ve seen a staggering growth in the VR industry. However, VR content is really less and in terms of user interest, not a lot of people seem to be adopting it at the rate that everyone expected it to grow. On the other hand, AR has seen a meteoric rise. Thanks to apps like Pokemon Go and Snapchat. Which technology do you think is going to win the race? AR/VR?
Hi Umair, Interesting point. You’re right, AR is taking off more quickly than VR, probably for a variety of reasons. First, AR can be used in apps without needing any extra equipment. With VR you need a VR viewer. Google Cardboard is inexpensive and readily available, but VR viewers are not (yet) a “must have” gadget for most.
Also, people wearing VR viewers tend to look, well, silly. If you’ve ever seen someone wearing one while they moved their head around looking at their virtual world then you know how strange they look.
But I don’t think AR and VR necessarily compete against each other, such as iPhone and Android. I think both can co-exist as Facebook has plans to offer both in the future.
Thanks for sharing your insightful comment with us, Umair.