Introduction to Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

Virtual reality(VR)and augmented reality(AR)hold tremendous promise for the future of gaming,marketing,e-commerce,education,and other sectors.People recognize both technologies for their improved experiences that combine virtual and real-world with enhanced,3-D images.Although the two can be easily confused,there are some fundamental differences.So,what is augmented reality and virtual reality?

Augmented Reality

Augmented reality is a real-world interactive experience.It improves things in reality with computer-generated perceptual information,usually spanning many sensations such as visual,aural,haptic,somatosensory and olfactory.Designers augment aspects of the physical environment with computer-generated input that adapt in real-time to changes in the user's surroundings and movement, ranging from music to video, graphics to GPS overlays and more. Anyone with a smartphone can access augmented reality; therefore, it is more effective as a branding and gaming tool.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality is a computer-generated experience featuring realistic-looking images and objects that immerses the viewer in their surroundings. The virtual reality experience can be similar to the real world or completely different. People view this world using a Virtual Reality headset or helmet. VR enables us to immerse ourselves in video games as if we were one of the characters. Fields such as education, entertainment, and business can use virtual reality. People can learn how to do heart surgery, run military and space program simulations and increase the quality of sports training to maximize performance.

Their Differences

The differences between virtual reality and augmented reality show in the equipment required for each and the unique experiences they simulate.

● Augmented reality uses a real-world environment, whereas virtual reality is exclusively virtual. Augmented reality adds virtual elements to the physical environment, while virtual reality completely immerses the user into a virtual environment.
● In augmented reality, users have control over their physical presence in the environment, but in virtual reality, the system controls the users'environment.
●In virtual reality,people require special headgear or helmet equipment to simulate their experience,but anyone with a smartphone can access it in augmented reality.
●Augmented reality integrates the virtual and real-world into one space,whereas virtual reality simulates a fictitious reality.

Advantages of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

The VR and AR industry presents endless opportunities in various fields.Virtual reality and augmented reality enhance people's experience in apps,games,and movies in the entertainment industry.VR can help students know the human body better in the medical field,and doctors can train and practice dangerous surgeries without risk.VR is also useful in schools,military training and space programs.Virtual reality allows scientists to perform experiments in an artificial environment.The business sector can use augmented reality to develop product designs,and the construction industry can use augmented reality to identify and fix architectural flaws of a building.

Careers in the AR and VR Industry

Augmented and virtual reality technologies provide limitless prospects for businesses and employment.People expect the AR and VR industry to alter businesses through software and hardware development,graphic design,and research.The fields of developing and upgrading VR and AR technologies include:

●Software engineering and development
●Project management
●Software maintenance
●Graphic design

The augmented and virtual reality industry is still growing.There are many challenges to overcome before it can realize its full potential.Experts anticipate that augmented and virtual reality will become the mainstream technology in a few years.Schools are now offering design programs with these new technologies to assist students in staying on the cutting edge of the sectors while turning their passion into a profession.