Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have exciting potential in the future of gaming, marketing, e-commerce, education, and many other fields. Both technologies are known for their enriched experience that brings together a virtual world and the real one with enhanced, 3-D visuals. Although it can be easy to mix up the two, there are some significant differences.
What Is AR?
Almost any person with a smartphone can get access to augmented reality, making it more efficient than VR as a branding and gaming tool. AR morphs the mundane, physical world into a colorful, visual one by projecting virtual pictures and characters through a phone's camera or video viewer. Augmented reality is merely adding to the user's real-life experience.
Man using VR set - Tulane School of Professional Advancement
What Is VR?
Virtual reality takes these same components to another level by producing an entirely computer-generated simulation of an alternate world. These immersive simulations can create almost any visual or place imaginable for the player using special equipment such as computers, sensors, headsets, and gloves.
What's the Difference Between the Two?
The distinctions between VR and AR come down to the devices they require and the experience itself:
AR uses a real-world setting while VR is completely virtual
AR users can control their presence in the real world; VR users are controlled by the system
VR requires a headset device, but AR can be accessed with a smartphone
AR enhances both the virtual and real world while VR only enhances a fictional reality
Jobs in the VR and AR Industry
These new, evolving technologies produce endless opportunities for businesses and employment—By 2022, the AR and VR market is projected to grow to $209.2 billion. VR and AR are transforming industries through software and hardware development, graphic design, research, and more.
In-demand careers developing and improving VR and AR technology include:
Software engineering and development
Project management
Software maintenance
Graphic design