The question "What is augmented in virtual reality?" is misleading as it combines two distinct technologies. The correct question should be: What is augmented in Augmented Reality (AR)?
Augmented Reality (AR) enhances a real-world environment by adding digital elements to it. It does not replace the real world, like Virtual Reality (VR) does, but rather overlays virtual content onto it. Let's clarify the distinction between AR and VR:
Augmented Reality (AR) vs. Virtual Reality (VR)
| Feature | Augmented Reality (AR) | Virtual Reality (VR) |
|---|---|---|
| Environment | Enhances a real-life environment | Replaces a real-life environment with a simulated one |
| User Experience | Overlays digital content onto the real world | Immerses the user in a simulated world |
| Technology | Often uses a smartphone camera to capture and augment a live view | Typically uses a headset to create a fully immersive experience |
What is Augmented in Augmented Reality?
According to the provided reference, augmented reality augments your surroundings by adding digital elements to a live view. This augmentation can take many forms:
- Digital Overlays: AR can project images, text, or videos onto your real-world view. For example, a furniture app might show how a sofa would look in your living room through your phone’s camera.
- Interactive Objects: Digital objects can be placed within your environment and interacted with. Think of the popular game Pokémon GO, where digital creatures are seen as part of your physical space.
- Information Display: AR can overlay real-time information onto your surroundings. For example, a car's dashboard might project navigation arrows directly onto the windshield.
Examples of AR Augmentation
- Shopping: Apps allowing you to "try on" clothes or makeup virtually.
- Gaming: Games that incorporate real-world environments into gameplay.
- Education: Apps that display 3D models of anatomical structures over textbook pages.
- Navigation: Apps displaying directions overlayed on the street in front of you.
- Home Improvement: Apps allowing you to see how furniture would look inside your home before purchasing.
The key takeaway is that Augmented Reality augments, or enhances, the real world with digital content, whereas Virtual Reality replaces it with a simulated environment.
