Let’s talk AR vs VR. Would you rather live in an enhanced reality or one that is entirely fabricated and like nothing you’ve ever seen before? This is essentially the question we are asking when we put augmented reality up against virtual reality.
The real question is, which is better? While augmented reality and virtual reality are two different forms of cutting-edge technology, they both have the ability to change the world. Let’s take a look at whether AR or VR will be the future for communication, entertainment, gaming and much more.
Top Players
The first thing we should do is determine which of the two contradictory yet complementary forms of visionary technology will be the future is to take a look at those that invest in them and those that critique them.
One of the earliest players that invested in AR was Microsoft, with their HoloLens holographic computer and head-mounted display. The biggest players are Apple, as well as Cupertino. At the same time, many players have invested in VR and have proved exceptionally successful in doing so – just think about how well Oculus has done.
It seems as though VR is the popular choice at the moment in terms of communication and entertainment, but that major players are looking at AR for the future of business and communication.
The Experience – AR vs VR
AR is exceptionally exciting for those in the business world, offering a way to display and create visions of the future on top of reality. However, there aren’t as many ways that we can experience it in the entertainment world as we can with VR, aside from Snap, Pokemon Go or Google Glass, which was rather underwhelming, there really isn’t anything overly attractive about AR in the entertainment world.
Today, we are seeing a range of ways in which VR has been put to use, from the virtual games we are now seeing to the real money slots that are being converted into VR versions at leading online casinos. This could mean that it has had something of a head start in developing for the future. The truth is, until AR works seamlessly and fits into our lifestyles with ease, VR will remain in the lead in terms of experience.
The Potential
What we really have to consider here is what other uses AR and VR have and how they fit into our lives. For example, both forms of technology are expected to aid in training medical students, whereby textbooks will be replaced and students will be able to work on digital dummies that can be reset and thus reused. In addition, VR could also be used to generate labs so that students can get the experience they require for fewer costs.
While VR can benefit by using it for emotional needs, providing a distraction from pain in a virtual realm, AR has the ability to communicate with robots – just imagine being able to eradicate the secondary screens and seeing a battery level or current task by simply looking at a drone.
The only way we can tell which is better in the battle of AR vs VR, is if we knew what humanity needs and wants as a whole. Only time will be able to tell.