A lot of people ask: “What is the difference between Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality?” While they are closely tied, Virtual Reality is working in a totally computer generated space, and being immersed in it, either through visual and auditory mediums that block out the real world and replace it with the virtual, or by using real world motion as input for a purely virtual experience. Augmented Reality however, integrates computer imagery with real world objects. The computer recognizes things and uses them to overlay computer elements.
What does that mean though?
Immersion Is Linked To Physical Movement In Virtual Reality
That means that in Virtual Reality, when something that a sensor can read moves, the reality is affected. With a head mounted device (goggles/helmet) like the Oculus Rift, when you move your head, the camera inside the virtual environment moves. Or if you have an Xbox, the Kinect recognizes your motions and can respond to them in a game, or to control your TV. You affect a purely virtual world. This can lead to truly immersive experiences, imagine a world where movies are shot in 360 degree cameras, where you aren’t limited to the field of view of even an IMAX screen, and can completely immerse yourself into a world.
Augmented Reality Is Linked To Physical Objects
In Augmented Reality however, the computer recognizes real world objects, and may add virtual objects over it, to better give you information, create a game, or just add something that wasn’t there. Our soldiers have been using Augmented Reality for years, Heads up displays (HUDs) on our fighter jets and helicopters can recognize moving objects, target them, and identify them. Augmented Reality is using computers to make reality better. You look through the lens of a computer and it adds the computer generated objects. Imagine a world where your glasses can recognize a store sign, cross referenc e it with GPS, and give you a reminder that you wanted to get toothpaste. It then displays that there is a sale on the brand you like at this store.
Ultimately both technologies have their own uses and strengths, but the difference is there and we should recognize how both can give us things that have only been thought of in sci-fi.
About Meta 3D Studios
Meta 3D Studios, founded in 2005, is an application and game development company in Austin, Texas that creates custom-branded interactive experiences for clients, including A&E Networks, Discovery Channel, Mattel, and Syfy Channel. Meta 3D Studios services small- to large-sized game and app clients with their interactive product, art, and animation needs, and helps to launch hundreds of diverse projects worldwide. Visit our Case Studies for more information about Meta 3D Studios and how we work with our clients.
Our goal is to help and assist you in getting your projects successfully completed and launched worldwide. With a background of hundreds of projects from all continents and corners of the world, it is our continued commitment to offer an attractive and diverse selection of affordable services to our valued clients. We’re here to make your project awesome.
Please contact us at info@meta3dstudios.com for more information.
