Augmented Reality vs Mixed Reality: Understanding the Difference
Are you confused about the difference between augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR)? With emerging technologies, these two terms are often used interchangeably. However, they are not the same. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between AR and MR and the practical applications of each.
What is Augmented Reality?
AR is a technology that enhances real-world environments by overlaying digital information onto the physical environment. AR requires a camera, a display device, and an application or software. The camera captures the environment, and the software adds digital information to the display. This digital information can include text, images, videos, or 3D models.
One of the most well-known examples of AR technology is the popular mobile game Pokemon Go. The game uses the camera on a player’s smartphone to capture the user’s real-world environment and overlays digital Pokemon characters onto the image.
Another practical application of AR is in the retail industry. Many clothing brands have developed AR apps that allow customers to try on clothes virtually before purchasing. This technology allows customers to see how a particular outfit would look on them without physically trying it on.
What is Mixed Reality?
MR, on the other hand, combines the virtual and physical realities to produce an entirely new environment. MR requires a headset with built-in sensors and displays to mix the physical and virtual worlds together in real-time.
In MR, users can interact with digital objects as if they were physical objects. For example, imagine designing and moving furniture around a room without actually touching or moving anything in the real world.
One of the most popular examples of MR technology is Microsoft’s HoloLens. The headset displays virtual objects in the user’s real-world environment, allowing them to interact and manipulate the objects.
Key Differences
The main difference between AR and MR is the level of immersion. While AR overlays digital information onto the real world, MR blends virtual and physical environments to create an entirely new reality. AR is limited to smartphones, tablets, or other devices with a camera, while MR requires a headset that allows users to experience an entirely new immersive environment.
Another key difference is the type of interaction each allows. With AR, interacting with digital information is limited to touch screens or buttons. MR, on the other hand, allows users to interact with digital objects, as if they were physical objects.
Practical Applications
Both AR and MR have practical applications across a wide range of industries. AR technology is already widely used in retail and gaming, but it also has applications in architecture and engineering. AR technology can allow architects and engineers to visualize their designs in real-world environments, making it easier to spot potential issues before construction begins.
MR technology is still in its infancy, but it has the potential to revolutionize a wide range of industries. In healthcare, for example, virtual reality (VR) and MR technologies are being used to train surgeons and medical professionals. MR can also be used in education to create immersive learning environments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, AR and MR are not the same. While they share some similarities, the level of immersion and interaction are different. AR overlays digital information onto the physical world, while MR blends virtual and physical worlds to create an entirely new environment. AR is limited to smartphones, tablets, or other devices with a camera, while MR requires a headset. Both technologies have practical applications in various industries, and as the technology advances, we can expect to see even more use cases emerge.
