Both virtual reality technology and augmented reality technology have garnered mainstream public attention. However, there are differences that we should know. VR is more focused on content. It is an immersive way to tell people about a story. As an example, VR can be integrated with Facebook. It’s easier to check new updates and private messages. Despite its immersive nature, VR doesn’t allow users to fully interact with the surroundings. With VR, users become a more passive observer and they have more limited interaction with the surrounding. VR is an excellent way to experience content, but it doesn’t work too well when used to interact in the real world.
Augmented reality is able to add contextual information layers to our experience and we may do this in real time. At the moment, AR still have some issues with execution and its implementation tends to feel somewhat gimmicky. As an example, Google Glass offers an innovative AR application, but it is less successful. It seems to lack focus and too broad. In order to be successful, AR devices must deliver excellent contextual utility. Microsoft is also working on AR headset glasses called HoloLens. Google has also acquired Magic Leap that allows the activation of IR by beaming low-intensity lasers to the users’ iris.