Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality Technology and the potential applications

Augmented reality/Virtual reality technology are gaining popularity in a variety of areas, ranging from games, media, real estate, etc,… So what is AR/VR technology and how does it bring business efficiency and help improve competitive advantage in the explosive technology era?

What is Virtual Reality (VR) technology?

According to Wiki, Virtual Reality (VR) is a simulation experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world. Applications of virtual reality can include entertainment (e.g. video games) and educational purposes (i.e. medical or military training). Currently, standard virtual reality systems use virtual reality headsets or multi-project environments to create realistic images, sounds, and other sensations that simulate the user’s physical presence in the environment. virtual field. A person using a virtual reality device can look around the artificial world, move around, and interact with virtual features or items. This effect is typically produced by VR headsets consisting of head-mounted displays with small screens in front of the eyes, but can also be created through specially designed rooms with multiple large screens.

What is Augmented Reality (AR) technology?

According to Wiki, Augmented reality (AR) is an interactive experience of a real-world environment where real-world living objects are augmented by computer-generated cognitive information, sometimes through multiple modalities. sensory, including visual, auditory, haptic, somatosensory, and olfactory.

AR is a system that combines real and virtual worlds, allows for real-time interaction, and allows for accurate 3D registration of virtual and real items. Overlaid sensory information can be beneficial (i.e., beneficial to the natural environment) or harmful (i.e., harmful to the natural environment) (i.e. masking the natural environment). This experience is so well linked with the actual world that it appears to be a fully immersive part of the real world. AR modifies a person’s continuous experience of a real-world environment in this way, whereas virtual reality replaces the user’s real-world environment with a simulated one.

The goal of AR is to design a system in which the user is unable to distinguish between the real environment and its virtual counterpart. Today, everyone use AR in entertainment, military training, engineering design, robotics, manufacturing and other industries. In 2016, the world saw AR take the top of the sought-after app, Pokemon Go. This virtual-reality gaming sensation has brought Pikachu and Charizard out of Gameboy and onto your front lawn, whether you want them there or not. This is the first major example of AR finding mass market adoption and infiltrating our daily lives.

The differences between AR and VR technology

Bundled devices: The first difference between VR and AR is the bundled device. While VR requires a headset, AR can be viewed with a smartphone. To use VR technology, you must use a virtual reality glasses, and without glasses, you can’t do anything. But with AR, this is much more flexible. For example, with the game Pokémon GO, you do not need glasses to support it, just need a smartphone to be able to use it.

Applicability in practice: AR enhances both the virtual and real-world while VR only enhances a fictional reality. When it comes to practical applicability, AR is somewhat superior to VR. AR is easier to apply in practice because it uses a context outside of reality, while VR is a 100% virtual world, so it is only suitable for application in the areas of experience, entertainment, etc.

Popularity: Considering the actual situation, the popularity of AR is now higher than VR, especially after the release of the Pokémon GO game. VR requires powerful enough computer hardware for users to get the full experience. As for AR, sometimes you just need a smartphone with a powerful enough camera and sensor to be able to experience this technology. 

Various platforms for app development: AR and VR applications for smartphones, PCs and other devices and platforms are commonplace. Designing AR apps, on the other hand, is not the same as developing VR apps. The platforms are similar in circumstances where you need to create 3D material. Your experience may differ from that of the app.

Potential applications of AR/VR technology to various industries 

Education

AR/VR is the reality of the future education system. Technology has been an important factor influencing the education sector with digital content, smart classrooms and online assessment. The advent of new technologies such as AR and VR will enable students and teachers to learn and learn more effectively. AR in special education itself can have a significant impact because it enhances the learning of fundamental skills in a fun and engaging way. This allows learners to learn faster and provides experiential learning. Higher education often deals with complex subjects; Using immersive technology can bring complex themes to life. It can also facilitate vocational training. The ability to learn in the digital world and conduct simulations based on real-life phenomena without leaving the classroom is transforming the educational space. Here are some reasons why AR/VR will change industry education:

• Promote interaction through interaction
• Increase learning potential
• Personal approach to training
• Practical training
• Keep students engaged

Real estate

Real estate experts are successfully applying VR virtual reality to help consumers not only visualize but also have the opportunity to visit their homes and properties from their real estate in the most authentic way from anywhere in the world by wearing a VR headset… Houses, apartments, and real estate asset models through VR technology are simulated like the real thing, although they may not be finished. VR allows potential buyers or developers to experience a home tour without actually being on the site. Some apps even support modifying the VR environment like opening doors, discovering hotel amenities, and rearranging furniture, all with simple hand or finger movements. 

Similarly, real estate professionals use AR to bring traditional, flat print materials like blueprints and images to life right in front of consumers. For example, using augmented reality technology, a real estate professional can pop up a lifelike 3D model of a fully interactive home. The model resembles a hologram, but customers can modify home features such as paint colours and try on different furniture pieces, to scale, in a digital home replica. AR offers a very unique opportunity for all levels of the real estate industry. Experts believe that augmented reality provides great value from the early stages of a construction project to the final sales and marketing tools when selling a property.

Game & Entertainment

The outstanding feature of VR games is to immerse players in 3D space. Separated from the real space outside, it should bring players excitement, novelty and a great feeling that traditional games cannot do. VR games make a breakthrough because they make a difference, the appeal of the game is also the trend of new technology, making people pay more attention, and the level of spread is stronger. Serving the needs of personal experience is also the goal of the Event Communication industry. Thanks to that feature, today’s event media companies always prioritize using VR games to attract attention, attract participants, and experience their products and services. The entertainment industry also has the opportunity to innovate, enrich content, meet the choice needs of customers, and generate new revenue.

The need to play entertainment games anytime, anywhere, the majority do not concentrate in one place. AR games also promptly meet that need to serve those who are busy with work, study, and travel. Playing AR games in your free time when you want to relax and relieve stress. Pokemon created a great buzz for the gaming industry, marking the emergence of a new, more attractive entertainment genre that is augmented reality games, also known as AR games. The first augmented reality game that allows players to experience the real world. AR technology and positioning players and game characters by GPS positioning, thereby creating a new way of playing more interesting, stimulating curiosity with new game genres.

AR/VR paves the way for the technology revolution. The sector will only continue to develop as virtual and augmented reality become more ingrained in how we work, play, and learn. In Pando, we have experts with rich experience in AR/VR development so contact us for free consulting