AR vs VR: The differences explained - Vertebrae

AR vs VR: The differences explained

What is AR?

Augmented reality (AR) may be a new term to some but it’s what Vertebrae specializes in. By definition, augmented reality is “an interactive experience of a real-world environment where the objects that reside in the real world are enhanced by computer-generated perceptual information, sometimes across multiple sensory modalities, including visual, auditory, haptic, somatosensory and olfactory.”

Sounds good, right? But with all of these different acronyms in the world of technology and eCommerce the differences can get confusing to keep them straight.

Often AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality) are mistaken as being interchangeable, but these two technologies have very different uses from gaming to online shopping.

What’s the difference?

AR is putting objects or products into someone’s real environment. Specifically, AR uses the front facing camera to render a 3D model like coolers or a lamp in a user’s environment. Another great example is for the user to be able to virtually try-on products like sunglasses by just accessing a computer’s webcam or camera on a mobile device without having to wear a headset.

While VR puts someone, usually with a headset, into a different reality or fantasy setting and renders an alternate environment around the user for exploration. Many people interact with VR for personal gaming and entertainment.

So AR is the art of adding an object into a person’s environment and VR puts a person into a fantasy world.

Why is AR perfect for eCommerce?

AR is an easy way for users to interact with products to examine details, fitting, and size. When users are able to make connections with products, without having to be in person, it creates a quicker purchase, less returns, happier customers, and a closer relationship with brands and their customers.

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