Augmented Reality

The word "Augmented" means to add. It is created by using the technology by adding digital
information to an image or something. Augmented reality is an important concept and impacts our lives
deeply. It provides an improved version of reality as it uses different tools to make the environment
existing and real. Augmented reality gives you an interactive experience of the real-world environment. It
keeps you in your place and superimposes the technology in the form of text, sounds, and images.

Augmented reality merges the physical world with computer-generated virtual elements. It is accessed
using common equipment such as mobile phones. There are nearly uncountable possibilities with the
Augmented Reality. With the smartphone's camera, AR adds the digital elements to a live view. It uses
the smartphone's camera to present the real world's view in front of us and then put a layer of
information that includes the text or images on the top of that view. Some of the examples of
Augmented Reality are the Pokemon Go game, Snapchat lenses.

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Now, let's see the benefits and limitations of augmented reality.

Advantages of Augmented Reality

The advantages of Augmented Reality are listed as follows -
 o It increases accuracy.
o It offers innovation, continuous improvement, and individualized learning.
o It helps developers to build games that offer real experiences.
o It enhances the knowledge and information of the user.

Disadvantages of Augmented Reality

The limitations of Augmented Reality are listed as follows -

o Projects based on AR technology are expensive to implement and develop.

o Excessive use of augmented reality technology can lead to eye problems, obesity, etc.
o It can cause mental health issues

Now, let's see the description of Virtual reality.

Virtual Reality
It is a very important and interesting term. The terms 'Virtual' refers to something conceptual that does
not have its physical existence, and the word 'reality refers to the state of being real. So, virtual reality
means something that is almost real. It is defined as the creation of a simulated environment by using
computer technology. Viewing virtual reality means viewing a completely different reality than the one in
front of you. It can be artificial, like an animated scene or a place which is photographed and integrated
in a virtual reality app. It enables us to move around and look in every direction - up, down, sideways,
and behind, as we are present there actually.

Virtual reality apps allow us to explore the places that we have never been to, such as the Mars surface,
the top of Mt. Everest, areas deep under the sea, and many more things that we can imagine only. It uses
three of our senses: hearing, touching, seeing, to trick the brain into thinking that we are at a different
place.
Now, let's discuss the benefits and limitations of virtual reality.

Advantages of Virtual Reality

The benefits of virtual reality are listed as follows -

o It creates an interactive environment.

o It helps us to explore the world by creating a realistic world using computer technology.
o It makes education comfortable and easy.
o It allows users to do an experiment in an artificial environment.
o It increases the work capabilities.
o Virtual reality is helpful for medical students to do practice well. It will be helpful for patients, too, as it
offers a safe environment to them by which a patient can come into contact with the things they fear.
o Virtual reality helps to measure the performance of sportsperson and analyze their techniques.

Disadvantages of Virtual Reality

The limitations of virtual reality are listed as follows -

o Using VR, people start ignoring the real world. They started living in the virtual world instead of dealing
with the issues of the real world.
o Training in the virtual environment does not have the same result as training in the actual world.
o It is not guaranteed that a person has done a task well in the real world if he/she has performed that task
well in the virtual world.

Augmented Reality v/s Virtual Reality

Now, let's see the comparison chart between Augmented reality and Virtual reality. Here, we are showing
the comparison between both terms on the basis of some characteristics.
On the basis Augmented Reality Virtual Reality
of

Involvement In AR user is partially immersed with the real world, i.e. In VR, the user is completely immersed
user is immersed with mix of real-world and virtual in a virtual world.
world.

Distinction In augmented reality, it is easy to distinguish between In Virtual reality, it is hard to distinguish
both real-world and virtual world. between the virtual world and real
world.

Devices used In AR, there is a use of tablet, smartphones, or another In VR, there is a use of head-mounted
mobile device. display or glasses.

Reality and Augmented reality is 75% real and 25% virtual. Virtual reality is 75% virtual and 25%
virtuality real.

Network data Augmented reality requires upwards of 100Mbps A virtual reality video with 720p requires
bandwidth. a connection of atleast 50Mbps.

Revenue The projected revenue share for augmented reality in The projected revenue share for virtual
2020 is $120 million. reality in 2020 is $30 million.

Visual senses In Augmented reality, a user always has a sense of Whereas, in virtual reality, the visual
presence in the real world. senses are under control of the system.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Virtual Reality
Without current technology, it would be difficult to envision our way of life. Every day, engineers and
scientists come up with new inventions. Thus, virtual reality, or simply VR, is one of these amazing
innovations. Young people actively use it for amusement. It is a brand-new, cutting-edge genre of
games. However, some educators employ it in the classroom. Both advantages and disadvantages of
virtual reality are quite apparent. Knowing both sides is necessary in order to reach some definite
judgments. Let's examine some general advantages and disadvantages of VR.

Advantages of Virtual Reality

1. Improvement of analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Teachers may now construct nearly real-life scenarios thanks to VR. They could display socially
impoverished nations or areas where forests have been destroyed, for instance. Real-life experience in
these circumstances is beneficial. In addition, virtual simulations force students to make snap judgments
by putting them in the middle of an issue. They thereby improve their ability to solve problems.

2. Takes part in the activity.

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Students are more engaged in learning because of the non-traditional and participatory approach used.
They desire to solve a variety of problems and wish to practise this experience more regularly. When
faced with academic challenges, the entire class becomes involved and actively works together. They are
willing to take action, and though they are learning, it doesn't feel like they are working. Lessons using
virtual reality are accepted by students as a game or kind of amusement. Games help kids learn a lot, as
is common knowledge. A big benefit that all educators can take advantage of this.
3. Qualitative improvement.

Virtual classes appear to be one of the greatest ways to ensure this because interactive teaching
methods are more effective for students. When more and more students actually desire to attend their
lessons, VR technology has a large-scale impact. They grow their knowledge and hone their skills.
Students tackle their assignments in novel ways. They come up with better answers. Results appear more
quickly and simply. As a result, the standard of education is appropriately raised.

4. Removing language barriers.

The ability to get through the language barrier is a crucial advantage. There isn't much conversation in
virtual reality. It promotes active cooperation and activity.

Disadvantages of Virtual Reality

1. A lack of genuine communication

Personal human contact is the foundation of traditional education. Interpersonal and social abilities are
improved. They are crucial for a youngster to develop into a full member of society. In addition, the
collaborative approach promotes academic success. Children don't experience genuine conversation
because of virtual reality. They become estranged from other individuals as a result, which has a negative
impact on their social interactions.

2. A lack of adaptability.

Even while VR makes it possible to learn a variety of topics, its flexibility is lacking. Yes, it may be applied
to almost any field. However, the materials used in these lectures do not include individualism or
multiple-choice questions. When pupils utilise the software, they only learn the materials that were
programmed. They won't receive any responses if they pose additional queries.

3. Potential issues with functionality.

Like all software and hardware, VR tools occasionally become spoilt. They fail, the system collapses, or it
merely exhibits technical difficulties. These mishaps completely interrupt the learning process until the
issue is resolved. Students frequently become overwhelmed by a variety of assignments and are unable
to complete them all.

4. Addiction as a problem.

VR may encourage the emergence of addiction, like with most technical innovations. Many individuals
worry about constantly using their smartphones and playing video games. Since they can't envisage life
without virtual reality, children become disinterested in other pursuits, such as education and social
interaction.

5. High prices.

Generally, virtual reality instruments and software are highly expensive. No matter how tremendous the
benefits are, the majority of school boards are simply able to fantasise about implementing them.
Furthermore, while some pupils with larger budgets can use it, other kids are unable to. They are now
separated by a wide chasm, which may inspire envy and animosity.
6. Cybersecurity risks are exacerbated by virtual reality.

Virtual reality is vulnerable to cyber dangers much like any other device that uses the internet. However,
there are numerous services and technological security layers that can be utilised to enhance the security
structure in this case as well.