With the rapid improvement of technology, many things have become possible these days that were deemed impossible even as little as a decade ago.

Augmented reality and virtual reality are a part of these avant-garde forms of technologies that were considered a part of the fiction even a few decades back. But now, they are a very part of the reality.

But what exactly are they? Let’s see.

What is virtual reality?

Virtual reality’s (VR) a computer simulated reality where a user can interact with replicated imaginary or real environments. The VR experience is completely immersive by means of auditive, visual and haptic stimulation such that the generated reality is almost identical to that of the real world.

The virtual reality experience can be usually achieved through a pair of VR Goggles that are similar to Oculus Rift.

VR experience through VR goggles

What is augmented reality?

Augmented reality is the blending of virtual reality with real life. Developers can develop images within the AR apps that blend in with our real world contents.

Like virtual reality, augmented reality experiences usually involve some sort of a medium to view the augmented objects blended with our physical reality.

For example, take a look at the image below.

Source

The augmented objects can be seen through a smartphone app. So naturally, the smartphone acts as the medium.

Virtual reality and augmented reality are often confused with one another. They undoubtedly do psosess a lot of similarity but there are also distinct differences between those two.

So what are the most obvious differences between virtual reality and augmented reality? Let’s see.

Virtual Reality vs. Augmented Reality

  • Virtual reality helps to create a brand new environment that’s completely computer generated. On the other hand, augmented reality just enhances user experiences through digital means by offering brand new virtual options embedded within our physical world. AR doesn’t see to replace the physical world like virtual reality does.
  • Virtual reality is completely immersive. Augmented reality on the other hand, provides just a limited range of view.
  • In case of a virtual reality experience, the concerned user is completely detached from the physical world. Unlike virtual reality, an augmented reality user is perfectly aware of his/her surroundings while being actively engaged in AR.
  • Virtual reality is quite demanding. You will require a smartphone or a tab along with a VR goggle (like the Oculus Rift) to experience the wonders of virtual reality. Augmented reality on the other hand is much less demanding. Just a smartphone or a tab would do.
  • In simpler words,

Augmented reality = 25% Virtual + 75% Real.

Virtual reality= 75% virtual + 25% real.

Okay; now we have seen the basic differences between these two, it’s time we see how businesses benefit from these two avant garde forms of technology.

How can businesses benefit from virtual reality?

Virtual reality can be implemented in business workplaces to increase employee productivity and work convenience. Here are a few ways through which businesses can benefit tremendously from virtual reality:

  • Training, Meetings and Communication

Due to the geographically dispersive nature of businesses these days, many businesses work with remote employees and conduct deals with clients all over the world.

VR helps businesses o connect with more and more people around the globe in various locations without sacrificing the best business idea of dealing face to face.

VR communications through virtual reality based meetings, trainings and presentations also make the experience more life-like and more impactful.

  • Life like sales demos

Businesses can use virtual reality to provide compelling presentations to their potential clients. Their clients will just have to put on a pair of VR glasses and off they’ll go in an immersive environment and experience the product/service in complete details.

  • Effective productive testing in a simulation like environment

Businesses that manufacture equipments that are too dangerous to test in the real world can be easily tested in a simulation like environment. Virtual reality acts as the savior in this aspect.

How can businesses benefit from augmented reality?

Since augmented reality can be operated very easily through a simple app, businesses can easily put this technology right under the fingertips pf their potential customers. Here’s how businesses can benefit from augmented reality:

  • Interactive marketing opportunities

Augmented reality helps to open a brand new realm of limitless marketing opportunities to marketing professionals ranging from interactive billboards to interactive displays.

Take a look at this short video and you’ll definitely understand what I am talking about.

  • Retail

Many retail stores have already implemented augmented reality in their stores to engage their customers as they shop inside the store.

For example, many stores have implemented kiosks inside the store where customers will just have to scan a picture of a product on their smartphone and they’ll be able to see a three-dimensional interactive image of the finished product on the very screen of their smartphones.

Take a peek at this short video to understand it in a jiffy.

Augmented reality and virtual reality are expected to change the world. We have already seen a few glimpses of their potentials even though they are still considered to be ones in their infancies. So naturally, it’s expected that more will come with the passage of time.

Hence, it’s advisable to keep up with this trend. Otherwise, you might regret it.