What is the difference between virtual, augmented and mixed realities

 Hey. In this post, we will talk about the difference between virtual, augmented and mixed reality technologies:

Virtual Reality (VR) immerses users into a completely artificial digital environment.

Augmented Reality (AR) imposes virtual objects on the real world.

Mixed reality (MR) is not only superimposed, but also binds virtual objects to the real world.

Let's go into the details
A virtual reality

This technology immerses users in a completely virtual environment created by the computer. The most advanced features of VR provide freedom of movement - users can navigate in the digital environment and hear sounds. In addition, special manual controllers can be used to improve the VR experience.

You need to wear a special VR headset to immerse yourself in virtual reality. Most  VR headsets are connected to a computer (Oculus Rift) or to a game  console (PlayStation VR), but there are standalone devices (Google  Carton is one of the most popular). Most stand-alone VR headsets work in conjunction with smartphones -  you insert a smartphone, wear a headset and immerse yourself in virtual  reality.

3D video

YouTube allows you to use 360 ​​degree mode, which means that you can wear a VR headset and watch completely exciting videos. 360-degree video is considered as a form of VR. 

 Augmented Reality

In augmented reality, users see and interact with the real world, while digital content is simply added to it. As  an example, you can consider Pokemon Go - millions of people around the  world are wearing their smartphones in search of small virtual  creatures. This is the most vivid example of augmented reality.

If you have a modern smartphone, you can easily download the AR application and try this technology. There  is another way to experience augmented reality, though - with special  AR headsets, such as Google Glass, where digital content is displayed on  a tiny screen in front of the user's eyes. 

 Mixed Reality

This  is the latest development in the technology of realities, which  sometimes causes confusion, primarily because it is about experiencing  so-called different experiences. Without delving into science, let's look at two forms of technology, which are called mixed reality:

Mixed  reality, which begins with the real world - virtual objects are not  simply superimposed on the real world, but can interact with it. In this case, the user remains in the real environment, while the digital content is added to it; In addition, the user can interact with virtual objects. This form of mixed reality can be considered an advanced form of AR. If you can not understand how this works, take a look at how Skype is used in Microsoft HoloLens.

Mixed reality, which begins with the virtual world - the digital environment is tied and replaces the real world. In this case, the user is completely immersed in the virtual environment, while the real world is blocked. It looks like virtual reality, right? In  fact, this happens, but digital objects overlap the real ones, whereas  in a conventional VR the virtual environment is not connected to the  real world around the user. To experience this form of mixed reality, you can wear a Windows headset.