VR, VIRTUAL REALITY;
According to Google, "The computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way by a person using special electronic equipment, such as a helmet with a screen inside or gloves fitted with sensors, is called as VR"
But,
for easy understanding let me define it as, a platform where Technology meets Reality.
Or, Technology that can make you feel as if you are in the real world giving you real-world experiences is the way to define a Virtually Real Environment.,is VR.
Where is VR used?
VR is a Multi-Billion Industry leading invention, as of 2021 its worth was $28.4 Billion and is estimated to be increased by 15% within this decade. This is all due to consumer satisfaction which is achieved in the VR world.
We can see VR in,
-VR in the Military. The military in the UK and the US have both adopted the use of virtual reality in their training as it allows them to undertake a huge range of simulations.
-VR in Medicine. By allowing surgeons to perform different types of mock surgeries in the virtual space, VR helps eliminate practical skill deficiency faster. Surgeons can become skilled professionals without using expensive onetime use mannequins for training.
-VR in Games and Entertainment. 3D Games since the 1990s, 3D Movies or any type of entertainment & Theme park rides on VR Goggles.
-VR in Education. VR has the potential to greatly enhance collaboration between teachers and students, both in distance learning and classroom-based teaching. It allows teachers to make learning experiences social by allowing students to communicate verbally with each other and show body language through their avatars.
AR, AUGMENTED REALITY;
According to Google, "A technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user's view of the real world, thus providing a composite view, is a primary definition for Augmented Reality."
But,
for easy understanding, AR keeps the real-world scene as it is and adds an overlay of information(image, text or any multimedia) this is the feature of AR, which Augments the existing Reality.
It is broadly classified into 3 types,
-Visual
-Auditory
-Haptics
How does it work?
In the research community, a term is used to well define the process of how AR works, SLAM- SIMULTANEOUS LOCALISATION AND MAPPING.
This is done through any AR-enabled devices like mobile phones and special AR glasses which come with a camera to observe the environment around them and a depth sensor to calculate the depth.
This depth sensor uses its sensing to map the environment on an x-y-z plane to better understand the user's position, this creates a 3D environment for the system and then uses it to place a digital object which feels as if it's physically present there.
Where do we use AR?
AR is a Multi-Billion dollar industry revelation, which currently has a worth of $38.5 Billion and its growth by the end of this year is estimated to be 40%. This is all due to the way the interaction is made is so innovative and easy for the user.
AR use in Construction. AR makes it possible to present the results even before the work is complete. Misunderstandings can be identified more easily. Paper schedules and delays in communication are also eliminated as AR Overlays help identify issues faster.
AR use in Education. AR In education features aspects that enhance learning abilities like problem-solving, collaboration, and creation to better prepare students for the future. It is also good for traditional pedagogy focused on technical knowledge and proficiencies.
AR in Medical Field. Wearing an AR-enabled head-mounted device, surgeons can now view patient vitals during a procedure without the need to look away and gather data from multiple displays.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE MIX AR AND VR!?
AR and VR are two different things and when you combine these 2 you get the best of both worlds. A device that's capable of doing or working both in Reality and even in Virtual Reality.
A good example of this is the Brand new Meta's Quest Pro, which has a feature called PassThrough that lets the wearer experience a multiple monitor setup when the device is powered with a powerful enough laptop.
When these two are mixed we need a powerful engine to run the device. For a mobile phone, we have google which runs on WEB 2.0 which gives a good, reliable and safe experience.
But,
for an AR/VR device which is new-generation technology, using a two-decade old engine to power it up! not to mind it will work... But the user experience will be bad and old which will decrease the usage of these devices.
Hence,
we have WEB 3.0 which is designed for improved and fast tech, with improved security and features.
What is WEB 3.0?
According to Google, "The concept of the next generation of the web, in which most users will be connected via a decentralized network and have access to their data, is WEB 3.0"
But,
in simple words, the all-new WEB 3.0 can be defined as, a web or a browsing place that does not allow any, one individual or company to be the owner of the whole web. And the whole web will be a safe place for everyone, better than what we have now. This is what we call a Decentralised Platform.
To mention a few.,
-3D and spatial-experienced UX.
-Reliability of artificial intelligence (AI).
-The use of blockchain and crypto.
-Advanced use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
However,
The idea of WEB 3.0 is still in its BETA stage and will roll out to all the people within this year(2023).