What Is Augmented Reality?

Date First Published: 17th August 2023

Topic: Computer Systems

Computer Software

Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions

Difficulty Level: 5/10

Learn about what augmented reality is in this article.

Augmented reality, abbreviated to AR, is the use of computer technology to create a real-world setting and combine digital content with the user's actual surroundings. The computer-generated content is overlaid in the real-world environment, creating a 3D image in the real world.

Augmented reality requires hardware components, including a processor, sensors, a display and input devices. Unlike virtual reality, special equipment, such as glasses and headphones is not usually required and most augmented reality applications entirely depend on the hardware that is required to experience augmented reality.

Uses Of Augmented Reality

Augmented reality can be used for entertainment, gaming, navigation, and for retail purposes. In video games, augmented reality can be used to overlay a virtual game in the real world. An example of a video game that uses virtual reality is Pokémon Go, an app that runs on iOS and Android devices that was most popular in 2016. The user's avatar and in-game content are overlaid on a real-world map using the GPS signal of the smartphone when walking around.

Using augmented reality for retail purposes can increase brand awareness and boost sales. For example, augmented reality may allow people to see how products will look in their homes before making a purchase, helping them to make an informed choice.

In navigation, augmented reality is used to overlay a route to the user's destination over a live view of a road. It can also display information about local businesses in the user's surroundings. For example, Google Maps uses augmented reality to guide users with directions when walking. It uses the camera on the back of the smartphone to identify where the user is and GPS helps position the user on the map.

Augmented reality can also be used for measuring. For example, the Measure app on Apple iOS acts like a tape measure by allowing users to select two or more points and measure the distance between them. It uses the camera on the back of the smartphone to measure the distance.

Difference Between Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

Although augmented reality and virtual reality share similar things, they are two different technologies. The main difference between augmented reality and virtual reality is that augmented reality uses a real-world setting and combines digital content with the user's actual surroundings. Virtual reality is completely virtual and replaces the user's surroundings with a virtual environment.

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