What is Augmented reality?

Augmented reality (AR) adds computerized components to a live view frequently by utilizing the camera on a smartphone. Instances of augmented reality experiences incorporate Snapchat lenses and the game Pokemon Go.

Augmented reality is frequently introduced as a sort of modern technology, yet a type of it has been around for quite a long time. For instance, the heads-up displays in many fighter airplanes as far back as the 1990s would show data about the elevation, bearing, and speed of the plane, and just a couple of years after the fact they could show which objects in the field of view were targets.

In the previous decade, different labs and companies have fabricated devices that give us augmented reality. In 2009, the MIT Media Lab's Fluid Interfaces Gathering introduced SixthSense, a device that consolidated the utilization of a camera, little projector, smartphone,, and mirror. The device swings from the user's chest in a cord design from the neck. Four sensor devices on the client's fingers can be utilized to control the pictures anticipated by SixthSense.

Google turned out Google Glass in 2013, moving augmented reality to a more wearable interface; for this situation, glasses. It displays on the customer's point of convergence screen using a little projector and reacts to voice orders, overlaying pictures, recordings, and sounds onto the screen. Google pulled Google Glass close to the finish of December 2015. One of the most mainstream ways AR has infiltrated regular day to day existence is through versatile games. In 2016, the AR game "Pokémon Go" turned into a sensation around the world, with more than 100 million estimated users at its top, according to CNET. It wound up making more than $2 billion and tallying, according to Forbes. The game permitted users to see Pokémon characters bobbing around in their own town. The goal was to catch these pocket monsters, at that point use them to fight others, locally, in AR gyms.

In 2018, "Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery" turned into a versatile AR gaming sensation. The game lets users see the Hogwarts world around them while being able to cast spells, use potions,, and gain from Hogwarts teachers. As of this composition, the game had around 10 million downloads in the Google Play store.

Researchers are also creating holograms, which can make VR a stride further, since holograms can be seen and heard by a crowd of individuals at the same time.

"While research in holography plays an important role in the development of futuristic displays and augmented reality devices, today we are taking a shot at many different applications, such as ultrathin and lightweight optical devices for cameras and satellites," researcher Lei Wang, a doctoral student at the ANU Research School of Physics and Engineering said in a statement.

What is Virtual Reality?

Augmented Reality (VR) is the use of PC technology to make a simulated situation.

Augmented Reality's most promptly unmistakable segment is the head-mounted display (HMD). Human beings are visual creatures, and display technology is frequently the single biggest distinction between immersive Computer generated Experience systems and traditional user interfaces.

Significant players in Augmented Reality incorporates HTC Vive, Oculus Fracture,, and PlayStation VR (PSVR) VR places the user inside an experience. Instead of review a screen before them, users are immersed and ready to connect with 3D worlds. By simulating as many senses as possible, such as vision, hearing, touch, even smell, the PC is transformed into a gatekeeper to this counterfeit world. The main limits to approach genuine VR experiences are the accessibility of substance and modest figuring power.

Augmented Reality's most quickly unmistakable segment is the head-mounted display (HMD). Human beings are visual creatures, and display technology is frequently the single biggest distinction between immersive Augmented Experience systems and traditional user interfaces. For instance, Cavern programmed virtual environments effectively display virtual substance onto room-sized screens. While they are a good time for individuals in universities and large labs, consumer and industrial wearables are the wild west.

With a variety of developing equipment and software options, the eventual fate of wearables is unfurling however yet obscure. Concepts such as the HTC Vive Star Eye, Oculus Quest and Playstation VR are driving the way, yet there are also players like Google, Apple, Samsung, Lenovo, and others who may surprise the industry with new levels of immersion and usability. Whoever comes out ahead, the simplicity of buying a helmet-sized device that can work in a living room, office, or factory floor has made HMDs center stage when it comes to Virtual Reality technologies.

What’s the difference Between Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality?

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality is cut out of the same cloth. You could consider Augmented Reality as VR with one foot in reality: Augmented Reality simulates counterfeit objects in the genuine condition; Virtual Reality creates a fake situation to possess.

In Augmented Reality, the PC uses sensors and algorithms to decide the position and direction of a camera. AR technology at that point renders the 3D graphics as they would show up from the perspective of the camera, superimposing the PC produced images over a user's perspective on this present reality.

In Virtual Reality, the PC uses similar sensors and math. Be that as it may, as opposed to finding a genuine camera inside a physical situation, the position of the user's eyes is situated inside the simulated condition. On the off chance that the user's head turns, the graphics respond accordingly. Instead of compositing virtual objects and a genuine scene, VR technology creates a persuading, intelligent world for the user.

Top Players in Augmented Reality

Niantic

A spin-off project of Google, Niantic evolved as an independent and innovative company focused on creating augmented reality games. The key characteristic of Niantic AR games are that it makes people go outside, explore the real-world environment,, and discover augmented reality Interactions in select locations.

If Pokemon Go comes to your mind, you guessed right-this games was developed by Niantic and it will be followed this year by a Harry Potter-themed AR the game, Wizard Unite.

Microsoft

One of the best-known software development companies has joined the race to become one of the leaders in new technologies. Microsoft developed the headset and describes its approach as a mixed reality. The company incorporates both augmented reality and virtual reality in its philosophy and works on games, apps, and even a demo AR version for the well-known messaging service Skype for HoloLens.

INDE

The UK-based company holds several patents and awards in augmented reality technology. INDE develops a wide range of AR solutions, both for smartphones and for the large screen, and it has an impressive portfolio of clients including National Geographic, 20th Century Fox, Universal Studios, Smithsonian Museum, and WWF.

Vuforia

This company is the creator of the most frequently used software development kit for the development of augmented reality games and apps. Vuforia SDK allows developers to create marker-less and location-based augmented reality interactions and experiences. Its APIs work with a wide range of programming languages, including C++, Java, and .Net. It can be used to create both hybrid and Android/iOS native apps.

Magic Leap

A secretive start-up, Magic Leap has attracted funding of $1.5 billion and has kept its projects under wraps until people wondered if it would produce anything marketable. The waiting is over: the company has opened the pre-orders for Magic Leap One, a set consisting of augmented reality goggles and handheld sensors touted as a platform “built for creators who want to change how we experience the world”.

Top Players in Virtual Reality

Google

There is no doubt that Google is one of the groundbreakers in the field of both augmented and virtual reality. They developed the first commercial model of smartglasses – the infamous Google Glass – back in 2013. Even though the launch of the product backfired and was met with hostility by many people and businesses (certain restaurants and movie theaters forbidding the access of Glass wearers), the first step was made.

Oculus

The Oculus Rift is one of the best-known VR headsets available on the market. The PC-tethered headset is capable of offering highly immersive and realistic VR experiences. The official Rift Experiences page includes a varied catalog of products, both free and premium, categorized in: games, movies, sports, music, travel, documentaries and history, entertainment, and apps.

HTC VIVE

HTC VIVE is just the most visible part of this company’s efforts to encourage the development of virtual reality technology. Apart from the VR headset, VIVE has created a VR/AR accelerator program named VIVE X, through which it invests in start-ups which have the potential to add value and innovation to this field of technology.

Samsung Gear VR

The Samsung Gear VR headset is developed in collaboration with Oculus, but the company best known for smartphone manufacturing has launched its platform where headset owners can discover a rich variety of content, create their content with the Samsung 360 camera, and share it with other users.

SpaceVR

Consisting of astronauts and ex-NASA employees, SpaceVR started an ambitious project: to install 4K 360-degree cameras on satellites and deliver high-quality VR images of the Universe to users down on Earth.

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