Augmented Reality vs. Virtual Reality: Everything You Need to Know

If you’ve seen videos of people wearing weird-looking goggles and running into a wall and were perplexed, you’ve come to the right place. This is likely a result of being immersed in virtual reality, or VR. We also don’t blame you if you’ve mixed up augmented reality (AR) vs. virtual reality before, as they both tend to involve headsets and simulations.

However, there’s actually a clear distinction between AR and VR. In this blog, we’ll delve into the differences between these two technologies and how they work.

The Rising Trend of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

With the advancements in technology, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) have become a part of our daily lives. These technologies have revolutionized the way we interact with digital content and are constantly evolving to provide more immersive experiences.

AR and VR have a range of applications in various industries including gaming, healthcare, education, marketing, entertainment, and many more. As they continue to gain popularity, it is important to understand the differences between augmented reality vs. virtual reality.

What is Augmented Reality?

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information onto the real-world environment, creating an enhanced view of our present surroundings.

You can connect a device with AR content while optionally wearing specialized AR glasses to experience a blend of the real and virtual worlds. This technology has endless possibilities, from enhancing educational experiences to improving productivity in various industries.

What is Virtual Reality?

Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology that creates a completely artificial environment, immersing the user in a digital world. With the help of specialized VR headsets and controllers, users can interact with the virtual world and feel fully immersed in it. The difference with VR is that users are no longer looking at their immediate surroundings; the virtual world can be anywhere.

VR has gained popularity for its use in gaming and entertainment—it’s even typically seen in family fun centers—but this technology has also proven to be useful in fields like education, healthcare, and even therapy.

When Was This Technology Created?

The concept of VR was first introduced in the 1960s, and since then, numerous advancements have been made to improve its technology. The term “Virtual Reality” was coined by Jaron Lanier in the 1980s, while AR was developed and used for military training purposes during the same decade.

However, it wasn’t until recently, with the introduction of consumer VR headsets like the Oculus Rift and AR applications like Pokemon Go, that augmented reality vs virtual reality gained widespread attention.

Stars and Strikes Offers Both Unique Experiences at Select Locations

It’s hard to pick a favorite between augmented reality vs virtual reality. That’s why at Stars and Strikes, we offer both experiences at select locations!

Our Virtual Reality Arcade allows customers to immerse themselves in a variety of virtual worlds through our top-of-the-line headsets and controllers. From riding a thrilling rollercoaster to exploring a dangerous island, the possibilities are endless.

In contrast, our SPARK Augmented Reality Bowling combines digital games with the real-world tradition of bowling. This innovative experience allows players to aim at virtual targets on their lane while competing against family and friends.

Book Your First Experience at Stars and Strikes Today

Whether you’re a fan of virtual reality, augmented reality, or both, Stars and Strikes has it all. Our state-of-the-art technology and unique experiences are perfect for a family outing, corporate event, or birthday party. Visit our website to book your first augmented reality vs. virtual reality experience today!