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Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
Although the term Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are used together,
there is a distinct difference between the two.
Augmented Reality
Prime (Ver. 2.2)-VIII superimpose information such as sounds, images, and text on the real-world that we can
Augmented Reality is the blending of virtual world and real life. AR uses technology to
see. The virtual content is created by developers within applications and is designed to
blend seamlessly with the real-world content. AR users can interact with virtual content in
the real world and can also distinguish between virtual and real content.
AR is not a new technology. It was first used in the display panels of fighter aircraft in
the 1990s. The panel displayed information about the altitude, direction and speed of the
aircraft. A few years later, the panels were upgraded to display target objects.
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In 2009, Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s developed SixthSense. It is a small
device worn like a pendant that combines the use of a camera, small projector, smartphone,
and mirror. The projector and the camera are
connected to the mobile device in the user’s pocket.
The projector projects the visual information on
physical surfaces such as walls and other objects. The
camera recognises and tracks the user’s hand gestures
with the help of computer-vision techniques. SixthSense Device
Google Glass, created in 2013, is an example of wearable AR
interface. It helps the user to remain focussed on the work. It
displays information on the user’s glass screen through a small
projector. It responds to voice commands to activate an application
Google Glass
any time.
AR enters the lives of most people through smartphones and tablets. Vito Technology’s
Star Walk app lets a user point their phone or tablet
camera at the sky and see the names of stars and
planets superimposed on the image. Another app,
called Layar, uses the GPS location of the smartphone
and the camera to collect information about the
user’s surroundings. The app then shows information
about the nearby restaurants, stores, and places Star Walk App
of interest.

