Virtual and Augmented Reality: Applications and Opportunities 

Have you ever used VR glasses or headsets to play a video game? Have you ever tried on lipstick shade using your camera while shopping online. Or have you ever experienced used VR maps which makes you feel like you are literally standing on that place. I am sure you must have enjoyed some of those. But if not, you surely will in the future as the future of this technology is very bright. To understand the meaning of these terms and its applications and opportunities, keep on reading the next sections. So, let’s start! 

What is virtual reality (VR)? 

Virtual reality is an experience of the virtual world. It is world that is not real and is solely designed and created to experience things that we cannot experience normally. You can use it to play your favorite games and feel like you are actually present inside the game, or you can use it to travel to faraway place you want to go. Also, you can use it travel the universe, the deep oceans, inside the core of the earth or even imaginary unicorn worlds, it all depends on your imagination.  

You can enjoy VR by putting on special VR goggles and headsets. These are specially designed to experience VR. By putting on these goggles you will tap into a virtual world very different from the world you were in seconds ago. Your room will transform into any place you want.  

Virtual reality has many applications like playing games, learning complex subjects and so on. We will discuss it in the next sections.

What is augmented reality (AR)?

You must have used snapchat filters and took beautiful and fun pictures. Or you could have used google maps to see a location virtually before you travel there. These experiences are called augmented reality. It is the transforming of the real world to fit our needs. For example, using filters on camera apps, shifts the real world slightly and creates an augmented world. 

AR is not about going into a different virtual world; it is about doing changes in the real world. For example, a surgeon can wear AR glasses (they are see-though not opaque like VR goggles) to virtually operate the patient lying on the table before actually doing the surgery. Another example is you can virtually put on things in an empty room to decide on to what interior design you like before actually putting the items. 

This way AR is different from VR and has many benefits and applications as well. 

Applications:  

VR and AR have many applications that have the capacity to change the world. In today’s world VR and AR technology is still not adopted fully. But we can expect this industry to grow a lot in the future. Some applications of this technology that will become popular in the future are: 

1. Gaming:  

Gaming enthusiasts from all over the world know the value AR/VR technology provides to experience playing games like never before. These technologies can take us to immersive virtual reality where we can feel and experience gaming as if we are actually present in that virtual world.  

2. Education: 

Augmented and virtual reality has a lot of scope in the education sector. Students can use it to understand concepts easily and more efficiently. They can use it to master complex subjects like biology, physics, chemistry, geography, history, etc. Also, learners can virtually experience and observe concepts of these subjects and excel in their exams.

3. Healthcare: 

AR and VR technology can be used to make healthcare more efficient and convenient. By using these technologies doctors and other medical staff can be trained to perform medical procedures with better precision. They can use it to analyze reports and scans of the patients to come to accurate diagnoses and decisions. 

4. Retail: 

A lot of companies and stores are using AR and VR technologies to give their users a much better and more convenient shopping experience. They can use this technology to let the customer put on clothes virtually. This way a customer can instantly change their outfits and choose which clothing items suit their body the best.  

5. Architecture and Real Estate: 

AR and VR technology can be used in architecture and real estate. Architects and designers can use it to create and design spaces they want more effectively and conveniently. Buyers can also use it to visit as many spaces as they like and choose the best option. 

6. Military and Defense: 

Military and Defense professionals can use AR and VR technology to simulate combat scenarios to prepare themselves and practice. They can also use it to simulate training in harsh weather conditions and lands, and much more. It can be used to plan missions and create better strategies. 

7. Travel Tourism: 

People can use AR and VR technology to plan their trips or go on virtual 3D travel. This technology has a lot of scope in the travel and tourism sector such as virtual destination travel, planning a trip virtually, virtually traveling to places where you are not able to go, etc. 

Opportunities: 

Now let’s discuss what opportunities AR and VR technology is bringing with itself, what is going to be its future, and what trends we can expect to see.  

New business models: 

As the use of AR and VR technology increases in the future, we can expect to see businesses with new business models that provide services and products related to virtual and augmented reality experiences. 

Increased efficiency: 

AR and VR will help improve productivity at the workplace and at home. As we embrace these technologies, our work will get better and more efficient. 

Improved customer experience: 

Augmented and virtual reality technology can help improve customer experience in many ways. Customers can do so many things to improve their experience such as try on clothes virtually, try on makeup virtually, try on jewellery and accessories virtually, and so on. This can make their experience convenient and fun. 

New markets: 

VR and AR technology will open up new markets in the future. Applications of virtual and augmented reality devices will open fresh markets.  

Competitive Advantage: 

Businesses that will use AR and VR in the future will have a competitive advantage as compared to their competitors. 

Conclusion:

Virtual and augmented reality models have long existed. People have always been fascinated by this technology. And as our world is witnessing innovations come up each day, we are on the cusp of seeing a boom in AR and VR technology as well. AR and VR devices are expected to become present in every household and business. These will help create a society that is high-tech and innovative. It will increase productivity while decreasing the costs for businesses. It will also be beneficial for students and professionals to learn new things, practice, and experiment easily and more efficiently.

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