Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) Explained

In this article, we will go through a quick breakdown of the two concepts virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and how these technologies gradually transform the way we interact, work, and socialize with each other.

The metaverse space is booming with activity. Talk around technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), blockchain, 5G networks, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and 3D content creation has been going on for a while, but the vision of where things are headed is becoming clearer now. The convergence of these technologies is gradually transforming the way we interact, work, socialize, entertain, and transact with each other (and machines).

Much chatter around the metaverse focuses on immersive VR, but AR also has a big part to play. AR overlays digital objects on to the real world, accessed via smartphones and smart glasses. Many experts believe AR has a much greater potential compared to VR because humans sooner or later get tired of completely virtual environments and rather prefer staying in real surroundings.

While AR applications (e.g., Pokemon Go and Google Maps’ direction-finding func·tions) have been available for a long, wider uptake has been slow thanks to privacy concerns, the cost of devices required, and the lack of profitable applications. However, this may change soon with recent developments in the blockchain ecosystem. AR applications could be underpinned by AR clouds, unique ownership of digital assets through non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and open-source content creation.

The Difference Between Augmented Reality And Virtual Reality

With Web3.0 and the metaverse on the rise, the terms virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) get thrown around a lot. Augmented reality and virtual reality are different technologies that accomplish two different things. And despite both sounding similar, they’re two different concepts that cater to different needs. Here is a quick breakdown of the two concepts.

What Is Augmented Reality (AR)?

An acronym for augmented reality, AR adds to what you see in the real world by projecting information on top of what you're looking at. An example of an AR experience that most of us are familiar with is Pokemon Go.

In the NFT space, AR has the power to enrich our world in creative and meaningful ways by allowing creators to provide more depth and context to any digital artwork. Whether that be overlaying digital objects in your environment or on your body. Moreover, users can access AR NFTs anywhere, anytime, through smartphones or AR-enabled sites.

What Is Virtual Reality (VR)?

Short for virtual reality, VR supercharges the world of augmented reality and fully immerses you into the virtual world, no matter where you are. Using a VR headset like the Oculus Rift, Google Cardboard, or other devices, you can be transported into a new environment and interact with 3D objects, spaces, and other users.

AR/VR in Blockchain

These young technologies create a lot of curiosity about how they can be both combined and what technological benefits can be reaped out of the collaboration, especially in the gaming and entertainment industry. A decentralized distributed ledger-based data storage system can create value for virtual and augmented reality operations. Even though blockchain is a young technology, it shall soon gain one of the top positions in mainstream technologies. Visual simulation of objects with real-time data experiences is the need of the hour.

Most of the projects that are trying to harness the advantages of both industries are being developed on the Ethereum blockchain. An easy-to-understand example can be shopping malls where the trials of clothes can be done standing in front of the mirror, implementing sensors and virtual reality and customers can just within seconds augment how the clothes are looking on them, by looking in the mirror. This data can be then forwarded and the chosen clothes can be billed through the customers’ card and deliveries can be scheduled, all this through the AR/AR and blockchain technological solutions.

Even if augmented and virtual reality is built on sensors as hardware layers and AI on the software layer, underneath all that lies the data onto which these powerful systems are built. That is where the blockchain can create its magic with data security and make it more powerful than before, leading to a high-value user experience.

Benefits of combining AR/VR and blockchain

Better User Experience

Not just in the gaming and entertainment industry but AR/VR can be classically used everywhere where user interaction is necessary. This definitely needs sensitive user data to be secure which then blockchain plays its role. This does not only create new technological advancements but definitely changes the user experience for the better.

Increased Computing Power

As AR/VR operates into 3-dimensional experiences, they definitely need high computational power for execution. Decentralized and distributed graphical systems can share out the workload, which can be possible through blockchain.

Secure Platforms

As the new systems are being developed, a large number of analysis and decision-making comes into the picture. Even when the AR/VR is implemented, the data generated underneath the layers are at risk of insecurity. This major issue can be resolved through blockchain. Blockchain creates a trustworthy secure platforms for augmented and virtual reality to work upon.

Transforming the conventional processes

Talking about enhancing the user experience by multifold, it’s time to make changes to the conventional systems running today. Eliminating the loopholes of the conventional systems by putting the best of technological use, is a smart move indeed. And Blockchain can surely make that happen.

Events That Use AR and VR Nfts

Art

Immersive and convenient. Augmented reality allows NFT artists to create more realistic and more contextual pieces with sound, visual, or other visual effects. Moreover, AR lets the NFT collectors fully experience an artwork anywhere and anytime via smart devices.

Gaming

On top of rewarding players with exciting gameplay, play-2-earn (P2E) games allow players to acquire assets that they can bring to real life. These assets can be in many different forms, from an in-game NFT to cryptocurrency. Most games that offer their own in-game economy with Blockchain are close to offering AR and VR experiences. Soon, players will have a chance to experience their in-game assets through virtual and augmented reality. Furthermore, AR and VR NFTs can also create a more immersive in-game experience, making the game's narrative more compelling. Check out this article on our Academy page about Revoland.

E-commerce

Wouldn't it be great if you could virtually try on a pair of shoes or a t-shirt at home before committing to your online purchase? This can become a reality with the power of virtual try-on and AR NFTs. And as more brands include AR in every step of their customer journey, you will have a better idea of the items you're purchasing.

Conclusion

Immersive technology can help to connect the virtual and the physical, creating a space where we can engage with both areas. Combined with NFTs, AR and VR are tools that can bridge the gap between the traditional creator economy and Web 3.0. With that said, as further uses for NFTs are explored and more aspects of our lives continue to migrate online, AR and VR will most likely become a big part of our lives online.

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