What are the differences between VR, AR, and MR?
What is the difference between virtual reality, mixed reality, and augmented reality? Read about it in our VR Blog on virtual, mixed, and augmented reality & applications of the headsets.
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR) implies a complete immersion experience that excludes the physical world. Using devices such as HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, or Google Cardboard, users can be transported into a variety of realistic and imagined environments, such as the middle of a swirling penguin colony or even on the back of a dragon.
View allVR headsets.
Augmented Reality
Augmented reality (AR) often adds digital elements to a live view by using the camera on a smartphone. Examples of augmented reality are Snapchat lenses and the game Pokemon Go.
Mixed Reality
In a mixed reality (MR) experience, which combines elements of both AR and VR, physical and digital objects interact. The mixed reality market is just beginning to take off with Microsoft's HoloLens, one of the most well-known and first devices in this category.
View allMR headsets.
| Situation | Virtual Reality | Augmented Reality | Mixed Reality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Does it replace the real world? | Yes | No | No |
| Can the user interact with both the real and virtual world? | No | Yes | Yes |
| Can the real and virtual world interact with each other? | No | No | Yes |
| Does it move with your field of view? | Yes | Yes | No |
