Virtual reality is like going into a completely new world that you can see and feel, while augmented reality adds extra things to the real world you're already in.
Imagine you have a toy box. In virtual reality, it’s like you open a magic door and step inside a brand-new toy box, all new toys, no old ones. You’re completely surrounded by something brand new, like being in a video game that covers your whole view.
In augmented reality, you stay in your room with your real toy box, but suddenly, floating above it are extra toys, like ghosts of toys that aren’t really there yet. You can still see your old toys and touch them, but now there are cool new ones hanging around too.
Like a Screen Around Your Head vs. Extra Things on the Floor
Virtual reality uses something like a big screen around your head, making you feel like you’re inside another place, it’s all fake, but you believe it.
Augmented reality is more like having extra things appear right in front of you, like seeing extra toys floating above your real ones. You're still in the same room, just with a few cool surprises added on top.
Examples
- Imagine playing a video game where you're inside the game world, like being in a spaceship.
- Think of wearing glasses that let you see digital characters walking around with you on the street.
- It's like watching a movie but you can control what happens next.
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See also
- How Can You Touch a Virtual Object?
- What exactly is the metaverse and why is it getting so much attention?
- What are virtual reality systems?
- How has "The Matrix" influenced modern culture and philosophy?
- How Does The Simulation Hypothesis Explained by Nick Bostrom Work?