Introduction to Virtual and Augmented Reality
Virtual and augmented reality are two technologies which might be changing the best way we experience the world. As they proceed to mature, they’re gaining popularity amongst consumers and businesses. However, they’re growing at different rates, with augmented reality gaining more traction.
Understanding the Difference between VR and AR
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are two distinct technologies with different use cases. VR places users in virtual worlds and sometimes requires the usage of specialized headsets, while AR involves overlaying computer-generated information onto existing real-world views and is essentially accessible via on a regular basis mobile devices. VR is the more mature of the 2 technologies, but it surely has fewer users.
How Many People Use Virtual and Augmented Reality?
In 2019, it’s estimated that 42.9 million people will use VR and 68.7 million will use AR a minimum of once per 30 days. This represents 13.0% and 20.8% of the population, respectively. These numbers are significant and indicate that each technologies have gotten increasingly popular.
Changes in Forecasts
Since the previous forecasts were released, there have been some changes. The estimates for VR users have been revised downward, while the estimates for AR users have been revised upward. This reflects the changing market dynamics and the growing popularity of AR. A brand new metric, “social network AR users,” has also been added to capture the usage of AR features inside social networks akin to Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.
Why is Augmented Reality More Popular?
There are several the reason why AR is more popular than VR. AR applications are increasingly accessible via on a regular basis mobile devices, making them more convenient to make use of. The introduction of Apple’s ARKit and Google’s ARCore software development kits (SDKs) has also signaled the tech industry’s confidence in AR experiences, spurring developers to create more applications. Additionally, AR has the potential to make people’s lives easier, which is a serious draw for users.
What’s within the Report?
This report features a 2017-2021 forecast for VR and AR users within the US, in addition to an evaluation of the forces shaping the expansion of those technologies. The report provides precious insights into the present state of VR and AR and what we are able to expect in the longer term.
Conclusion
In conclusion, virtual and augmented reality are two technologies which might be changing the best way we experience the world. While VR is more mature, AR is gaining more traction on account of its accessibility and potential to make people’s lives easier. As these technologies proceed to grow and evolve, it’ll be exciting to see how they shape the longer term. With the increasing popularity of AR and the growing variety of users, it’s clear that these technologies are here to remain.
