Augmented reality and virtual reality are often mentioned together, but they provide different experiences. Virtual reality places the user inside a fully digital environment. Augmented reality adds digital information on top of the real world.

VR experiences usually require headsets. The user is mostly separated from the physical environment and interacts with a virtual world. VR can be used in gaming, simulation, education and design.

AR can work through phone cameras, tablets or smart glasses. It overlays information on the real world. For example, a technician can see repair instructions directly on a machine through an AR interface.

Both technologies have strong potential in education. VR can simulate risky situations safely. AR can display explanatory information over real objects.

Adoption depends on hardware cost, content production and user comfort. In the right scenario, AR and VR can significantly transform user experience.