Are the worlds of virtual reality, augmented reality, the metaverse, commerce and SEO converging? Learn what the latest trends reveal.
Reality is no longer limited to what you see in front of you. We now have alternative realities, including virtual and augmented.
These technological advances are making big changes in the world around us. It is important to have a full understanding of these concepts, as well as how to use them for the future of marketing and e-commerce.
Virtual and augmented reality are now surpassing the use of entertainment and also heading in the direction of businesses. Trends based on age, time and the pandemic are all leading toward a completely online commerce field.
Could we at some point eventually leave behind the era of SEO and enter a new state with new terms and theories?
What is virtual reality?
Virtual reality (VR) is a simulated environment created by computer technology.
Display technology allows for an immersive, virtual experience compared to traditional user interfaces. When virtual reality is applied, users are transported into a three-dimensional world where they can interact with a 3D environment.
The most recognizable component of virtual reality is the head-mounted displays (HMD). Popular companies that are already applying virtual reality to their products include HTC Vive, Oculus Rift and PlayStation VR (PSVR).
Three main types of virtual reality
Virtual reality can be broken down into three main sectors:
- Non-immersive VR: A computer-generated virtual environment in which the user is aware and controlled by the physical environment they are in. The most common example is a video game where players enter the “game world” with its own storyline and characters.
- Semi-immersive VR: An environment partially based in a virtual setting; typically used for training and educational purposes with large projector systems and graphical computing. An example of semi-immersive VR would be flight simulators that pilots have to use during training.
- Fully-immersive VR: The most realistic VR experience where sight and sound are fully immersed in the virtual setting. When wearing the appropriate VR gear, users will be able to see and feel the digital environment around them as if they are actually there.
Virtual reality vs. augmented reality
Augmented reality (AR) is the use of technology to enhance what users see in the real world, with a digital overlay that incorporates artificial objects. Augmented reality is able to combine elements of both the physical and digital world or adds digital elements to a live view.
2016 hit mobile phone app, “Pokemon Go” is a prime example of augmented reality. Users could walk around in the real world and search for Pokemon characters that would appear first on their phone screens, and then in the real space in front of them.
Put simply, here’s the main difference between VR and AR:
- Augmented reality is an addition to the real-world experience.
- Virtual reality is creating an entirely new atmosphere and experience from scratch.