Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are often mistakenly interchanged terms. The caveat is there are distinct differences between VR and AR.
Additionally, there was a recent study that showed the impact of both virtual reality and augmented reality. The results of this VR and AR study are right on especially with how Covid-19 caused more virtual reality and augmented reality applications.
What is Virtual Reality?
Virtual reality is an artificially created environment that you are part of and can interact with. The computer generated environment is 100% artificial portrayed by a tethered or standalone (mobile) VR headset.
You might sometimes need other accessories like a headphone, external sensors, a treadmill or even a whole room dedicated to VR. Basically the tethered VR headset is the better option since it delivers a more immersive experience.
Underlying Principle of Virtual Reality
Our perception of our surroundings is totally based on the information presented to our senses. In the world of Virtual Reality, the information (mainly auditory, visual and partially haptics) perceived is generated by a computer. Additional work is being done to include taste and smell to the future experiences.
In VR, the user must be able to feel a sense of submergence into the new virtual environment. You are practically unaware of what’s actually going on around you; you are almost entirely present in the virtual world.
The experience must also be realistic. Hence, the use of a headphone synced with the VR. Other accessories such as a VR suit further bolster the illusion.
What is Augmented Reality?
AR is basically an altered (or augmented) form of reality rather than an entirely computer generated experience. This translates into overlaying computer-generated perceptions onto your view of your environment.
An example can be erasing objects by blending them with the environment or even adding new computer generated objects into the surroundings. A popular example is your Snapchat which adds digital items to a live feed be it your video or your picture.
Factors Distinguishing Virtual Reality from Augmented Reality
The main difference between the two technologies is not far-fetched. They both have the similar attribute of altering your view by conjuring up digital illusions.
Otherwise, the two are entirely different. Virtual Reality almost complete transcends you from your immediate environment into a virtual one. AR does not.
AR can be achieved by simply using your phone or smart glasses like the Google Glass Enterprise Edition. You can even say AR is a form of partial VR since you can still see your surroundings. On the other hand, achieving the state of VR is much more complicated.
Naturally, Augmented Reality is mainly a visual simulation not really involving any other modalities. However, VR includes visual, auditory and even the vestibular system. This is needed in order to avoid motion sickness or any other form of disorientation.
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Are Not New
Both Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality have existed for many years. These technologies have recently become extremely profitable. This in turn has led to an explosive growth in job recruiting.
Because of this recruitment surge, there are exponentially more virtual reality and augmented reality job openings than talent to fill these positions. Openings span VR and AR technical, engineering, scientific, information technology (IT), research and development (R&D) and manufacturing technology positions.
But staffing managers should not be concerned! Strategic Search Corporation is expert in both virtual reality and augmented reality recruitment!
$6 Billion VR Market
A Market Research report that projected the global virtual reality market to increase to $6 billion by 2022 actually came true!
Especially when Covid-19 hampered personal interactions, virtual reality engineering, scientific, technical, information technology (IT) and research and development (R&D) applications have increased exponentially!
Applications of VR technologies have extended beyond consumer electronics, retail and media as well as entertainment in a relatively short span of time. Companies are creating new product line segmentations in an effort to reap profits from the surging adoption of VR technologies.
In the healthcare sector for instance, virtual reality is being integrated with computed tomography. This creates three-dimensional imaging technology that provides data on a real-time basis. The resulting 3D view of the patient’s anatomy allows surgeons to clearly observe the skeletal, muscular and nervous system.
New Opportunities for VR
New opportunities for virtual reality already exist. These include development of interactive virtual environments in employee training, increasing use of VR devices in distraction therapy and in developing social skills for autistic people, simulation of real spaces enabling architects to design better interiors and rework layouts.
Developers of VR technologies and products are witnessing the emergence of new challenges. Currently, the biggest challenge is unaffordable prices. Changing cost structures have created high price points preventing mass adoption of virtual reality.
A majority of companies struggle to create compelling content even when they manage to overcome the price factor. Moreover, while consumers demand a mobile VR experience safety hazards are a key limitation.
The need for uniform 5G spectrum cellular networks has gained traction since VR devices work effectively on high data transference. Unfortunately, the lack of such uniformity within both developed and developing regions, and across the globe, curbs its mass adoption.
Key Developers in Global VR Competition Landscape
Many leading companies are involved in the global virtual reality market. Tech behemoths such as Sony Corporation, HTC Corporation, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Microsoft Corp. and Google Inc. are observed as leading players in the market.
The VR market will also witness the active presence of companies such as Lumus Ltd, Vuzix Corporation, Oculus VR, LLC, Magic Leap, Inc., Unity Technologies, Inc. and Eon Reality Inc.
North America to Register Largest Adoption of VR Technologies
North America will be the largest market for virtual reality. The sales of VR devices in the U.S. and Canada are expected to showcase impressive growth in the future. The North America virtual reality market is well over $2.2 billion and growing!
Media and entertainment will be the largest end-user industry in the global virtual reality market. By the end of the forecast period, the global virtual reality market is anticipated to accrue revenues worth over $1.7 billion by the sole application of VR technologies in gaming.
Furthermore, global sales of VR sensors are projected to gain steadfast traction throughout the forecast period. Developers of VR technologies are also expected to direct new advancements in the development of virtual reality software platforms.
We Can Help Fill Your Important VR and AR Recruitment Needs
Because of the explosion of AR and VR technology, many important virtual reality and augmented reality engineer, scientist, IT, R&D and manufacturing jobs will go unfilled. This is the case because many staffing managers and recruiting firms do not fully understand the virtual reality and augmented reality concepts. Therefore, they have no idea of where to turn to uncover key VR and AR talent.
Fortunately, the recruiting team at Strategic Search Corporation both understands and knows how to recruit key VR and AR talent for you. Therefore, you need a partner like Strategic Search Corporation, which not only understands the field, but also has over one million connections with virtual reality and augmented reality scientists, engineers and technical professionals worldwide.
Call us today at 312.944-4000 to learn more. Or click below to use our contact form.
