What is Augmented Reality (AR)? What is Mixed Reality (MR)?

Augmented reality (AR) is a live view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are “augmented” by computer-generated digital content such as graphics, video, sound or GPS data.  Mixed reality (MR) merges the real and digital worlds to produce new visualizations where physical and digital objects coexist and interact in real time. Augmenteum is focused on delivering experiences that incorporate the qualities of MR, but we often describe our experiences as AR in order to make clear that our experiences are supported by mobile devices which are well-known to support AR.

An important difference between AR and MR is the relationship between the content and “reality.”  In AR, the digital content  is typically rendered in real time and in context with real-world environment, such as overlaying information like scores on a live video feed of a sporting event.  In MR, the physical and digital objects coexist and interact in real time.  To achieve this “merger” of the the two worlds, Mixed Reality requires the digital content to appear similar to the real world, such as

  • 3D digital content
  • Location and spatial awareness
  • Interactivity between users, digital content, and “reality”
  • Persistence of digital content in “reality”

AR and MR enhance one’s current perception of reality, in contrast to virtual reality (VR) which  replaces the real world with a simulated one.

Augmenteum is focused on delivering experiences that incorporate the qualities of MR.  Augmenteum currently targets its experiences to iOS and Androic mobile devices (phones and tablets).   Althought our experiences incorporate the qualities of MR,  we often describe our experiences as AR in order to make clear that our experiences are supported by those devices which are well-known to support AR.

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