Augmented reality (AR) is a real-time integration of the cyber information in the user environment. Unlike virtual reality that creates a totally artificial environment, augmented reality uses already existing environment and overlays new information on it. This term was invented by the Boeing researcher in 1990 to describe the operation of display helmets that were created to replace the wired ones. First commercial project with AR technology applied was yellow line of the ball’s first down in American football game that has been broadcast since 1998. Nowadays Google Glass and interactive displays in car windshield are likely the most popular AR users but the technology is also applied in other fields including health care, homeland security, tourism and marketing. Kinect by Microsoft is an example of the motion sensing input devices, where you can see yourself in an actual game on TV and participate in it through motions and gestures.

Term Virtual Reality (VR) is referred to technology using software to design images, sounds, odours and more senses resembling real or imaginary environment. The effect of virtual reality is intensified by means of additional features like glasses, projectors or other devices. VR objects usually act like in natural conditions: gravitation, reflection, water in its misc states etc. For entertainment unspecific features may be used like flying, fantastic things creation and so on. Notwithstanding its entertaining nature Virtual reality is widely used for education, training, engineering and other spheres like architectural and urban design. VR devices are applied in military or parachute trainings when artificial simulators are used to test how people will behave in unusual conditions. One should not mix virtual reality with augmented reality. The difference between them lies in that virtual reality designs new artificial world while augmented one adds some elements to perception of world. For those who make up creation of VR products see AOG experts and request them for your project!