Why augmented reality might just outshine virtual realty
Virtual reality (VR) technology might have hogged the spotlight this year with a variety of possible business applications, but experts claim that augmented reality (AR) will also have a key role in our digital future.

AR overlays the real world with digital information or virtual objects, with one example being Google Glass. Whereas, VR immerses a user in a completely virtual space.



"Smart glasses" using AR tech will allow users to interact with all sorts of objects in the real world, according to technology research firm Forrester, who has outlined some of the potential uses for AR in a report published this week.



"Although consumer applications of AR are few in number today, we can already see enterprise applications where field technicians use AR smart glasses from (product maker) Atheer to operate hands-free while wearing the devices for hours at a time every day," the report said.



"Add this kind of utility to nearly any customer service and support function, and you can see why AR will be a more persistent presence in people's lives — and more vital for marketers — than VR ever will."