In the context of digital technologies for entertainment, consider the following statements:

1. In Augmented Reality (AR), a simulated environment is created and the physical world is completely shut out.
2. In Virtual Reality (VR), images generated from a computer are projected onto real-life objects or surroundings.
3. AR allows individuals to be present in the world and improves the experience using the camera of smart-phone or PC.
4. VR closes the world, and transposes an individual, providing complete immersion experience.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 and 4

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) 4 only

Answer: (b)        

Explanation:

Virtual reality:

• It is a computer-generated simulation of an alternate world or reality.
• A simulated environment is created in Virtual Reality (VR) and the physical world is completely shut out. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
• In Virtual Reality, users are immersed and able to interact with simulated 3D worlds.
• Virtual reality has also long been used in training, education, and science.
• In VR, users participate in the visual environment. Hence statement 4 is correct.

Augmented Reality (AR):

• In Augmented Reality (AR), images generated from a computer are projected onto real-life objects or surroundings. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
• AR allows individuals to be present in the world and improves the experience using the camera of smart-phone or PC. Hence statement 3 is correct.