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?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 3 and 4 ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) 1, 2 and 3
- (d) 4 only
Why the answer is (b)
• Augmented Reality overlays computer-generated images on the real world seen through a phone or PC camera, so the user stays present in their surroundings (statement 3, e.g. Pokémon Go).
• Virtual Reality shuts out the physical world and immerses the user in a fully simulated environment via a headset (statement 4).
• Statements 1 and 2 swap the definitions: shutting out the world describes VR, and projecting images onto real surroundings describes AR.
• Hence 3 and 4, option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- Statements 1 and 2 swap AR and VR.
- (c) 1, 2 and 3
- Statements 1 and 2 are wrong.
- (d) 4 only
- Statement 3 on AR is also correct.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2019, held on 2 June 2019. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.