A. Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that superimposes computer-generated images, sounds, or other sensory information onto a user''s view of the real world, thus providing a composite, enhanced view. Unlike Virtual Reality (VR), which creates a completely artificial environment, AR integrates digital information with the user''s physical surroundings in real-time. This is typically achieved through devices like smartphones, tablets, or specialized AR glasses, which use cameras and sensors to interpret and interact with the physical world.
B. The applications of AR are diverse and are rapidly expanding beyond the entertainment and gaming sectors, where it first gained widespread popularity with games like Pokémon GO. In retail, customers can use AR apps on their phones to visualize how a piece of furniture would look in their living room before buying it. In education, AR can bring subjects to life by allowing students to explore 3D models of the solar system or the human anatomy in their classroom.
C. AR is also proving to be a powerful tool in professional and industrial settings. For technicians and engineers, AR glasses can display repair instructions or schematics directly in their field of vision while they work on complex machinery, improving accuracy and efficiency. In healthcare, surgeons can use AR to overlay 3D models of a patient''s organs onto their body during an operation, providing a more precise guide for complex procedures.
D. As the technology continues to mature, AR is expected to become more seamlessly integrated into our daily lives. The development of lighter, more powerful, and less obtrusive AR glasses is a key step towards this future. However, challenges remain, including issues of user interface design, battery life, and data privacy. As AR blurs the line between the digital and physical worlds, it raises important questions about how we interact with information and with each other, holding the potential to fundamentally change how we work, learn, shop, and communicate.
IELTS Practice Tests Practice Test / Part 1 #135
IELTS Practice Tests Practice Test / Part 1 #208
