The Evolution of Immersive Technology: A Comparative Study of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

Immersive technologies, particularly Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), have evolved significantly in recent years, shaping a new frontier in human-computer interaction. These technologies are revolutionizing industries such as entertainment, education, healthcare, and retail by providing users with unique and interactive experiences. While AR and VR share similarities, such as enhancing user engagement and providing immersive experiences, they differ significantly in terms of technology, application, and user experience. This paper presents a comparative study of AR and VR, examining their technological foundations, applications, challenges, and potential future developments.