In addition, Valve's Michael Abrash will discuss the hardware challenges that lie ahead and possible solutions for virtual and augmented reality in 'Why Virtual Reality is Hard (And Where it Might be Going).

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It combines all the "realities" into one: physical, virtual and augmented (reality superimposed with sound or graphics).

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Other technologies such as QR codes, augmented reality and smartphone apps are already competing to make virtual shopping and mobile payments a reality.

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While virtual reality has tried (and till now failed) to entice us into a virtual world, augmented reality overlays digital, virtual information onto the real world with the help of a simple camera, screen and software in between.

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Researchers have created an augmented reality application that fills your desk with virtual hairy, red-and-black patterned spiders.

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An Augmented Reality piece on the NIVEA website and facebook page will bring users a private performance from Rihanna on a virtual NIVEA Creme tin stage.

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