Sense is often described as a user-friendly software overlay, but HTC typically describes it as a user-facing experience that unifies its products, differentiates its brand and benefits HTC device owners.
Whereas VR goggles immerse a user in a computer-generated environment, AR uses semi-transparent goggles, which overlay computer-generated graphics onto a user's view of the physical world.
Microsoft has also filed a patent for a set of digital glasses that overlay information on top of the user's view, which it suggested could be used at sports matches and theatres.
As a bonus tip for the advanced user, you can also open up PhotoShop or GiMP and overlay the original over the mosaic and alpha it out a bit to make the image pop a some more.