Augmented reality (AR) is defined as which of the following?

• A. Replacing real-world objects with digital overlays.
• B. Overlaying digital information on real-world objects.
• C. Fully immersive virtual reality.
• D. A data encryption scheme.

Answer: (B)

Augmented reality blends digital information with the real world, so you see real objects and scenes plus added digital content like labels, 3D models, or contextual data that respond to your view. The idea is to enhance reality by layering information onto what you’re already observing, not to replace the real objects themselves or create a totally separate environment. That’s why this concept stands in contrast to fully immersive virtual reality, which shuts out the real world to place you in a completely simulated space, and to encryption, which is about securing data. In practice, AR lets you interact with the real world while seeing helpful digital overlays anchored to real objects or locations.