What technology overlays a computer-generated image, sound, text, or video on a user's view of the physical world?

Augmented Reality (AR) is the technology that overlays computer-generated images, sounds, text, or videos onto a user’s view of the physical world. This technology enhances the real-world environment by adding digital elements to it. The key aspect of AR is its integration with the user's real-world surroundings, allowing them to interact with both the physical and digital content simultaneously. This creates an immersive experience that can provide additional information or entertainment without completely replacing the actual environment. For instance, mobile applications that enable users to see digital characters in their living room or information about landmarks when viewed through a phone camera exemplify how AR operates.

In contrast, Virtual Reality (VR) immerses the user in a fully virtual environment, removing them from their physical surroundings. Mixed Reality (MR) combines elements of both AR and VR but goes further by allowing real and virtual elements to interact in real-time. Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines but is not concerned with overlaying digital content on the physical world. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why Augmented Reality is the correct choice in this context.