Xreal AR Glasses Review
Xreal AR Glasses Review looks much more like regular glasses than previous iterations of smart AR. It also lacks cameras. Instead, it acts as a small external monitor when connected to USB-C devices.
It can display the screen of most USB-C devices, including some laptops (though not my MacBook Pro in testing)
and even iPads. However, it’s still expensive for a limited experience.
They’re comfortable
While Apple’s $3,499 glasses may be the most feature-packed AR headset, it still lacks a lightweight and comfortable form factor for daily use. Meanwhile, companies like Xreal (formerly Nreal) have created affordable smart glasses that are more comfortable than ever.
They offer a host of features, including projecting a private 130-inch theater screen and a full AR operating system that allows you to interact with virtual monitors, apps and games on the go.
They can also double as a surrogate TV for watching movies, videos and games on your smartphone. They can also display notifications and information from a number of apps, including Google Maps, SMS, Slack and Spotify.
The only downside is that the battery can drain quickly, making it hard to keep them on for more than two or three hours at a time.
The Xreal Air also lacks cameras, which can be an issue for people who are concerned about privacy.
They only work with compatible high-end Android smartphones and don’t support iPhones, though you can buy an adapter for an Apple Lightning cable.
They’re light
Xreal Light is a bit lighter than some of the more bulky VR headsets on the market. It also uses a single dongle to pass power to the device it’s connected to. Its lightweight frame makes it comfortable to wear for two or three hours, though the nose pads can start to hurt after that.
Unlike enterprise-grade AR glasses, which have more features like hand-tracking and virtual keyboards, these glasses only offer a semi-transparent screen that displays content.
The screen is bright and sharp enough to use outdoors in the sun, but the colors are a little oversaturated.
This is a good option for consumers who are interested in immersive experiences but aren’t ready to spend thousands on a headset that can only do one thing. It’s not true AR, but it’s a step in the right direction.
They’re easy to use
Unlike previous smart glasses, the Xreal Air doesn’t have cameras that could invade other people’s privacy. Instead, the devices simply mirror a phone’s screen and let you interact with apps and games in a virtual semi-transparent display. The glasses can even act as a monitor for a computer when connected with a specialized cable.
Despite being so small, the Xreal Air has an HD image that is bigger than a 13-inch laptop or tablet.
While the pixel density isn’t as high as we’d like, the relative screen size makes it much more immersive than simply staring at your phone.
You can use the Xreal Air with most Android smartphones and a few M1 or M2 Macs running the Nebula software (an iPhone adapter is in the works).
The app bridges the gap between the phone and the device, and it asks you to jump through a couple of hoops and grant various permissions. But once it’s installed, the experience is mostly smooth and intuitive.
They’re expensive
The Nreal Light is the best pair of AR glasses that I’ve tried so far. It’s comfortable, lightweight, and offers a decent augmented reality experience. However, it’s also expensive.
The device works as a mobile TV, showing your smartphone’s screen on its face. It also has an HDMI port, allowing you to connect it to a computer. It can even play PC games. The only drawback is that it has no onboard battery, so it drains your phone battery quickly.
It also requires a USB-C cable, making it incompatible with iPhones. It’s possible that Xreal will add support for iPhones with a USB-C-to-Lightning adapter, but this isn’t yet a sure thing. Nevertheless, the Nreal Air is still an excellent choice for people who want to take their gaming on the go.
