These days, companies are taking diverse approaches to capture consumer attention, especially with Augmented Reality. While giants like Apple and Meta are leaning towards bulky, full-on headsets, Xreal—formerly known as Nreal—opts for something more understated. The company just launched its latest offering, the Xreal Air 2, in the U.S. and Europe, focusing on comfort and a cinema-like experience.
The AR glasses can be charged via USB-C using your device
The standout feature? The Xreal Air 2 transforms your view into a 330-inch big screen, thanks to Sony’s 0.55-inch Micro-OLED display. Not just an eye-popping display, this gizmo also brings in the comfort factor. At just 72 grams, it’s lighter and thinner than its predecessor. It hooks up to your device via USB-C, keeping you tethered but not tangled.
Now, let’s talk about immersion. The higher-end Air 2 Pro comes with a unique feature called electrochromic dimming. This allows you to toggle between three modes—transparent, productivity, and immersive. The transparent mode keeps you connected to the real world, while the immersive mode drowns out distractions for a full-on gaming or movie experience.
Sound good? Well, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Despite the improvements, the Xreal Air 2 still lacks some high-end features like motion sensors and cameras. To get the most out of it, you’ll need an additional accessory—the Xreal Beam. This add-on provides gyroscopic tracking and fixes the screen in place as you move your head, but it also bumps up the total cost, making it more expensive than some of its competitors like the Meta Quest 3.
Is it worth the investment? If you’re a casual user looking for a big-screen experience right in front of your eyes, then yes. But if you’re after the full AR experience, you might find the Air 2 falling a bit short. Shipping is slated to start in November in the U.S. and the UK, and the rest of Europe can expect it in December. Prices start at $399 for the Air 2 and $449 for the Pro model.
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(Via)
