If you’ve ever wished for the cinematic experience to fit snugly on your face, then the recent launch of Xreal's latest augmented reality (AR) glasses, the Xreal One series, might just be music to your ears. Released on December 4, 2024, these innovative glasses not only aim to transform how you enjoy visual content but are also set to shake up the AR glasses market as we know it.
Coming with a price tag of $499 for the base model and $599 for the Pro version, the Xreal One series pushes the envelope for portability and display quality, uniting sleek design with cutting-edge technology. But how well do they really deliver on their promise? Can these glasses replace traditional screens or maybe even become your go-to device for streaming movies on the go?
Driving the hype behind Xreal’s latest offering is the newly developed X1 chip, marking the company's first self-designed processor. This innovation allows the glasses to connect directly to devices like phones, laptops, or gaming consoles, creating expansive, virtual screens right before your eyes—without needing cumbersome accessories like their previous companion device, the Beam. According to Chi Xu, the CEO of Xreal, this is “the biggest upgrade in Xreal history and probably the biggest upgrade for the entire consumer AR glasses sector.”
One highlight of the Xreal One glasses is their custom birdbath lens system which facilitates an impressive 1080p display within the optical field of view. Weighing only 84 grams, they promise light portability and comfort, which is especially appealing to frequent travelers and entertainment enthusiasts. These glasses can create the experience of viewing on screens as large as 146 inches (or bigger with the Pro model) when anchored appropriately—you might not even miss your giant flat-screen TV!
For users tired of squinting at small screens during long flights, these glasses offer potential relief and entertainment. The image quality is commendable, with most users reporting satisfaction, though some have mentioned problems with darker scenes appearing pixelated. This shortcoming, nonetheless, doesn’t seem to overshadow the general appeal, particularly for casual viewing.
What sets the Xreal One series apart is its lack of overly complex features often found in many AR devices. Instead of overwhelming consumers with advanced functionalities, it focuses on delivering straightforward, high-quality visual content. This practical approach could be what makes it appealing to those who simply want to stream movies or play games without fuss.
When it’s time to watch content or play your favorite games, pairing your device using the easy USB-C connection is all it takes. To optimize the audio experience, Xreal has partnered with Bose to incorporate superior speakers situated within the frames of the glasses, providing high fidelity soundscapes. Nevertheless, for audiophiles, pairing with quality headphones might still be the preferred option as the built-in audio might not suffice for all tastes.
It's also worth noting several improvements over past models, such as visibility and eye comfort scores, achieved through collaborations with leading experts and labs. With certifications for reduced blue light emission and high visibility, you can expect more comfortable viewing sessions—even during those long movie marathons.
The competition is heating up, not just with rivals like Meta, who are still pushing their own AR glasses, but with technological shifts emphasizing lightweight glasses over heavier headsets. Chi Xu emphasizes this point stating, “People have started to realize a headset doesn’t make sense; we need to go to lighter form factors to the glasses category.”
While the AR glasses market has seen substantial speculation, particularly following the buzz around products like Apple’s Vision Pro, consumers have remained skeptical of their mass potential due to uncomfortable designs and hefty prices. It’s clear the success of AR glasses hinges on more than just good hardware; it’s about creating killer apps and compelling content to engage users.
Current expectations suggest Xreal plans to sell upwards of 500,000 units of its previous products throughout 2025, at least double the figures seen this year. This ambitious outlook can only be supported by strong marketing strategies and the backing of Alibaba, the Chinese e-commerce giant behind Xreal. With the Xreal One series, the brand hopes to carve out significant market share by positioning itself as the go-to choice for simplistic yet effective AR entertainment.
So, is the Xreal One the answer to your portable cinema dreams? While they may not be the next generation of full AR, they do provide functional value at an attractive price point. An ideal choice for flying, binge-watching on the couch, or gaming from the comfort of your bed, these glasses boast enough capabilities to pique interest, especially among the tech-savvy crowd.
With their slick design, lightweight feel, and enhanced viewing experience, the new Xreal One AR glasses seem primed to gain traction and popularity as home and travel companions. Whether they truly become the “TV for your face” remains to be seen, but they are certainly stepping up to the plate, inviting users to immerse themselves directly within their favorite visual worlds.
