Xreal is shaking up the tech scene with the launch of its new augmented reality (AR) glasses, known as Xreal One and Xreal One Pro. Announced on December 5, 2024, these innovative devices are being touted as the world’s first consumer-grade AR glasses featuring native three degrees of freedom (3DoF) support. This pivotal development is providing users with a more immersive AR experience.
The pricing for these glasses is competitive, with the Xreal One priced at $499 and the Pro variant at $599. Interested buyers can already engage in pre-sales, with the official release slated for December 10 at 8:00 PM, showcasing the company's eagerness to get these gadgets out to the market. Notably, the pricing translates to about 3299 yuan for the Xreal One within China, with pre-orders available on major platforms like JD.com and Tmall.
From the technical perspective, both models are equipped with Xreal's self-developed X1 spatial computing chip, which allows for built-in 3DoF tracking—eliminated the need for additional accessories like the previously required Beam adapter. This integrated approach not only simplifies the user experience but also enhances performance, making interactions with digital content more fluid and responsive.
These glasses also come packed with impressive display features, including Sony’s 0.68-inch Micro-OLED screen rendering visuals at 1080p with refresh rates of up to 120Hz. Users will benefit from ultra-low latency of just 3 milliseconds, which is particularly advantageous for gaming and video applications. With a peak brightness of up to 600 nits and adjustable interpupillary distance, the Xreal One series promises to deliver crystal-clear visuals.
Another significant aspect is their design and usability. Weighing only 84 grams for the Xreal One and 87 grams for the Pro, these glasses are remarkably lightweight, yet they pack powerful audio technology thanks to Bose. The design allows for customization with options to swap out front frames for personalized styles, making them not just functional but fashionable as well.
Xreal's ambitious plans do not stop at just the launch; they have strategically partnered with Dr. Glasses, which will help place their products across 100 stores nationwide, facilitating easier access for potential buyers. This collaboration also extends to offering glasses fitting services, indicating Xreal’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
While the Xreal One offers enhanced capabilities, the Pro variant offers even broader features. The field of view is increased from 50 degrees to 57 degrees, and the Pro boasts even brighter visuals with luminance reaching up to 700 nits as well as the new Optic Engine 4.0. Such improvements are likely to appeal to serious gamers and AR enthusiasts who prioritize advanced technology and superior viewing experiences.
Connections to devices have also seen significant improvements. Users can directly connect the glasses to devices such as iPhones, Android smartphones, gaming consoles like the Steam Deck, and Windows or Mac computers through USB-C ports. This broadens the usability of the glasses, making them versatile for various applications, ranging from casual browsing to gaming and virtual conferencing.
The competitive space of AR glasses is heating up, with companies like Meta and Snap also vying for dominance. Chi Xu, CEO of Xreal, suggests these technological advancements position Xreal at the forefront of this industry. He sees the X1 chip and integrated experiences as revolutionary, stating, “I think it’s the biggest upgrade in Xreal history and probably the biggest upgrade for the entire consumer AR glasses sector.”
On the broader tech scene, AR technology is at a pivotal juncture. Over the last few years, interest has surged, yet the market hasn't exploded as expected. Traditional headsets have fallen short due to factors like high costs and discomfort. Xreal aims to pivot away from these bulky devices, recognizing the growing consumer preference for lighter, more adaptable formats such as glasses.
Despite the promising technology, challenges remain. There is still limited content available for AR glasses, and potential users must be convinced of compelling use cases for the technology to take off. Xu has indicated the need for both good hardware and significant ecosystem support to nurture this market. “We don’t have any content yet. But to get developers excited... you need to have good hardware to begin with,” he pointed out.
Looking forward, Xu forecasts substantial sales for Xreal products, with expectations to sell around 500,000 units within the next year. This ambition reflects not only confidence in their technology but also their belief in the AR market's potential as it matures.
To sum it all up, Xreal’s launch of the One and One Pro glasses marks not just another tech reveal, but potentially the start of mainstream acceptance for augmented reality among general consumers. With innovative features, strategic partnerships, and ambitious goals, the company is set to carve out its niche within the growing AR field. Staying attuned to future developments might just reveal how this budding technology shapes our interactions with the world around us.