Chinese wearable startup Xreal unveils Air 2 AR glasses to challenge Meta and Apple for AR dominance

Xreal (formerly Nreal), a Chinese augmented reality (AR) startup, today unveiled its latest glasses amid increasing interest in AR technology that major tech players like Apple and Meta view as the next significant consumer product following the smartphone.

These next-generation AR glasses are currently available to consumers in the United States, the United Kingdom, and select European markets. The Xreal Air 2, a base model, comes at an enticing starting price of $399, while those looking for advanced features can opt for the Pro version, which starts at $449. Enthusiasts won’t have to wait long to get their hands on this cutting-edge gear, as it is set to become available for pre-order in November.

Xreal co-founder Peng Jin said the new AR wearables are poised to usher in a new era of immersive entertainment. He added that the pre-orders for these groundbreaking devices are officially open today in the U.S. and the United Kingdom.

“Spatial computing is a very important technological trend, and I think we’re taking a very different approach,” Jin said. “We are introducing these glasses as what we call wearable displays. We want people to accept our glasses into their everyday life. And we see wearable display as what iPod was to iPhone. You start with a single application that is appealing and that added value to people. And as you build up your installed base, eventually you start to bringing additional features into this experience.”

Key features of Xreal’s next-gen AR glasses include a high-resolution display. The Xreal glasses sport a high-resolution display capable of delivering a sharp and immersive AR experience. They also come with powerful processors which are equipped with potent processors, the glasses can seamlessly handle demanding AR applications.

In addition, the glasses have a wide array of sensors that feature a diverse set of sensors, including cameras, accelerometers, and gyroscopes, enabling them to track the user’s movements and provide a seamless AR experience. Their lightweight and comfortable design makes Xreal’s glasses suitable for extended use.

Unlike Apple and Meta AR glasses, Xreal claims that its glasses have more power and versatility than the existing offerings on the market. These glasses boast a high-resolution display, robust processors, and a diverse array of sensors, promising a seamless AR experience.

Although Xreal’s AR glasses are still in the early stages of development, the company holds grand aspirations for their future applications. They envision a world where AR glasses serve a multitude of purposes, from gaming and entertainment to boosting productivity and enhancing education.

Xreal’s entry into the AR glasses arena puts it in direct competition with tech giants like Meta and Apple, both of which are actively working on their own AR glasses. Meta’s Project Nazare AR glasses are slated for a 2024 release, while Apple’s AR glasses have been the subject of rumors suggesting a 2023 debut.

Whether Xreal’s AR glasses can stand their ground against the offerings from Meta and Apple remains to be seen. Nevertheless, the early success of Xreal signals the intensifying competition in the AR market and suggests that there’s space for multiple players.