XREAL Air 2 Ultra Challenges Apple Vision Pro with Innovation and Affordability

XREAL, formerly known as 'Nreal,' has unveiled the XREAL Air 2 Ultra, positioning itself as a competitor to the Apple Vision Pro.

These AR glasses are equipped with Qualcomm's latest spatial computing chip, offering six degrees of freedom (6DoF) through dual 3D environment sensors with computer vision capabilities. With a price tag that is way lower than Apple Vision Pro, the XREAL Air 2 Ultra targets affordability for the spatial computing developer community.

Impressive Features

The device features advanced spatial computing technology in a compact, stylish, and comfortable design. According to 9to5Mac, XREAL emphasizes its dedication to making wearable 6DoF glasses accessible to all in the XR development ecosystem, serving as an external display solution for Macs, PCs, game consoles, or Android devices.

XREAL Air 2 Ultra boasts a 120 Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 500 nits, enhancing image clarity and vibrancy in various lighting environments, as per a report from Designboom. The device incorporates a cinema-style and directional audio system, minimizing sound dispersion for exclusive user listening and minimal disturbance to others.

Additional features include image tracking, enabling users to develop apps responsive to and tracking images in the surrounding environment. This technology also facilitates the transformation of physical objects into 3D images within apps.

Despite being tethered, the XREAL Air 2 Ultra appeals to those seeking a 3D monitor for a Mac. With a sleek titanium ring frame in an iconic wayfarer-esque design weighing only 80 grams, the device prioritizes comfort with adjustable temples and three nose pad options for optimal weight distribution and image alignment.

According to CNET, Xreal's demo showcased potential applications for its technology, such as a messaging app featuring 3D artwork alongside text. Selecting a contact prompted a 3D avatar to appear. However, the success of advanced glasses relies on app development.

Currently, there is a shortage of AR glasses-ready apps on smartphones. The situation could evolve if major players like Google and Apple expand support for more devices in their app ecosystems. Meanwhile, glasses like Xreal's primarily serve as a means to extend multiple displays until a more robust app landscape emerges.

A More Affordable Choice

Priced at $699, the XREAL Air 2 Ultra stands out as a budget-friendly alternative compared to the $3,500 Apple Vision Pro and the $1,000 Meta Quest Pro. Although it requires tethering, Xreal's glasses offer a compact and natural-looking design. While the device is unable to operate independently, Xreal founder Chi Xu envisions the potential for a self-contained wearable computer resembling glasses within approximately five years.

Primarily targeting developers, the Air 2 Ultra will be available for purchase on Xreal's website, shipping to customers in the US, the UK, China, Japan, Korea, France, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands. Following the announcement of shipping 350,000 pairs of AR glasses, Xreal plans to expand Air 2 availability to more countries in 2024.