Xreal, the company formerly known as Nreal, is set to launch its next-gen augmented reality glasses, the Xreal Air 2 and Air 2 Pro, with preorders now open for customers in the US, UK, Germany, France, and Italy. These Air 2 glasses, starting at $399, have been designed to seamlessly connect with phones, computers, and various gaming devices, effectively projecting a display through a pair of sunglasses.
Building upon the success of the first-generation Air glasses, initially released under the Nreal brand last year, the Air 2 series represents an iterative improvement. Utilizing Micro OLED displays, these AR glasses offer a 1920 x 1080 pixel display in the user’s field of vision, maintaining the same resolution as the original Air glasses. However, they promise a brighter image, boasting 500 nits compared to the prior model’s 400 nits. Additionally, the Air 2 glasses are about 10 percent thinner and lighter, addressing concerns regarding their weight, which previously stood at 79 grams.
Advanced Air 2 Glasses:
Notably, the Air 2 series introduces enhancements in comfort, with redesigned temple and nose pads for an improved fit. The audio system has also been reimagined to deliver sound more directly into the user’s ears, reducing sound leakage to the surrounding environment. For those opting for the Air 2 Pro, starting at $449, an extra feature is on offer: dimming control. This feature leverages electrochromatic glass to regulate the amount of light passing through the glasses, enabling users to adjust transparency levels from full clarity to complete blackout.
Both models are slated for mid-to-late November release in the US and UK, with availability expanding to the European market in December. These Air 2 glasses have already made their debut in China and Japan.
XREAL Air 2 Glasses Review: 120Hz Gaming Glasses!
Unlike several augmented reality glasses on the market, including Xreal’s first-gen Light glasses, the Air 2 and Air 2 Pro don’t incorporate cameras for tracking or recording a user’s surroundings. Consequently, these glasses are not equipped for tasks typically associated with AR, such as making virtual objects adhere to real-world surfaces. Instead, Xreal has designed them to function primarily as a portable, large-screen display in front of the user’s eyes.
Although the concept is not groundbreaking, Xreal’s execution stands out for its slim profile, user-friendly design, and a relatively inconspicuous appearance compared to other AR glasses. Notably, these Air 2 glasses provide users with a clear view of their surroundings, unlike the passthrough video feed approach adopted by competitors like Apple and Meta. However, some image transparency is still expected in well-lit environments.
