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Improving page with detailed specifications, sections, and references
 
Improving page with detailed specifications, history, features, and references
 
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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|name = Xreal Air
|image =
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|Type = [[AR Glasses]]
|Type = [[AR Glasses]]
|Subtype = [[Smart Glasses]]
|Subtype = [[Consumer AR]]
|Platform = [[Xreal]]
|Platform = [[Nebula]] (Xreal software)
|Creator = [[Xreal]] (formerly Nreal)
|Developer = [[Xreal]]
|Developer = [[Xreal]]
|Manufacturer = [[Xreal]]
|Manufacturer = [[Xreal]]
|Announcement Date = 2022
|Release Date = 2022
|Release Date = 2022
|Price = $379 USD (launch), $299 USD (current)
|Price = $379 (launch), $299 (current)
|Website = https://www.xreal.com/
|Website = https://www.xreal.com/
|Versions = Xreal Air, Xreal Air 2, Xreal Air 2 Pro, Xreal Air 2 Ultra
|Requires = Compatible smartphone, PC, or gaming console
|Predecessor = [[Nreal Light]]
|Successor = [[Xreal Air 2]]
|Successor = [[Xreal Air 2]]
|Display = 2x Micro-OLED
|Operating System = Works with Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, gaming consoles
|Resolution = 1920x1080 per eye (Full HD)
|Chipset = N/A (display device)
|Refresh Rate = 60 Hz
|CPU = N/A (display device)
|GPU = N/A (display device)
|HPU =
|Storage = N/A
|Memory = N/A
|SD Card Slot = No
|Display = Dual micro-OLED
|Subpixel Layout = RGB stripe
|Peak Brightness = 400 nits
|Resolution = 1920 × 1080 per eye (1080p)
|Pixel Density = ~49 PPD
|Refresh Rate = 60Hz
|Persistence = Low persistence
|Field of View = 46°
|Field of View = 46°
|Equivalent Screen Size = 201" (virtual)
|Horizontal FoV = ~46°
|Brightness = 400 nits
|Vertical FoV = ~25°
|Contrast = 100000:1
|Average Pixel Density = ~49 PPD
|Peak Pixel Density = ~49 PPD
|Foveated Rendering = No
|Optics = Birdbath waveguide
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Optics = Birdbath
|IPD Range = Fixed (~65mm)
|Tracking = 3DoF
|Adjustable Diopter = No (prescription lens inserts available)
|Passthrough = Native see-through (AR glasses)
|Tracking = 3DoF (with Nebula app)
|Tracking Frequency = N/A
|Base Stations = None required
|Eye Tracking = No
|Eye Tracking = No
|Face Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = No
|Audio = Built-in speakers
|Body Tracking = No
|Connectivity = USB-C (DisplayPort)
|Rotational Tracking = Yes (with software)
|Positional Tracking = No
|Update Rate = 60Hz
|Tracking Volume = N/A
|Play Space = Personal/seated
|Latency = <50ms
|Audio = Dual directional speakers
|Microphone = Yes (dual)
|3.5mm Audio Jack = No
|Camera = No
|Connectivity = USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode)
|Ports = USB-C
|Wired Video = Yes (USB-C DP)
|Wireless Video = Via Xreal Beam (accessory)
|WiFi = No (in glasses)
|Bluetooth = No (in glasses)
|Power = Powered by host device
|Battery Capacity = N/A (powered by source)
|Battery Life = N/A
|Charge Time = N/A
|Dimensions = Sunglasses form factor
|Weight = 79g
|Weight = 79g
|Certifications = TUV Rheinland Eye Comfort
|Material = Plastic, polycarbonate
|Headstrap = None (glasses temples)
|Haptics = No
|Color = Black
|Sensors = IMU (accelerometer, gyroscope)
|Input = Host device input
|Compliance = FCC, CE
}}
}}


The '''Xreal Air''' (formerly '''Nreal Air''') is a consumer [[augmented reality]] [[smart glasses]] developed by [[Xreal]], released in 2022. The glasses feature dual Micro-OLED displays with 1920x1080 resolution per eye, 100,000:1 contrast ratio, and create a virtual 201-inch screen experience. Weighing only 79 grams with TUV Rheinland eye comfort certification and 100% UVA/UVB protection, the Xreal Air became the best-selling consumer AR glasses on the market, popularizing the wearable display category for entertainment, gaming, and productivity use cases.
The '''Xreal Air''' (originally branded as Nreal Air) is a pair of consumer [[AR glasses]] developed by [[Xreal]] (formerly Nreal), released in 2022 at a launch price of approximately $379. Unlike traditional AR headsets that project virtual objects into the real world, the Xreal Air functions primarily as a personal display device, projecting a virtual screen equivalent to a 130-inch display at 4 meters onto the user's field of view through birdbath optics and dual micro-OLED displays. Weighing just 79 grams in a sunglasses form factor, the Air connects via USB-C to compatible smartphones, PCs, gaming consoles, and other devices, making it a portable personal cinema and productivity display. The Xreal Air represents the growing category of "smart glasses" that prioritize display functionality over complex AR world-tracking.


== History and Development ==
== History and Development ==


The Xreal Air (originally branded Nreal Air) launched in 2022, establishing Xreal as a leader in consumer AR glasses. The company rebranded from Nreal to Xreal in 2023. The original Air glasses were succeeded by the [[Xreal Air 2]] series featuring upgraded Sony Micro-OLED displays and improved specifications. Following the Air 2 launch, the original Air was reduced to $299, making it an accessible entry point for consumer AR.<ref name="xreal">{{cite web |url=https://next.xreal.com/air/ |title=XREAL Air | Elevate Your AR Experience |publisher=Xreal |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
=== Nreal Origins ===
Company background:
* Founded in 2017 in Beijing
* Originally "Nreal"
* Focused on consumer AR
* Enterprise and consumer products


== Design and Hardware ==
=== Nreal Light (Predecessor) ===
Earlier product:
* More AR-focused
* Developer/enterprise target
* 6DoF tracking (with phone)
* Higher price point


=== Display ===
=== Rebranding to Xreal ===
2023 name change:
* Nreal → Xreal
* Global brand positioning
* Consumer focus
* Continued development


High-quality Micro-OLED technology:
=== Air Product Line ===
Display-first approach:
* Xreal Air (2022)
* Xreal Air 2 (2023)
* Xreal Air 2 Pro (2023)
* Xreal Air 2 Ultra (2024)


* Dual Micro-OLED displays
== Design Philosophy ==
* '''1920x1080 resolution per eye''' (Full HD)
* 60 Hz refresh rate
* '''100,000:1 contrast ratio'''
* 400 nits brightness
* '''201-inch virtual screen''' equivalent
* Deep OLED blacks
* Vibrant colors


=== Field of View ===
=== Personal Display Focus ===
Primary use case:
* Virtual screen viewing
* Not complex AR
* Portable display
* Media consumption
 
=== Sunglasses Form Factor ===
Wearable design:
* 79 grams
* Glasses appearance
* Comfortable extended wear
* Portable
 
=== Universal Compatibility ===
Wide device support:
* USB-C DisplayPort devices
* Smartphones (Android, iOS)
* PCs (Windows, macOS)
* Gaming consoles (Steam Deck, ROG Ally)
 
== Display Technology ==


* '''46° FOV'''
=== Micro-OLED Panels ===
* Comfortable centered viewing
High-quality displays:
* Immersive for entertainment
* '''Resolution''': 1920 × 1080 per eye (1080p)
* '''Size''': Micro-OLED
* '''Brightness''': 400 nits
* '''Color''': ~108% sRGB


=== Optics ===
=== Virtual Screen Size ===
Perceived display:
* Up to 130-inch equivalent
* 4 meters virtual distance
* Personal cinema experience
* Adjustable via software


Birdbath optical system:
=== OLED Benefits ===
Display quality:
* Deep blacks
* Rich colors
* Fast response
* Good contrast


* Reflective optics design
=== Pixel Density ===
* Reduced eye strain
Sharp image:
* Clear image quality
* ~49 pixels per degree
* Sharp text
* Minimal screen door
* Professional clarity


=== Build and Comfort ===
== Optical System ==


Ultra-lightweight ergonomic design:
=== Birdbath Optics ===
Display method:
* Reflective waveguide
* Projects to eyes
* See-through capable
* 46° field of view


* '''79g weight'''
=== Field of View ===
* Glasses-style form factor
Display area:
* Comfortable for extended wear
* 46° diagonal
* TUV Rheinland Eye Comfort certified
* Feels like 100-inch screen at distance
* '''100% UVA/UVB protection''' for outdoor use
* Good for personal viewing
* Foldable temples
* Not full immersion
* Multiple nose pad sizes


=== Audio ===
=== See-Through ===
Transparency options:
* Can see through lenses
* Optional light shields (included)
* Blocks ambient light
* Personal preference


* Built-in directional speakers
== Tracking and Sensors ==
* Private listening design
* Clear audio output


== Tracking ==
=== Basic 3DoF ===
Head tracking:
* IMU sensors
* Accelerometer + gyroscope
* Rotational tracking
* Screen stabilization (with Nebula)


* '''3 Degrees of Freedom''' (3DoF)
=== No 6DoF ===
* Head rotation tracking
Limitations:
* Pitch, yaw, roll detection
* No positional tracking
* No positional tracking
* No world-anchored AR
* Display device primarily
* Simple interaction model
=== Nebula App ===
Software enhancement:
* Android companion app
* Virtual displays
* Head-locked or space-locked modes
* Extended functionality


== Connectivity ==
== Connectivity ==


* USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode
=== USB-C DisplayPort ===
* Compatible with:
Primary connection:
** iPhone 15/16 and later
* USB-C with DP Alt Mode
** Android smartphones
* Single cable
** Mac computers
* Powers and drives display
** Windows PC
* Wide compatibility
** PlayStation 5 (with adapter)
** Xbox (with adapter)
** Steam Deck
** Nintendo Switch


== Accessories ==
=== Device Compatibility ===
Supported sources:
* Android phones (USB-C DP)
* iPhones (with adapter)
* MacBooks
* Windows laptops
* Steam Deck, ROG Ally
* PlayStation/Xbox (with adapter)


=== Xreal Beam ===
=== Xreal Beam ===
* Wireless streaming adapter
Wireless accessory:
* 3DoF spatial display
* Connects to glasses
* Android-based
* Wireless video from devices
* Sold separately
* Android TV built-in
* Additional cost


=== Xreal Adapter ===
=== Xreal Adapter ===
* HDMI compatibility
Console/HDMI support:
* Console gaming support
* HDMI to glasses
* Gaming console support
* Adds compatibility
* Separate purchase
 
== Audio ==
 
=== Directional Speakers ===
Built-in audio:
* Dual speakers
* Directional (privacy)
* Decent quality
* Convenient
 
=== Audio Quality ===
Adequate for use:
* Clear sound
* Limited bass
* Private listening possible
* Bluetooth headphones alternative
 
=== Microphone ===
Communication:
* Dual microphones
* Video calls
* Voice control
* Decent quality
 
== Physical Design ==
 
=== Weight ===
Ultra-lightweight:
* 79 grams
* Comfortable for hours
* Lighter than most AR
* Glasses comparable
 
=== Form Factor ===
Sunglasses style:
* Folding temples
* Nose pads included
* Multiple sizes
* Portable case
 
=== Materials ===
Quality construction:
* Plastic frame
* Polycarbonate lenses
* Durable
* Quality feel
 
=== Prescription Support ===
Vision correction:
* Optional prescription inserts
* Magnetic attachment
* Third-party available
* Glasses not required over
 
== Use Cases ==
 
=== Personal Cinema ===
Entertainment viewing:
* Movies and TV
* Large virtual screen
* Portable viewing
* Travel entertainment
 
=== Gaming ===
Gaming display:
* Steam Deck companion
* Console gaming
* PC gaming
* Immersive display
 
=== Productivity ===
Work applications:
* Virtual monitors
* Video conferencing
* Document viewing
* Extended display
 
=== Travel ===
Portable entertainment:
* Airplane viewing
* Train/bus use
* Hotel room
* Compact packed
 
== Comparison with Air 2 ==
 
=== Air 2 Improvements ===
2023 upgrade:
* 10% lighter (72g)
* 25% brighter (500 nits)
* Improved audio
* Better comfort


== Technical Specifications ==
=== Air 2 Pro ===
Additional features:
* Electrochromic dimming
* Adjustable tint
* Same display
* Higher price
 
=== Air 2 Ultra ===
Advanced variant:
* 6DoF tracking (with cameras)
* Spatial computing
* Dual cameras
* Premium price
 
== Comparison with Competitors ==
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Feature !! Xreal Air !! Rokid Max !! Viture One
|-
| Price || $379 || $439 || $459
|-
| Resolution/eye || 1080p || 1080p || 1080p
|-
| FOV || 46° || 50° || 43°
|-
| Brightness || 400 nits || 600 nits || 1800 nits
|-
| Weight || 79g || 75g || 78g
|-
| Refresh Rate || 60Hz || 120Hz || 60Hz
|}
 
== Limitations ==
 
=== Not True AR ===
Display focus:
* No world tracking
* No AR object placement
* Personal display primarily
* Limited AR capability
 
=== Single Display Size ===
Fixed virtual distance:
* 4 meter equivalent
* Not adjustable without software
* Personal preference varies
 
=== Ambient Light ===
Visibility challenges:
* 400 nits may struggle outdoors
* Best in dim environments
* Light shields help
* Air 2 improves this
 
== Technical Specifications Summary ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 120: Line 397:
! Specification !! Details
! Specification !! Details
|-
|-
| Display || Micro-OLED
| Display || Dual micro-OLED, 1920 × 1080 per eye
|-
|-
| Resolution || 1920x1080 per eye
| Brightness || 400 nits
|-
|-
| Refresh Rate || 60 Hz
| FOV || 46°
|-
|-
| Virtual Screen || 201"
| Virtual Screen || ~130" at 4m
|-
|-
| Field of View || 46°
| Refresh Rate || 60Hz
|-
|-
| Brightness || 400 nits
| Connection || USB-C (DP Alt Mode)
|-
|-
| Contrast || 100,000:1
| Audio || Dual directional speakers
|-
|-
| Weight || 79g
| Weight || 79g
|-
|-
| Price || $299-$379
| Tracking || 3DoF (IMU)
|-
| Price || $379 (launch), $299 (current)
|}
|}
== Reception ==
'''Praise:'''
* Best-selling consumer AR glasses
* 79g ultra-lightweight
* High contrast Micro-OLED (100,000:1)
* TUV Rheinland eye comfort certified
* 100% UV protection
* Wide device compatibility
* Affordable entry point at $299
* 201" virtual screen immersive
* Comfortable for extended use
* Popularized wearable display category
'''Criticism:'''
* 60 Hz refresh rate (vs 120 Hz on Air 2)
* 46° FOV narrower than some competitors
* 3DoF only—no spatial tracking
* Tethered connection required
* No built-in myopia adjustment
* Requires adapters for some devices
* Superseded by Air 2 series<ref name="amazon">{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/Glasses-Massive-Micro-OLED-Augmented-iOS-Consoles-Compatible/dp/B0C3MKPLHP |title=XREAL Air AR Glasses |publisher=Amazon |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
== Legacy ==
The Xreal Air established wearable displays as a viable consumer category and became the best-selling consumer AR glasses. Its success led to the Air 2 series and increased competition from Rokid, Viture, and RayNeo.


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Xreal]]
* [[Xreal Air 2]]
* [[Xreal Air 2]]
* [[Xreal Air 2 Pro]]
* [[Xreal Air 2 Ultra]]
* [[Xreal Air 2 Ultra]]
* [[Rokid Air]]
* [[AR Glasses]]
* [[Viture One]]
* [[Micro-OLED]]
* [[Smart Glasses]]


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Augmented Reality Devices]]
[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:Smart Glasses]]
[[Category:Smart Glasses]]
[[Category:Consumer AR]]
[[Category:Xreal]]
[[Category:Xreal]]
[[Category:2022 in technology]]
[[Category:2020s AR]]
Retrieved from "https://vrarwiki.com/wiki/Xreal_Air"