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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|name = Nreal Light
|image =
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Mixed Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|Type = [[AR Glasses]]
|Type = [[AR Glasses]]
|Subtype = [[Consumer AR]]
|Subtype = [[Consumer AR]]
|Platform = [[Android]] (Nebula app)
|Platform = [[Nebula]] (Nreal/Xreal software)
|Developer = [[Nreal]] (now [[Xreal]])
|Creator = [[Nreal]] (now [[Xreal]])
|Developer = [[Nreal]]
|Manufacturer = [[Nreal]]
|Manufacturer = [[Nreal]]
|Release Date = 2020 (Asia) / November 2021 (US)
|Announcement Date = January 2019 (CES)
|Price = $599 USD
|Release Date = 2020 (Korea first), December 2021 (US)
|Website = https://www.xreal.com/
|Price = $599 (US retail)
|Successor = [[Nreal Air]]
|Website = https://www.xreal.com/ (rebranded)
|Display = Birdbath optics
|Versions = Nreal Light Developer Kit, Nreal Light Consumer Edition
|Resolution = 1920x1080 per eye
|Requires = Compatible smartphone with USB-C DP (or computing unit)
|Refresh Rate = 60 Hz
|Predecessor = None
|Field of View = 52°
|Successor = [[Xreal Air]]
|Equivalent Screen Size = 220" virtual display
|Operating System = Works with Android (Nebula app), Windows
|Ocularity = Binocular (stereo)
|Chipset = N/A (phone-powered)
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out SLAM)
|CPU = N/A (phone-powered)
|Cameras = 2x tracking cameras
|GPU = N/A (phone-powered)
|Audio = Spatial speakers
|HPU =
|Connectivity = USB-C tethered
|Storage = N/A
|Weight = 88g (glasses only)
|Memory = N/A
|SD Card Slot = No
|Display = Dual Sony micro-OLED
|Subpixel Layout = RGB stripe
|Peak Brightness = 1000 nits
|Resolution = 1920 × 1080 per eye (1080p)
|Pixel Density = ~40 PPD
|Refresh Rate = 60Hz
|Persistence = Low persistence
|Field of View = 52° diagonal
|Horizontal FoV = ~50°
|Vertical FoV = ~40°
|Average Pixel Density = ~40 PPD
|Peak Pixel Density = ~40 PPD
|Foveated Rendering = No
|Optics = Birdbath waveguide
|Ocularity = Binocular
|IPD Range = Fixed (~66mm)
|Adjustable Diopter = No (prescription lens inserts available)
|Passthrough = Native see-through (AR glasses)
|Tracking = 6DoF inside-out (SLAM)
|Tracking Frequency = N/A
|Base Stations = None required
|Eye Tracking = No
|Face Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = No
|Body Tracking = No
|Rotational Tracking = Yes
|Positional Tracking = Yes
|Update Rate = 60Hz
|Tracking Volume = Room-scale
|Play Space = Mobile AR
|Latency = <40ms
|Audio = Dual directional speakers
|Microphone = Yes (dual)
|3.5mm Audio Jack = No
|Camera = 1× RGB camera (right lens)
|Connectivity = USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode)
|Ports = USB-C
|Wired Video = Yes (USB-C DP)
|Wireless Video = No
|WiFi = No (in glasses)
|Bluetooth = No (in glasses)
|Power = Powered by host device
|Battery Capacity = N/A
|Battery Life = N/A (powered by source)
|Charge Time = N/A
|Dimensions = 146 × 175 × 44mm (in use)
|Weight = 88g
|Material = Plastic
|Headstrap = None (glasses temples)
|Haptics = No
|Color = Black
|Sensors = 2× tracking cameras, IMU, RGB camera
|Input = Phone-based controls, 3DoF controller (optional)
|Compliance = FCC, CE
}}
}}


The '''Nreal Light''' is a consumer [[mixed reality]] [[AR glasses]] developed by [[Nreal]] (now [[Xreal]]), first released in Asia in 2020 and launched in the US on November 18, 2021 through Verizon. At just 88g, the Nreal Light was one of the first affordable consumer AR glasses, featuring 1080p per eye resolution, 52° field of view appearing like a 220-inch display, 6DoF inside-out tracking via SLAM, and birdbath optics. Powered by a tethered Android smartphone running the Nebula app, the Light targeted consumers seeking mixed reality experiences, gaming, and personal entertainment in a lightweight sunglasses form factor.
The '''Nreal Light''' is a lightweight phone-powered [[augmented reality]] glasses device developed by [[Nreal]] (now rebranded as [[Xreal]]), unveiled at CES in January 2019 and released commercially in 2020 (Korea) and December 2021 (United States) at a price of approximately $599. The Nreal Light was among the first consumer-accessible AR glasses to offer 6 degrees of freedom (6DoF) spatial tracking in a sunglasses-like form factor weighing just 88 grams. Unlike display-only smart glasses, the Nreal Light featured dual 1080p Sony micro-OLED displays, SLAM-based spatial mapping through dual tracking cameras, and the ability to anchor virtual objects in physical space—capabilities previously found only in enterprise devices like Microsoft HoloLens. By tethering to a compatible smartphone via USB-C, the Light delivered mixed reality experiences at a fraction of the cost of standalone AR headsets.


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


Nreal unveiled the Light at CES 2019 and began shipping to developers and enterprise customers in 2020. Consumer availability started in Korea, Japan, Germany, and Spain before rolling out globally. The US launch occurred on November 18, 2021 through select Verizon stores, with online availability following on December 2. The Nreal Light established the company (later rebranded to Xreal) as a pioneer in consumer AR glasses, leading to successors like the Nreal Air and Xreal Air series.<ref name="tomshardware">{{cite web |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/nreal-light-ar-smart-glasses |title=Nreal Light AR Smart Glasses Review |publisher=Tom's Hardware |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
=== Nreal Founding ===
Company background:
* Founded 2017 in Beijing
* Chi Xu (former Magic Leap engineer) CEO
* Consumer AR focus
* Aggressive pricing strategy


== Design and Hardware ==
=== CES 2019 Announcement ===
Industry debut:
* First public demonstration
* $499 target price announced
* Lightweight form factor shown
* Strong press reception


=== Display ===
=== Developer Kit Phase ===
2019-2020:
* Developer kits shipped
* SDK development
* Partnership building
* Carrier relationships


Birdbath optics system:
=== Commercial Launch ===
Regional rollout:
* Korea (August 2020)
* Japan (December 2020)
* Germany, Spain (2021)
* United States (December 2021)


* '''1920x1080 per eye''' resolution
=== Rebranding to Xreal ===
* '''60 Hz refresh rate'''
2023 name change:
* '''52° field of view''' (wide for MR device)
* Nreal → Xreal
* Appears like '''220-inch display'''
* Global expansion focus
* '''Birdbath optics''' technology
* Consumer market emphasis
* Image projected onto lenses
* Continued development
* Faithful color reproduction
* 1080p quality projection


=== Tracking ===
== Design Philosophy ==


Inside-out spatial tracking:
=== Consumer-First ===
Mass market approach:
* Affordable price point
* Lightweight form factor
* Smartphone-powered
* Easy to use


* '''6DoF tracking'''
=== True AR Capability ===
* '''2 tracking cameras'''
Beyond display glasses:
* '''SLAM''' (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping)
* 6DoF spatial tracking
* Inside-out positional tracking
* Object anchoring
* Head tracking
* Environment understanding
* Environment mapping
* Mixed reality experiences


=== Audio ===
=== Sunglasses Form Factor ===
Wearable design:
* 88 grams
* Glasses appearance
* Extended wear comfort
* Portable


* '''Spatial speakers''' (one per arm)
== Display Technology ==
* Spatial audio positioning
* Voice commands supported
* Bluetooth speaker compatible
* Directional sound detection


=== Build ===
=== Sony Micro-OLED ===
Premium displays:
* '''Resolution''': 1920 × 1080 per eye
* '''Type''': Sony micro-OLED
* '''Brightness''': 1000 nits
* '''Virtual Screen''': ~201 inches at 6 meters


Lightweight sunglasses design:
=== Visual Quality ===
Good imagery:
* Sharp 1080p per eye
* Vibrant OLED colors
* Deep blacks
* Wide color gamut


* '''88g weight''' (glasses only)
=== Field of View ===
* ~109g total system weight
52° diagonal:
* Sunglasses form factor
* Wider than HoloLens 1
* '''4 interchangeable nose pads'''
* Good for AR experiences
* Magnetic nose support
* Adequate canvas
* Reasonable for price
 
=== Brightness ===
High visibility:
* 1000 nits maximum
* Indoor and outdoor use
* Competitive brightness
* Clear in various lighting
 
== Optical System ==
 
=== Birdbath Waveguide ===
Light guide technology:
* Reflective optics
* See-through capability
* Compact form factor
* Good image quality
 
=== See-Through ===
AR transparency:
* View real world
* Digital overlay
* Natural interaction
* Environmental awareness
 
== 6DoF Tracking ==
 
=== SLAM Technology ===
Spatial awareness:
* Simultaneous localization and mapping
* Environment understanding
* Real-time positioning
* Camera-based tracking
 
=== Dual Tracking Cameras ===
Stereo vision:
* Two tracking cameras
* Position calculation
* Movement tracking
* Spatial mapping
 
=== Tracking Features ===
Mixed reality capabilities:
* Plane detection
* Surface recognition
* Image tracking
* Object anchoring
 
=== Tracking Quality ===
Performance:
* Reliable room-scale
* Good positional accuracy
* Environment-dependent
* Competitive with enterprise
 
== Phone Connectivity ==
 
=== USB-C DisplayPort ===
Connection method:
* USB-C with DP Alt Mode
* Single cable
* Powers glasses
* Video and data
 
=== Compatible Phones ===
Device requirements:
* USB-C DisplayPort support
* Android primarily
* Select flagship phones
* Computing unit alternative
 
=== Nebula App ===
Software platform:
* Android companion app
* AR experiences
* Display modes
* Settings control
 
=== Computing Unit ===
Alternative power:
* Optional computing unit
* PC connection
* Standalone mode
* Extended compatibility
 
== Audio ==
 
=== Directional Speakers ===
Built-in audio:
* Dual speakers
* Private listening
* Decent quality
* Convenient
 
=== Dual Microphones ===
Voice capture:
* Communication capable
* Voice commands
* Video calls
* Recording
 
== Camera ==
 
=== RGB Camera ===
World capture:
* Single camera (right lens)
* Photo capability
* AR content capture
* Video recording
 
== Physical Design ==
 
=== Weight ===
Ultra-lightweight:
* 88 grams
* Comfortable extended wear
* Glasses-comparable
* Revolutionary for AR
 
=== Form Factor ===
Sunglasses style:
* Folds for storage
* Portable case included
* Wearable appearance
* Premium feel
 
=== Materials ===
Quality construction:
* Plastic frame
* Polycarbonate lenses
* Light shields included
* Durable design
 
=== Nose Pads ===
Fit options:
* Multiple sizes included
* Adjustable fit
* Adjustable fit
* Prescription lens frame included
* Comfort customization
* VR cover included (light blocking)
 
== Input Methods ==
 
=== Phone-Based Control ===
Primary input:
* Phone touchscreen
* Nebula app interface
* Gesture control
* Voice commands
 
=== Optional Controller ===
3DoF accessory:
* Pointer-style input
* Motion control
* Additional purchase
* Enhanced interaction


=== Connectivity ===
=== Gaze Control ===
Head-based input:
* Look to select
* Dwell to confirm
* Hands-free option
* Accessibility


* '''USB-C tethered''' to smartphone
== Software Platform ==
* Volume rocker on left arm
* Phone becomes 3DoF controller
* '''Nebula app''' required
* Android smartphone powered


== Operation ==
=== Nebula ===
AR platform:
* Multiple virtual screens
* AR experiences
* App launcher
* Settings


=== Requirements ===
=== MR Space ===
* Compatible Android smartphone
Mixed reality mode:
* Nebula app installed
* Spatial AR
* USB-C connection
* Object placement
* Phone provides processing power
* Environment interaction
* 6DoF experiences


=== Controls ===
=== Air Casting ===
* Smartphone as 3DoF controller
Display mode:
* Touch controls on phone
* Large virtual screen
* Volume rocker on glasses
* Video viewing
* Voice commands
* Gaming display
* Productivity


== Applications ==
== Use Cases ==


=== Entertainment ===
=== Entertainment ===
* Virtual cinema experience
Media viewing:
* 220" equivalent screen
* Large virtual screen
* Video streaming
* Video streaming
* Movie watching
* Gaming display
* Personal cinema
 
=== Mixed Reality ===
AR experiences:
* Spatial apps
* Object placement
* Interactive content
* Demo applications
 
=== Productivity ===
Work applications:
* Multiple displays
* Video conferencing
* Document viewing
* Mobile office


=== Gaming ===
=== Gaming ===
* AR gaming experiences
Play experiences:
* Mixed reality games
* AR games
* Spatial gaming
* Phone gaming display
* Immersive play
* Cloud gaming
 
== Market Evolution ==
 
=== Pioneer Consumer AR ===
Category creation:
* First affordable 6DoF AR glasses
* Consumer market validation
* Price/feature balance
* Mass market potential
 
=== Transition to Xreal Air ===
Product evolution:
* Xreal Air successor (simplified)
* Display-focused direction
* Broader compatibility
* Mainstream positioning
 
== Comparison with Competitors ==
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Feature !! Nreal Light !! Magic Leap 1 !! HoloLens 1
|-
| Price || $599 || $2,295 || $3,000
|-
| Weight || 88g || 316g + 415g || 579g
|-
| FOV || 52° || ~40° || ~30°
|-
| Resolution/eye || 1920×1080 || 1280×960 || 1268×720
|-
| Tracking || 6DoF (SLAM) || 6DoF (SLAM) || 6DoF (SLAM)
|-
| Form Factor || Glasses || Goggles + pack || Headset
|-
| Standalone || No (phone) || Yes || Yes
|}
 
== Legacy ==
 
=== Consumer AR Pioneer ===
Market impact:
* Proved consumer AR viable
* Price point breakthrough
* Form factor innovation
* 6DoF accessibility


=== Productivity ===
=== Xreal Foundation ===
* Virtual displays
Company evolution:
* Multi-window workspace
* Technology base
* Mobile productivity
* Market learning
* Brand development
* Product iteration


== Technical Specifications ==
== Technical Specifications Summary ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 123: Line 438:
! Specification !! Details
! Specification !! Details
|-
|-
| Display || 1920x1080 per eye
| Display || Dual Sony micro-OLED, 1920 × 1080 per eye
|-
|-
| Refresh Rate || 60 Hz
| FOV || 52° diagonal
|-
|-
| Field of View || 52°
| Brightness || 1000 nits
|-
|-
| Virtual Screen || 220" equivalent
| Virtual Screen || ~201" at 6m
|-
|-
| Tracking || 6DoF (SLAM)
| Tracking || 6DoF SLAM (dual cameras)
|-
|-
| Cameras || 2 tracking
| Connection || USB-C (DP Alt Mode)
|-
|-
| Audio || Spatial speakers
| Audio || Dual directional speakers
|-
|-
| Connection || USB-C tethered
| Camera || RGB camera
|-
|-
| Weight || 88g
| Weight || 88g
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| Price || $599
| Price || $599
|}
|}
== Included Accessories ==
* Carrying case
* VR cover (light blocking)
* 4 nose pads
* Prescription lens frame
* Cleaning cloth
== Reception ==
'''Praise:'''
* 88g ultra-lightweight design
* 52° FOV wide for form factor
* 1080p per eye quality
* 220" virtual display impressive
* Sunglasses aesthetic appealing
* 6DoF tracking capable
* Spatial audio included
* Affordable consumer AR
* Prescription lens support
* VR cover for immersion
'''Criticism:'''
* Requires tethered smartphone
* Limited phone compatibility
* 60Hz lower than competitors
* Tracking has noticeable bounce/drift
* Phone becomes controller only
* Bird-bath optics limitations
* Not standalone device
* $599 still premium for consumers<ref name="uploadvr">{{cite web |url=https://www.uploadvr.com/nreal-light-ar-glasses-review/ |title=Nreal Light AR Glasses Review |publisher=UploadVR |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Nreal Air]]
* [[Xreal]]
* [[Xreal Air]]
* [[Xreal Air]]
* [[Xreal Air 2]]
* [[Xreal Air 2 Ultra]]
* [[Rokid Max]]
* [[AR Glasses]]
* [[Micro-OLED]]
* [[Consumer AR]]


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


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Mixed Reality Devices]]
[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:Nreal]]
[[Category:Consumer AR]]
[[Category:Xreal]]
[[Category:Xreal]]
[[Category:2020 in technology]]
[[Category:Micro-OLED]]
[[Category:2020s AR]]
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