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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|name = Nreal Light
|image =
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|Type = [[AR Glasses]]
|Type = [[AR Glasses]]
|Subtype = [[Consumer AR]]
|Subtype = [[Consumer AR]]
|Platform = [[Nebula]] (Android)
|Platform = [[Nebula]] (Nreal/Xreal software)
|Developer = [[Nreal]] (now [[Xreal]])
|Creator = [[Nreal]] (now [[Xreal]])
|Developer = [[Nreal]]
|Manufacturer = [[Nreal]]
|Manufacturer = [[Nreal]]
|Release Date = August 2020
|Announcement Date = January 2019 (CES)
|Announcement Date = CES 2019
|Release Date = 2020 (Korea first), December 2021 (US)
|Price = $599 USD
|Price = $599 (US retail)
|Website = https://www.xreal.com/
|Website = https://www.xreal.com/ (rebranded)
|Versions = Nreal Light Developer Kit, Nreal Light Consumer Edition
|Requires = Compatible smartphone with USB-C DP (or computing unit)
|Predecessor = None
|Successor = [[Xreal Air]]
|Successor = [[Xreal Air]]
|Display = Light guide optics
|Operating System = Works with Android (Nebula app), Windows
|Resolution = 1920x1080 per eye
|Chipset = N/A (phone-powered)
|Refresh Rate = 60 Hz
|CPU = N/A (phone-powered)
|GPU = N/A (phone-powered)
|HPU =
|Storage = N/A
|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
|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
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out, 2 cameras)
|IPD Range = Fixed (~66mm)
|Audio = Integrated speakers
|Adjustable Diopter = No (prescription lens inserts available)
|Weight = 106g
|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 [[augmented reality]] glasses device developed by [[Nreal]] (now [[Xreal]]), released August 2020 at $599. One of the first affordable consumer AR glasses, featuring dual 1920x1080 displays, 52° diagonal field of view, 6DoF inside-out tracking via SLAM algorithms, smartphone tethered operation, and lightweight 106g sunglasses form factor. Company rebranded to Xreal in 2023.
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, releasing August 2020 in Korea, Japan, Germany, and Spain, later expanding to the US via Verizon. Founded by former Magic Leap engineer Chi Xu, Nreal aimed to deliver affordable consumer AR at a fraction of competitors' prices ($599 vs $2,000-$3,000). The glasses connect to Android smartphones for processing. Nreal rebranded as Xreal in 2023, with the Light succeeded by the Air series.<ref name="nreal">{{cite web |url=https://www.xreal.com/ |title=Xreal |publisher=Xreal |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


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


* '''1920x1080 per eye''' resolution
=== Rebranding to Xreal ===
* '''Full HD''' dual displays
2023 name change:
* '''60 Hz''' refresh rate
* Nreal → Xreal
* '''52° diagonal FOV'''
* Global expansion focus
* Mirror projection system
* Consumer market emphasis
* Semitransparent lenses
* Continued development
* See-through AR


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


SLAM-based:
=== Consumer-First ===
Mass market approach:
* Affordable price point
* Lightweight form factor
* Smartphone-powered
* Easy to use


* '''6DoF tracking'''
=== True AR Capability ===
* '''Inside-out tracking'''
Beyond display glasses:
* '''2 onboard cameras'''
* 6DoF spatial tracking
* SLAM algorithms
* Object anchoring
* Position tracking
* Environment understanding
* No external markers
* Mixed reality experiences


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


* '''Integrated speakers'''
== Display Technology ==
* Near-ear design
* Microphone included


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


Sunglasses form factor:
=== Visual Quality ===
Good imagery:
* Sharp 1080p per eye
* Vibrant OLED colors
* Deep blacks
* Wide color gamut


* '''106g weight'''
=== Field of View ===
* Lightweight design
52° diagonal:
* Fashion-forward appearance
* Wider than HoloLens 1
* Standard sunglasses look
* Good for AR experiences
* Tinted lenses
* Adequate canvas
* Reasonable for price


=== Connectivity ===
=== Brightness ===
High visibility:
* 1000 nits maximum
* Indoor and outdoor use
* Competitive brightness
* Clear in various lighting


* '''USB-C tether'''
== Optical System ==
* Android smartphone required
* Compatible phone list
* Nebula app


== Compatible Devices ==
=== Birdbath Waveguide ===
Light guide technology:
* Reflective optics
* See-through capability
* Compact form factor
* Good image quality


* Select Android phones
=== See-Through ===
* USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode
AR transparency:
* Qualcomm Snapdragon 845+
* View real world
* Samsung, LG, Sony, etc.
* Digital overlay
* Natural interaction
* Environmental awareness


== Software ==
== 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
* Comfort customization
 
== 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
 
=== Gaze Control ===
Head-based input:
* Look to select
* Dwell to confirm
* Hands-free option
* Accessibility
 
== Software Platform ==


=== Nebula ===
=== Nebula ===
AR platform:
* Multiple virtual screens
* AR experiences
* App launcher
* Settings
=== MR Space ===
Mixed reality mode:
* Spatial AR
* Object placement
* Environment interaction
* 6DoF experiences


* AR environment launcher
=== Air Casting ===
* Virtual screens
Display mode:
* 3D content
* Large virtual screen
* AR applications
* Video viewing
* Gaming display
* Productivity


=== Use Cases ===
== Use Cases ==


* '''Virtual displays'''
=== Entertainment ===
* '''Video viewing'''
Media viewing:
* '''AR gaming'''
* Large virtual screen
* '''Productivity'''
* Video streaming
* Gaming display
* Personal cinema


== Technical Specifications ==
=== Mixed Reality ===
AR experiences:
* Spatial apps
* Object placement
* Interactive content
* Demo applications
 
=== Productivity ===
Work applications:
* Multiple displays
* Video conferencing
* Document viewing
* Mobile office
 
=== Gaming ===
Play experiences:
* AR games
* 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
 
=== Xreal Foundation ===
Company evolution:
* Technology base
* Market learning
* Brand development
* Product iteration
 
== Technical Specifications Summary ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 105: 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
|-
|-
| FOV || 52° diagonal
| Brightness || 1000 nits
|-
| Virtual Screen || ~201" at 6m
|-
| Tracking || 6DoF SLAM (dual cameras)
|-
|-
| Tracking || 6DoF (inside-out)
| Connection || USB-C (DP Alt Mode)
|-
|-
| Cameras || 2
| Audio || Dual directional speakers
|-
|-
| Weight || 106g
| Camera || RGB camera
|-
|-
| Connection || USB-C (tethered)
| Weight || 88g
|-
|-
| Price || $599
| Price || $599
|}
|}
== Reception ==
'''Praise:'''
* $599 affordable for AR
* 106g lightweight
* Sunglasses form factor
* Fashion-forward design
* 6DoF tracking
* Position awareness
* Virtual screens useful
* First real consumer AR
'''Criticism:'''
* 52° FOV narrow
* Phone compatibility limited
* Tethered operation
* Android only
* Display brightness limited
* Tracking occasionally unstable
* App ecosystem small
* Competition emerged<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>


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


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


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Augmented Reality Devices]]
[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:Consumer AR]]
[[Category:Consumer AR]]
[[Category:Xreal]]
[[Category:Xreal]]
[[Category:Nreal]]
[[Category:Micro-OLED]]
[[Category:2020 in technology]]
[[Category:2020s AR]]
Retrieved from "https://vrarwiki.com/wiki/Nreal_Light"