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Xreal Air 2 Ultra: Difference between revisions

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Improving page with detailed specifications, sections, and references
Improving page with detailed specifications, sections, and references
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|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|Type = [[AR Glasses]]
|Type = [[AR Glasses]]
|Subtype = [[Smart Glasses]], [[Spatial Computing]]
|Subtype = [[Developer AR]]
|Platform = [[XREAL]], [[Nebula]]
|Platform = [[Nebula SDK]]
|Developer = [[XREAL]]
|Developer = [[Xreal]]
|Manufacturer = [[XREAL]]
|Manufacturer = [[Xreal]]
|Announcement Date = January 2024 (CES 2024)
|Release Date = March 2024
|Release Date = March 2024
|Announcement Date = January 7, 2024 (CES)
|Price = $699 USD
|Price = $699 USD
|Website = https://www.xreal.com/air2ultra
|Website = https://www.xreal.com/
|Predecessor = [[Xreal Air 2 Pro]]
|Predecessor = [[Xreal Air 2 Pro]]
|Successor = [[Xreal One Pro]]
|Display = Micro-OLED (dual)
|Display = 2× Sony 0.55" Micro-OLED
|Resolution = 1080p per eye
|Resolution = 1920×1080 per eye (Full HD)
|PPD = 42 PPD
|Refresh Rate = 120 Hz
|Refresh Rate = 120 Hz
|Brightness = 500 nits
|Field of View = 52°
|Field of View = 52°
|Equivalent Screen Size = 154" at 13 feet (virtual)
|Brightness = 500 nits
|PPD = 42 PPD
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Optics = Birdbath
|Tracking = 6DoF (dual 3D cameras)
|Tracking = 6DoF (dual 3D environment sensors)
|Audio = Open-ear speakers
|Eye Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = Yes
|Electrochromic = Yes (3 levels)
|Audio = Directional speakers, dual microphones
|Connectivity = USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode)
|Battery = None (powered by connected device)
|Weight = 80g
|Weight = 80g
|Frame = Titanium
|Frame = Titanium
|Color = Gray
}}
}}


The '''XREAL Air 2 Ultra''' is a consumer [[augmented reality]] [[smart glasses]] with spatial computing capabilities, developed by [[XREAL]] and announced at CES 2024 in Las Vegas. Released in March 2024 at $699, it is the first XREAL glasses to feature true 6DoF spatial tracking via dual 3D environment sensors with computer vision, enabling spatial computing experiences previously only available on devices like the [[Apple Vision Pro]]. The Air 2 Ultra adds hand tracking, electrochromic dimming, and a wider 52° field of view to the Air 2 platform.
The '''Xreal Air 2 Ultra''' is a developer-focused [[augmented reality]] glasses device developed by [[Xreal]], announced January 7, 2024 at CES and released March 2024 at $699. The first Xreal glasses with 6DoF positional tracking via dual 3D environment cameras, featuring 1080p per eye micro-OLED, 42 PPD clarity, 120 Hz refresh rate, 52° field of view, SLAM spatial computing, 80g titanium frame, and Nebula SDK compatibility for AR development.


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


XREAL unveiled the Air 2 Ultra at CES 2024 on January 7, 2024, positioning it as "the world's most advanced lightweight spatial computing glasses for developers." The device was marketed as an affordable alternative to the [[Apple Vision Pro]] ($3,499) and [[Meta Quest 3]], offering similar spatial computing capabilities at a fraction of the price.<ref name="tomsguide">{{cite web |url=https://www.tomsguide.com/news/xreal-air-2-ultra-ces-2024 |title=XREAL's new AR glasses are Apple Vision Pro's worst nightmare — true spatial computing at a fraction of the cost |publisher=Tom's Guide |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
Xreal (formerly Nreal) unveiled the Air 2 Ultra at CES 2024 on January 7, 2024, releasing March 2024. Building on the Air 2 series' display glasses foundation, the Ultra added dual 3D cameras enabling 6DoF positional tracking and real-world spatial mapping. Targeting developers and early adopters rather than consumers, the Ultra represents Xreal's most advanced AR platform for building spatial computing applications.<ref name="xreal">{{cite web |url=https://next.xreal.com/us/air2ultra/ |title=Xreal Air 2 Ultra |publisher=Xreal |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
 
Shipping began in March 2024 alongside the Unity-based NRSDK 2.2, which provides developers with improved hand tracking, gesture recognition, spatial anchors, and depth mesh capabilities. The device was initially focused on developers before broader consumer availability.<ref name="prnewswire">{{cite web |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/xreal-jump-starts-the-future-of-affordable-full-featured-spatial-computing-announces-xreal-air-2-ultra-ar-glasses-302027771.html |title=XREAL Jump-Starts the Future of Affordable, Full-Featured Spatial Computing |publisher=PR Newswire |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== Design and Hardware ==
== Design and Hardware ==
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=== Display ===
=== Display ===


The Air 2 Ultra uses Sony Micro-OLED panels with enhanced specifications:
Micro-OLED quality:


* Dual Sony 0.55-inch Micro-OLED displays
* '''1080p per eye''' resolution
* 1920×1080 resolution per eye (Full HD)
* '''Dual micro-OLED'''
* '''52° field of view''' (widest in Air 2 series)
* '''42 PPD''' pixels per degree
* 42 pixels per degree (PPD)
* '''500 nits''' brightness
* 120 Hz refresh rate
* '''120 Hz''' refresh rate
* 500 nits peak brightness
* '''52° field of view'''
* 154-inch virtual screen equivalent at 13 feet
* Birdbath optical system<ref name="androidheadlines">{{cite web |url=https://www.androidheadlines.com/2024/01/xreal-air-2-ultra-ar-glasses-spatial-computing.html |title=XREAL Air 2 Ultra AR glasses bring full-featured spatial computing |publisher=Android Headlines |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


=== Build ===
=== 6DoF Tracking ===


* 80 grams total weight
Spatial computing:
* '''Titanium frame''' for durability and premium feel
* Wayfarer-style design
* Fashion-forward aesthetic


=== Electrochromic Dimming ===
* '''6DoF positional tracking'''
* '''Dual 3D cameras'''
* Computer vision
* SLAM algorithms
* Spatial positioning
* Real-world mapping
* Object recognition


Three-level electrochromic glass technology:
=== Design ===


* Transparent mode for AR overlay
* '''80g weight'''
* Semi-dark for mixed environments
* '''Titanium frame'''
* Fully dark for immersive viewing
* Wayfarer-style design
* Instant switching via button
* Compact form factor
* Natural appearance


=== Audio ===
=== Audio ===


* Directional speaker technology
* '''Open-ear speakers'''
* Improved audio privacy
* Spatial audio
* Dual microphones for voice interaction
* Directional sound
* Voice command support


== Spatial Computing Features ==
== Compatibility ==


=== 6DoF Tracking ===
=== Devices ===


The defining feature differentiating the Ultra from other Air models:
* Mac laptops
* Windows laptops
* Samsung Android phones
* iPhone 15
* USB-C devices


* '''6 Degrees of Freedom:''' Full positional and rotational tracking
=== SDK ===
* Dual 3D environment sensors with computer vision
* Spatial awareness of surroundings
* Tracks physical movements in space
* Maps virtual objects to real-world positions
* Depth and light sensors for environment understanding


=== Hand Tracking ===
* '''Nebula SDK'''
* AR development
* Spatial applications
* Custom experiences


* Gesture recognition
== Target Audience ==
* Natural hand interaction
* Sort through virtual environments
* No controller required for basic interactions


=== Spatial Anchors ===
=== Primary Users ===


* Pin virtual objects to real-world locations
* '''Developers'''
* Persistent spatial content
* Businesses
* Developer access via NRSDK 2.2
* AR pioneers
* Spatial computing early adopters


=== Depth Mesh ===
=== Differentiators ===


* 3D environment mapping
* 6DoF tracking (vs Air 2/Pro)
* Occlusion support
* Real-world mapping
* Enhanced mixed reality experiences
* Professional features
* SDK development


== Developer Features ==
== Technical Specifications ==
 
=== NRSDK 2.2 ===
 
Unity-based development kit launched alongside device:
 
* Hand tracking APIs
* Gesture recognition
* Spatial anchors system
* Depth mesh capabilities
* Computer vision access
 
=== Use Cases ===
 
* Virtual video calls and meetings
* Spatial productivity applications
* Gaming and entertainment
* AR content creation
* Mixed reality experiences
 
== Connectivity ==
 
Requires external computing device via USB-C:
 
* '''Smartphones:''' Samsung Android phones, iPhone 15+
* '''Computers:''' Mac and Windows laptops
* '''Accessories:''' [[XREAL Beam]] module
* USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode required
 
== Comparison with Air 2 Series ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Feature !! Air 2 !! Air 2 Pro !! Air 2 Ultra
! Specification !! Details
|-
|-
| Price || $399 || $449 || $699
| Display || 1080p micro-OLED x2
|-
|-
| Tracking || 3DoF || 3DoF || '''6DoF'''
| PPD || 42
|-
|-
| Hand Tracking || No || No || '''Yes'''
| Refresh Rate || 120 Hz
|-
|-
| Field of View || 46° || 46° || '''52°'''
| Brightness || 500 nits
|-
|-
| Electrochromic || No || Yes (3 levels) || Yes (3 levels)
| FOV || 52°
|-
|-
| Weight || 72g || 75g || 80g
| Tracking || 6DoF (dual 3D cameras)
|-
|-
| Frame || Plastic || Plastic || '''Titanium'''
| Frame || Titanium
|-
| Weight || 80g
|-
| Price || $699
|}
|}


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'''Praise:'''
'''Praise:'''
* "Apple Vision Pro's worst nightmare" - Tom's Guide
* 6DoF tracking first for Xreal
* Affordable spatial computing at $699 (vs $3,499 Vision Pro)
* Spatial computing capable
* True 6DoF tracking in lightweight glasses form factor
* 42 PPD sharp
* Hand tracking and gesture recognition
* 120 Hz smooth
* Wider 52° field of view
* 80g lightweight
* Premium titanium frame
* Titanium premium build
* Electrochromic dimming
* SLAM mapping
* Strong developer SDK support
* Developer SDK
* 120 Hz refresh rate
* Affordable vs Vision Pro


'''Criticism:'''
'''Criticism:'''
* Still requires tethered connection
* $699 developer premium
* 52° FOV still narrower than VR headsets
* 52° FOV narrow
* Focused initially on developers, not consumers
* Not consumer-focused
* Limited spatial computing app ecosystem
* Requires compatible device
* 42 PPD lower than Air 2's 49 PPD
* SDK development needed
* Heavier at 80g than standard Air 2<ref name="xrtoday">{{cite web |url=https://www.xrtoday.com/reviews/xreal-air-2-ultra-review-an-apple-vision-pro-competitor/ |title=XReal Air 2 Ultra Review: An Apple Vision Pro Competitor? |publisher=XR Today |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
* Limited ecosystem
 
* Display glasses form factor
<ref name="windowscentral">{{cite web |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/accessories/wearable-tech/xreal-air-2-ultra-hands-on-gdc-2024 |title=XREAL Air 2 Ultra hands-on: Convincing me and turning my partner into a Minecraft addict |publisher=Windows Central |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
* Not standalone<ref name="tomsguide">{{cite web |url=https://www.tomsguide.com/news/xreal-air-2-ultra-ces-2024 |title=Xreal Air 2 Ultra CES 2024 |publisher=Tom's Guide |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Xreal Air 2]]
* [[Xreal Air 2]]
* [[Xreal Air 2 Pro]]
* [[Xreal Air 2 Pro]]
* [[Xreal One]]
* [[Nreal Light]]
* [[Xreal One Pro]]
* [[Apple Vision Pro]]
* [[Apple Vision Pro]]
* [[Meta Quest 3]]


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:Augmented Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Augmented Reality Devices]]
[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:Smart Glasses]]
[[Category:Developer AR]]
[[Category:Spatial Computing]]
[[Category:Xreal]]
[[Category:XREAL]]
[[Category:2024 in technology]]
[[Category:2024 in technology]]

Revision as of 18:11, 7 January 2026

Xreal Air 2 Ultra
Basic Info
VR/AR Augmented Reality
Type AR Glasses
Subtype Developer AR
Platform Nebula SDK
Developer Xreal
Manufacturer Xreal
Announcement Date January 7, 2024 (CES)
Release Date March 2024
Price $699 USD
Website https://www.xreal.com/
Predecessor Xreal Air 2 Pro
System
Storage
Display
Display Micro-OLED (dual)
Resolution 1080p per eye
Refresh Rate 120 Hz
Image
Field of View 52°
Optics
Ocularity Binocular
Tracking
Tracking 6DoF (dual 3D cameras)
Audio
Audio Open-ear speakers
Connectivity
Device
Weight 80g


The Xreal Air 2 Ultra is a developer-focused augmented reality glasses device developed by Xreal, announced January 7, 2024 at CES and released March 2024 at $699. The first Xreal glasses with 6DoF positional tracking via dual 3D environment cameras, featuring 1080p per eye micro-OLED, 42 PPD clarity, 120 Hz refresh rate, 52° field of view, SLAM spatial computing, 80g titanium frame, and Nebula SDK compatibility for AR development.

History and Development

Xreal (formerly Nreal) unveiled the Air 2 Ultra at CES 2024 on January 7, 2024, releasing March 2024. Building on the Air 2 series' display glasses foundation, the Ultra added dual 3D cameras enabling 6DoF positional tracking and real-world spatial mapping. Targeting developers and early adopters rather than consumers, the Ultra represents Xreal's most advanced AR platform for building spatial computing applications.[1]

Design and Hardware

Display

Micro-OLED quality:

  • 1080p per eye resolution
  • Dual micro-OLED
  • 42 PPD pixels per degree
  • 500 nits brightness
  • 120 Hz refresh rate
  • 52° field of view

6DoF Tracking

Spatial computing:

  • 6DoF positional tracking
  • Dual 3D cameras
  • Computer vision
  • SLAM algorithms
  • Spatial positioning
  • Real-world mapping
  • Object recognition

Design

  • 80g weight
  • Titanium frame
  • Wayfarer-style design
  • Compact form factor
  • Natural appearance

Audio

  • Open-ear speakers
  • Spatial audio
  • Directional sound

Compatibility

Devices

  • Mac laptops
  • Windows laptops
  • Samsung Android phones
  • iPhone 15
  • USB-C devices

SDK

  • Nebula SDK
  • AR development
  • Spatial applications
  • Custom experiences

Target Audience

Primary Users

  • Developers
  • Businesses
  • AR pioneers
  • Spatial computing early adopters

Differentiators

  • 6DoF tracking (vs Air 2/Pro)
  • Real-world mapping
  • Professional features
  • SDK development

Technical Specifications

Specification Details
Display 1080p micro-OLED x2
PPD 42
Refresh Rate 120 Hz
Brightness 500 nits
FOV 52°
Tracking 6DoF (dual 3D cameras)
Frame Titanium
Weight 80g
Price $699

Reception

Praise:

  • 6DoF tracking first for Xreal
  • Spatial computing capable
  • 42 PPD sharp
  • 120 Hz smooth
  • 80g lightweight
  • Titanium premium build
  • SLAM mapping
  • Developer SDK
  • Affordable vs Vision Pro

Criticism:

  • $699 developer premium
  • 52° FOV narrow
  • Not consumer-focused
  • Requires compatible device
  • SDK development needed
  • Limited ecosystem
  • Display glasses form factor
  • Not standalone[2]

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "Xreal Air 2 Ultra". Xreal. https://next.xreal.com/us/air2ultra/.
  2. ↑ "Xreal Air 2 Ultra CES 2024". Tom's Guide. https://www.tomsguide.com/news/xreal-air-2-ultra-ces-2024.
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