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ThinkReality A3: Difference between revisions

Improving page with detailed specifications, sections, and references
Improving page with detailed specifications, sections, and references
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|image =
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|Type = [[Smart Glasses]]
|Type = [[AR Glasses]]
|Subtype = [[Enterprise AR]]
|Subtype = [[Enterprise AR]]
|Platform = [[Android]] + ThinkReality software
|Platform = [[ThinkReality Platform]]
|Developer = [[Lenovo]]
|Developer = [[Lenovo]]
|Manufacturer = [[Lenovo]]
|Manufacturer = [[Lenovo]]
|Release Date = 2021
|Release Date = Mid-2021
|Price = ~$1,500 USD
|Announcement Date = January 10, 2021 (CES)
|Website = https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/thinkrealitya3/
|Price = Enterprise pricing
|Chipset = [[Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1]]
|Website = https://www.lenovo.com/thinkrealitya3/
|Memory = 4 GB RAM
|Predecessor = [[Lenovo ThinkReality A6]]
|Storage = 64 GB
|Chipset = Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1
|Display = Stereoscopic 1080p
|Display = Stereoscopic 1080p (birdbath optics)
|Resolution = 1920x1080 per eye
|Resolution = 1920x1080 per eye
|Field of View = 6DoF tracking
|Field of View = 50°
|Ocularity = Binocular (stereo)
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Camera = 8 MP RGB + 2x fish-eye tracking
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out)
|Video = 1080p
|Cameras = 8MP RGB + dual fish-eye
|Audio = Integrated speakers, 3 microphones
|Audio = Integrated speakers + 3 microphones
|Connectivity = USB-C tethered
|Certifications = ANSI Z87.1 (eye protection)
|Weight = 130g
|Weight = 130g
}}
}}


The '''ThinkReality A3''' is an enterprise [[augmented reality]] [[smart glasses]] developed by [[Lenovo]], announced at CES in January 2021 and released mid-2021. Designed as the most versatile smart glasses for enterprise, the ThinkReality A3 features stereoscopic 1080p displays capable of projecting up to five virtual monitors, Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1 platform, 6DoF room-scale tracking via dual fish-eye cameras, and ANSI Z87.1 safety certification. At just 130g with tool-free modularity, the glasses tether to either a PC (PC Edition) or select Motorola smartphones (Industrial Edition) to enable hands-free AR-supported workflows for remote assistance, guided instructions, and virtual collaboration.
The '''Lenovo ThinkReality A3''' is an enterprise [[augmented reality]] smart glasses device developed by [[Lenovo]], announced January 10, 2021 at CES and released mid-2021. Versatile enterprise AR glasses featuring stereoscopic 1080p displays, Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1 processor, 6DoF tracking, up to 5 virtual displays, 8MP camera for remote assistance, ANSI Z87.1 safety certification, and 130g lightweight design. Available in PC Edition and Industrial Edition configurations.


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


Lenovo introduced the ThinkReality A3 at CES 2021 on January 10, 2021, positioning it as the most versatile smart glasses ever designed for the enterprise. The glasses became available in select markets worldwide starting mid-2021. Building on Lenovo's ThinkReality platform, the A3 offers two editions: PC Edition for knowledge workers needing virtual displays, and Industrial Edition for frontline workers requiring hands-free AR support. The device integrates with Lenovo's ThinkReality software platform for enterprise deployment and management.<ref name="lenovo">{{cite web |url=https://news.lenovo.com/pressroom/press-releases/thinkreality-a3-most-versatile-smart-glasses-ever-designed-for-the-enterprise/ |title=Lenovo Introduces the ThinkReality A3 |publisher=Lenovo |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
Lenovo announced the ThinkReality A3 at CES on January 10, 2021, with availability beginning mid-2021 in select markets worldwide. Part of Lenovo's ThinkReality portfolio, the A3 targets enterprise digital transformation with two editions: PC Edition for virtual monitor workflows and Industrial Edition for hands-free field work. The design emphasizes versatility, safety compliance, and integration with Lenovo's enterprise ecosystem.<ref name="lenovo">{{cite web |url=https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/thinkrealitya3/ |title=ThinkReality A3 Smart Glasses |publisher=Lenovo |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


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


Stereoscopic AR display system:
Birdbath optics:


* '''1920x1080 per eye''' resolution
* '''1920x1080 per eye''' resolution
* '''Stereoscopic display''' (binocular)
* '''Stereoscopic 1080p'''
* Up to '''5 virtual displays'''
* '''Up to 5 virtual displays'''
* Full color visualization
* Birdbath optical system
* See-through optics
* Similar to Nreal Light optics
* AR overlay capability
 
* Vibrant visuals for productivity
=== Processing ===
 
* '''Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1'''
* AR-optimized platform
* Tethered processing
* PC or smartphone host


=== Tracking ===
=== Tracking ===
6DoF spatial awareness:


* '''6DoF tracking'''
* '''6DoF tracking'''
* '''Room-scale capable'''
* '''Dual fish-eye cameras'''
* '''Dual fish-eye cameras'''
* Room-scale tracking
* Inside-out tracking
* Head position tracking
* Environmental awareness
* Spatial mapping


=== Processing ===
=== Cameras ===


* '''[[Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1]]''' platform
* '''8MP RGB camera'''
* High-quality AR performance
* '''1080p video''' capture
* Efficient power management
* Remote assistance capable
* USB-C tethered operation
* Documentation features
 
=== Camera ===
 
* '''8 MP RGB camera'''
* 1080p video capture
* Remote expert support
* Photo documentation


=== Audio ===
=== Audio ===
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* '''Integrated speakers'''
* '''Integrated speakers'''
* '''3 microphones'''
* '''3 microphones'''
* Collaboration support
* Collaboration-ready
* Volume control buttons
* Noise handling
* Voice communication
 
=== Safety ===


=== Build ===
* '''ANSI Z87.1 compliant'''
* Impact-resistant lenses
* Side shields included
* Dust/debris protection
* Enterprise safety standards


Lightweight modular design:
=== Comfort ===


* '''130g weight'''
* '''130g weight'''
* '''ANSI Z87.1 certified''' (eye protection)
* Ergonomic kit included
* Tool-free modularity
* Adjustable nosepiece
* Multiple nosepieces included
* Ear horn extensions
* Ear horn extensions
* Adjustable fit
* Extended wear design
* Safety lens protection


== Editions ==
== Editions ==


=== PC Edition ===
=== PC Edition ===
* Tethers to laptop or workstation
 
* USB-C connection
Virtual monitor use case:
* Multiple virtual monitors
 
* Knowledge worker focus
* '''Tethers to PC/laptop'''
* Productivity applications
* '''Virtual monitors'''
* Up to 5 displays
* Windows 11 compatible
* ThinkPad integration
* P Series workstations
* T14s, X1 Carbon compatible


=== Industrial Edition ===
=== Industrial Edition ===
* Tethers to select Motorola smartphones
 
* Hands-free AR tasks
Field work applications:
* ThinkReality platform integration
 
* Frontline worker focus
* '''Tethers to Motorola smartphones'''
* Industrial applications
* '''Hands-free operation'''
* Software license required
* Certified applications
* Remote assistance
* Workflow guidance
* Training support
* 3D visualization


== Enterprise Applications ==
== Enterprise Applications ==


=== Remote Assistance ===
=== Use Cases ===
* Expert guidance
* Video collaboration
* Real-time support
* Hands-free communication


=== Guided Workflows ===
* '''Remote expert assistance'''
* Step-by-step instructions
* '''Workflow guidance'''
* Visual overlays
* '''Training simulation'''
* Training applications
* '''3D visualization'''
* Quality assurance
* '''Manufacturing support'''
 
* '''Logistics operations'''
=== Virtual Displays ===
* '''Field service'''
* Multiple virtual monitors
* Privacy computing
* Mobile productivity
* Workspace anywhere


== Technical Specifications ==
== Technical Specifications ==
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! Specification !! Details
! Specification !! Details
|-
|-
| Display || 1920x1080 per eye (stereo)
| Display || 1920x1080 per eye
|-
|-
| Virtual Displays || Up to 5
| Virtual Displays || Up to 5
|-
| FOV || ~50°
|-
|-
| Processor || Snapdragon XR1
| Processor || Snapdragon XR1
|-
|-
| Tracking || 6DoF (dual fish-eye)
| Tracking || 6DoF (inside-out)
|-
|-
| Camera || 8 MP RGB
| Camera || 8MP RGB + fish-eye
|-
|-
| Audio || Speakers + 3 mics
| Microphones || 3
|-
| Certification || ANSI Z87.1
|-
|-
| Weight || 130g
| Weight || 130g
|-
|-
| Connection || USB-C tethered
| Safety || ANSI Z87.1
|-
| Price || ~$1,500
|}
|}


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'''Praise:'''
'''Praise:'''
* 1080p per eye high resolution
* 130g lightweight
* Up to 5 virtual displays innovative
* Stereoscopic 1080p
* 130g lightweight design
* 5 virtual displays
* ANSI Z87.1 safety certified
* Safety certified
* 6DoF room-scale tracking
* Ergonomic design
* Tool-free modularity convenient
* PC and mobile editions
* Dual edition flexibility
* Enterprise integration
* ThinkReality platform integration
* ThinkReality ecosystem
* Enterprise-ready features
* Remote assistance capable
* Professional design


'''Criticism:'''
'''Criticism:'''
* Requires tethered connection
* Enterprise-only focus
* Limited standalone capability
* Tethered required
* Enterprise pricing
* Limited consumer appeal
* Smartphone edition limited to Motorola
* Software licensing costs
* Field of view not specified
* Phone compatibility limited
* Not consumer-focused<ref name="xrtoday">{{cite web |url=https://www.xrtoday.com/reviews/lenovo-thinkreality-a3-review-enticing-enterprise-ar/ |title=Lenovo ThinkReality A3 Review |publisher=XR Today |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
* FOV modest
* Competition from HoloLens
* Magic Leap alternatives<ref name="xrtoday">{{cite web |url=https://www.xrtoday.com/reviews/lenovo-thinkreality-a3-review-enticing-enterprise-ar/ |title=Lenovo ThinkReality A3 Review |publisher=XR Today |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Microsoft HoloLens 2]]
* [[Microsoft HoloLens 2]]
* [[Vuzix M4000]]
* [[Magic Leap 2]]
* [[Vuzix M400]]
* [[RealWear Navigator 500]]
* [[RealWear Navigator 500]]
* [[Magic Leap 2]]


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Augmented Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Augmented Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Smart Glasses]]
[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:Enterprise AR]]
[[Category:Enterprise AR]]
[[Category:Lenovo]]
[[Category:Lenovo]]
[[Category:2021 in technology]]
[[Category:2021 in technology]]