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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|name = Nreal Light
|image =
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|Type = [[Smart glasses]]
|Type = [[AR Glasses]]
|Subtype = AR Glasses
|Subtype = [[Consumer AR]]
|Platform = Android (Snapdragon 855+ phones)
|Platform = [[Nebula]] (Nreal/Xreal software)
|Creator = [[Nreal]]
|Creator = [[Nreal]] (now [[Xreal]])
|Announced = CES 2019
|Developer = [[Nreal]]
|Release = 2019
|Manufacturer = [[Nreal]]
|Price = $499 (Consumer) / $1199 (Developer)
|Announcement Date = January 2019 (CES)
|Website = https://www.nreal.ai
|Release Date = 2020 (Korea first), December 2021 (US)
|OS = Host device dependent
|Price = $599 (US retail)
|CPU = Host device dependent
|Website = https://www.xreal.com/ (rebranded)
|GPU = Host device dependent
|Versions = Nreal Light Developer Kit, Nreal Light Consumer Edition
|Storage =
|Requires = Compatible smartphone with USB-C DP (or computing unit)
|RAM =
|Predecessor = None
|Display = Dual displays
|Successor = [[Xreal Air]]
|Resolution = 1920 x 1080 per eye (1080p)
|Operating System = Works with Android (Nebula app), Windows
|Refresh = 60 Hz
|Chipset = N/A (phone-powered)
|Brightness =
|CPU = N/A (phone-powered)
|FOV = 52° diagonal
|GPU = N/A (phone-powered)
|PPD =
|HPU =
|Lenses =
|Storage = N/A
|IPD =
|Memory = N/A
|Eye Tracking =
|SD Card Slot = No
|Hand Tracking =
|Display = Dual Sony micro-OLED
|Tracking = 6DoF (SLAM)
|Subpixel Layout = RGB stripe
|Spatial Mapping = Yes
|Peak Brightness = 1000 nits
|Speakers = DTS Audio
|Resolution = 1920 × 1080 per eye (1080p)
|Microphone =
|Pixel Density = ~40 PPD
|Audio Jack =
|Refresh Rate = 60Hz
|Connectivity = USB-C
|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
|Ports = USB-C
|Battery = None (phone powered)
|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
|Weight = 88g
|Materials =
|Material = Plastic
|Colors =
|Headstrap = None (glasses temples)
|Sensors = Dual SLAM cameras, RGB camera
|Haptics = No
|Input = Phone touchscreen, Controller (dev kit)
|Color = Black
|Sensors = 2× tracking cameras, IMU, RGB camera
|Input = Phone-based controls, 3DoF controller (optional)
|Compliance = FCC, CE
}}
}}


The '''Nreal Light''' is a pair of [[augmented reality]] [[smart glasses]] developed by [[Nreal]]. Unveiled at CES 2019, the Nreal Light revolutionized the AR sector by introducing stylish, lightweight AR glasses weighing only 88 grams—about the same as regular sunglasses. The device features 6DoF tracking with SLAM capabilities, a 52-degree field of view, and 1080p resolution per eye. The consumer version connects to compatible smartphones via USB-C, while a developer kit includes a dedicated controller and computing unit.<ref name="uploadvr">{{cite web|url=https://www.uploadvr.com/nreal-light-ar-glasses-review/|title=Nreal Light AR Glasses Review: A Preview Of The Future|publisher=UploadVR}}</ref>
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 ==


=== CES 2019 Debut ===
=== Nreal Founding ===
Nreal captured significant attention at CES 2019 by revealing AR glasses that were light, fashionable, and affordable compared to enterprise-focused competitors.<ref name="variety">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/digital/news/nreal-light-499-dollars-1203228854/|title=Nreal's Consumer AR Glasses Will Cost Just $499|publisher=Variety}}</ref>
Company background:
* Founded 2017 in Beijing
* Chi Xu (former Magic Leap engineer) CEO
* Consumer AR focus
* Aggressive pricing strategy


=== Qualcomm Partnership ===
=== CES 2019 Announcement ===
Nreal announced a partnership with Qualcomm, ensuring compatibility with phones using Qualcomm's Snapdragon 855 processor, including:
Industry debut:
* Black Shark 2
* First public demonstration
* Oppo Reno 5G
* $499 target price announced
* LG ThinQ
* Lightweight form factor shown
* Strong press reception


=== Developer and Consumer Editions ===
=== Developer Kit Phase ===
* '''Consumer Edition:''' $499 - connects directly to compatible smartphones
2019-2020:
* '''Developer Edition:''' $1199 - includes handheld controller and external computing pack
* Developer kits shipped
* SDK development
* Partnership building
* Carrier relationships


== Design and Hardware ==
=== Commercial Launch ===
Regional rollout:
* Korea (August 2020)
* Japan (December 2020)
* Germany, Spain (2021)
* United States (December 2021)


=== Ultra-Lightweight Design ===
=== Rebranding to Xreal ===
* '''Weight:''' 88 grams
2023 name change:
* '''Style:''' Resembles fashionable sunglasses rather than bulky headsets
* Nreal → Xreal
* Global expansion focus
* Consumer market emphasis
* Continued development


=== Display System ===
== Design Philosophy ==
* '''Resolution:''' 1920 x 1080 per eye (Full HD)
* '''Refresh Rate:''' 60 Hz
* '''Field of View:''' 52 degrees diagonal


=== Tracking System ===
=== Consumer-First ===
* '''Tracking Type:''' 6DoF (six degrees of freedom)
Mass market approach:
* '''Technology:''' SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping)
* Affordable price point
* '''Cameras:''' Two forward-facing SLAM tracking cameras
* Lightweight form factor
* '''RGB Camera:''' Located on right lens for world capture
* Smartphone-powered
* Easy to use


=== Audio ===
=== True AR Capability ===
DTS audio integrated into the glasses.
Beyond display glasses:
* 6DoF spatial tracking
* Object anchoring
* Environment understanding
* Mixed reality experiences


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


=== Consumer Version ===
== Display Technology ==
Connects via USB-C directly to compatible smartphones using Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 or later processors.


=== Developer Kit ===
=== Sony Micro-OLED ===
Includes:
Premium displays:
* Handheld controller
* '''Resolution''': 1920 × 1080 per eye
* External computing pack (Compute Unit)
* '''Type''': Sony micro-OLED
* No smartphone required for development
* '''Brightness''': 1000 nits
* '''Virtual Screen''': ~201 inches at 6 meters


=== 5G Compatibility ===
=== Visual Quality ===
Designed to be 5G-compatible, future-proofing the device for next-generation mobile networks.
Good imagery:
* Sharp 1080p per eye
* Vibrant OLED colors
* Deep blacks
* Wide color gamut


== Software Development ==
=== Field of View ===
52° diagonal:
* Wider than HoloLens 1
* Good for AR experiences
* Adequate canvas
* Reasonable for price


=== NRSDK ===
=== Brightness ===
Nreal's SDK enables development using:
High visibility:
* Unity game engine
* 1000 nits maximum
* Sample projects for quick onboarding
* Indoor and outdoor use
* Easy integration with existing applications
* Competitive brightness
* Clear in various lighting


== Compatible Phones ==
== Optical System ==


Requires Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 or newer:
=== Birdbath Waveguide ===
* Samsung Galaxy S10 5G and later
Light guide technology:
* OnePlus 7 Pro and later
* Reflective optics
* LG V50 ThinQ
* See-through capability
* Various 5G Android smartphones
* Compact form factor
* Good image quality


== Specifications ==
=== 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
* 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 ===
AR platform:
* Multiple virtual screens
* AR experiences
* App launcher
* Settings
 
=== MR Space ===
Mixed reality mode:
* Spatial AR
* Object placement
* Environment interaction
* 6DoF experiences
 
=== Air Casting ===
Display mode:
* Large virtual screen
* Video viewing
* Gaming display
* Productivity
 
== Use Cases ==
 
=== Entertainment ===
Media viewing:
* Large virtual screen
* Video streaming
* 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 ===
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 113: Line 438:
! Specification !! Details
! Specification !! Details
|-
|-
| Weight || 88g
| Display || Dual Sony micro-OLED, 1920 × 1080 per eye
|-
| FOV || 52° diagonal
|-
|-
| Display || 1920 x 1080 per eye
| Brightness || 1000 nits
|-
|-
| Refresh Rate || 60 Hz
| Virtual Screen || ~201" at 6m
|-
|-
| Field of View || 52°
| Tracking || 6DoF SLAM (dual cameras)
|-
|-
| Tracking || 6DoF SLAM
| Connection || USB-C (DP Alt Mode)
|-
|-
| Connectivity || USB-C
| Audio || Dual directional speakers
|-
|-
| Audio || DTS integrated
| Camera || RGB camera
|-
|-
| Price || $499 (Consumer) / $1199 (Developer)
| Weight || 88g
|-
| Price || $599
|}
|}
== Product Evolution ==
Nreal (later rebranded to XREAL) continued developing AR glasses:
* [[Nreal Air]]
* [[XREAL Air 2]]
* [[XREAL One]]
* [[XREAL One Pro]]


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Nreal]]
* [[Xreal]]
* [[XREAL]]
* [[Xreal Air]]
* [[Nreal Air]]
* [[Xreal Air 2 Ultra]]
* [[Augmented reality glasses]]
* [[AR Glasses]]
* [[SLAM]]
* [[Micro-OLED]]
* [[Smart glasses]]
* [[Consumer AR]]


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:Smart glasses]]
[[Category:Consumer AR]]
[[Category:Augmented reality]]
[[Category:Xreal]]
[[Category:Nreal]]
[[Category:Micro-OLED]]
[[Category:XREAL]]
[[Category:2020s AR]]
[[Category:6DoF tracking]]
[[Category:2010s AR]]
Retrieved from "https://vrarwiki.com/wiki/Nreal_Light"