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|image =
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Type = [[AR Glasses]]
|Subtype = [[AR Glasses]]
|Subtype = [[Smart Glasses]], [[Spatial Computing]]
|Release Date = 2024
|Platform = [[XREAL]], [[Nebula]]
|Price = $699
|Developer = [[XREAL]]
|Display = 2 x Micro OLED binocular
|Manufacturer = [[XREAL]]
|Resolution = 1920x1080 per-eye
|Announcement Date = January 2024 (CES 2024)
|Release Date = March 2024
|Price = $699 USD
|Website = https://www.xreal.com/air2ultra
|Predecessor = [[Xreal Air 2 Pro]]
|Successor = [[Xreal One Pro]]
|Display = 2× Sony 0.55" Micro-OLED
|Resolution = 1920×1080 per eye (Full HD)
|Refresh Rate = 120 Hz
|Refresh Rate = 120 Hz
|Field of View = 52° diagonal
|Field of View = 52°
|Horizontal FoV =  
|Equivalent Screen Size = 154" at 13 feet (virtual)
|Vertical FoV =  
|Brightness = 500 nits
|Diagonal FoV = 52°
|PPD = 42 PPD
|IPD Range =  
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Optics = Birdbath
|Tracking = 6DoF (dual 3D environment sensors)
|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
|Frame = Titanium
|Color = Gray
}}
}}


'''Xreal Air 2 Ultra''' is an [[augmented reality]] [[head-mounted display]] released in 2024.
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.


== Specifications ==
== History and Development ==
* '''Display:''' 2 x Micro OLED binocular
* '''Resolution:''' 1920x1080 per-eye
* '''Refresh Rate:''' 120 Hz
* '''Field of View:''' 52° diagonal


* '''Price:''' $699
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>
 
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 ==
 
=== Display ===
 
The Air 2 Ultra uses Sony Micro-OLED panels with enhanced specifications:
 
* Dual Sony 0.55-inch Micro-OLED displays
* 1920×1080 resolution per eye (Full HD)
* '''52° field of view''' (widest in Air 2 series)
* 42 pixels per degree (PPD)
* 120 Hz refresh rate
* 500 nits peak brightness
* 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 ===
 
* 80 grams total weight
* '''Titanium frame''' for durability and premium feel
* Wayfarer-style design
* Fashion-forward aesthetic
 
=== Electrochromic Dimming ===
 
Three-level electrochromic glass technology:
 
* Transparent mode for AR overlay
* Semi-dark for mixed environments
* Fully dark for immersive viewing
* Instant switching via button
 
=== Audio ===
 
* Directional speaker technology
* Improved audio privacy
* Dual microphones for voice interaction
* Voice command support
 
== Spatial Computing Features ==
 
=== 6DoF Tracking ===
 
The defining feature differentiating the Ultra from other Air models:
 
* '''6 Degrees of Freedom:''' Full positional and rotational tracking
* 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 ===
 
* Gesture recognition
* Natural hand interaction
* Sort through virtual environments
* No controller required for basic interactions
 
=== Spatial Anchors ===
 
* Pin virtual objects to real-world locations
* Persistent spatial content
* Developer access via NRSDK 2.2
 
=== Depth Mesh ===
 
* 3D environment mapping
* Occlusion support
* Enhanced mixed reality experiences
 
== Developer Features ==
 
=== 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"
|-
! Feature !! Air 2 !! Air 2 Pro !! Air 2 Ultra
|-
| Price || $399 || $449 || $699
|-
| Tracking || 3DoF || 3DoF || '''6DoF'''
|-
| Hand Tracking || No || No || '''Yes'''
|-
| Field of View || 46° || 46° || '''52°'''
|-
| Electrochromic || No || Yes (3 levels) || Yes (3 levels)
|-
| Weight || 72g || 75g || 80g
|-
| Frame || Plastic || Plastic || '''Titanium'''
|}
 
== Reception ==
 
'''Praise:'''
* "Apple Vision Pro's worst nightmare" - Tom's Guide
* Affordable spatial computing at $699 (vs $3,499 Vision Pro)
* True 6DoF tracking in lightweight glasses form factor
* Hand tracking and gesture recognition
* Wider 52° field of view
* Premium titanium frame
* Electrochromic dimming
* Strong developer SDK support
* 120 Hz refresh rate
 
'''Criticism:'''
* Still requires tethered connection
* 52° FOV still narrower than VR headsets
* Focused initially on developers, not consumers
* Limited spatial computing app ecosystem
* 42 PPD lower than Air 2's 49 PPD
* 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>
 
<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>


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Augmented Reality]]
* [[Xreal Air 2]]
* [[Head-mounted display]]
* [[Xreal Air 2 Pro]]
* [[AR Glasses]]
* [[Xreal One]]
* [[Xreal One Pro]]
* [[Apple Vision Pro]]
* [[Meta Quest 3]]
 
== References ==
{{reflist}}


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Augmented Reality Devices]]
[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:Smart Glasses]]
[[Category:Spatial Computing]]
[[Category:XREAL]]
[[Category:2024 in technology]]

Revision as of 14:58, 7 January 2026

Xreal Air 2 Ultra
Basic Info
VR/AR Augmented Reality
Type AR Glasses
Subtype Smart Glasses, Spatial Computing
Platform XREAL, Nebula
Developer XREAL
Manufacturer XREAL
Announcement Date January 2024 (CES 2024)
Release Date March 2024
Price $699 USD
Website https://www.xreal.com/air2ultra
Predecessor Xreal Air 2 Pro
Successor Xreal One Pro
System
Storage
Display
Display 2× Sony 0.55" Micro-OLED
Resolution 1920×1080 per eye (Full HD)
Refresh Rate 120 Hz
Image
Field of View 52°
Optics
Optics Birdbath
Ocularity Binocular
Tracking
Tracking 6DoF (dual 3D environment sensors)
Eye Tracking No
Hand Tracking Yes
Audio
Audio Directional speakers, dual microphones
Connectivity
Connectivity USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode)
Device
Weight 80g
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.

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.[1]

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.[2]

Design and Hardware

Display

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

  • Dual Sony 0.55-inch Micro-OLED displays
  • 1920×1080 resolution per eye (Full HD)
  • 52° field of view (widest in Air 2 series)
  • 42 pixels per degree (PPD)
  • 120 Hz refresh rate
  • 500 nits peak brightness
  • 154-inch virtual screen equivalent at 13 feet
  • Birdbath optical system[3]

Build

  • 80 grams total weight
  • Titanium frame for durability and premium feel
  • Wayfarer-style design
  • Fashion-forward aesthetic

Electrochromic Dimming

Three-level electrochromic glass technology:

  • Transparent mode for AR overlay
  • Semi-dark for mixed environments
  • Fully dark for immersive viewing
  • Instant switching via button

Audio

  • Directional speaker technology
  • Improved audio privacy
  • Dual microphones for voice interaction
  • Voice command support

Spatial Computing Features

6DoF Tracking

The defining feature differentiating the Ultra from other Air models:

  • 6 Degrees of Freedom: Full positional and rotational tracking
  • 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

  • Gesture recognition
  • Natural hand interaction
  • Sort through virtual environments
  • No controller required for basic interactions

Spatial Anchors

  • Pin virtual objects to real-world locations
  • Persistent spatial content
  • Developer access via NRSDK 2.2

Depth Mesh

  • 3D environment mapping
  • Occlusion support
  • Enhanced mixed reality experiences

Developer Features

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

Feature Air 2 Air 2 Pro Air 2 Ultra
Price $399 $449 $699
Tracking 3DoF 3DoF 6DoF
Hand Tracking No No Yes
Field of View 46° 46° 52°
Electrochromic No Yes (3 levels) Yes (3 levels)
Weight 72g 75g 80g
Frame Plastic Plastic Titanium

Reception

Praise:

  • "Apple Vision Pro's worst nightmare" - Tom's Guide
  • Affordable spatial computing at $699 (vs $3,499 Vision Pro)
  • True 6DoF tracking in lightweight glasses form factor
  • Hand tracking and gesture recognition
  • Wider 52° field of view
  • Premium titanium frame
  • Electrochromic dimming
  • Strong developer SDK support
  • 120 Hz refresh rate

Criticism:

  • Still requires tethered connection
  • 52° FOV still narrower than VR headsets
  • Focused initially on developers, not consumers
  • Limited spatial computing app ecosystem
  • 42 PPD lower than Air 2's 49 PPD
  • Heavier at 80g than standard Air 2[4]

[5]

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "XREAL's new AR glasses are Apple Vision Pro's worst nightmare — true spatial computing at a fraction of the cost". Tom's Guide. https://www.tomsguide.com/news/xreal-air-2-ultra-ces-2024.
  2. ↑ "XREAL Jump-Starts the Future of Affordable, Full-Featured Spatial Computing". PR Newswire. 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.
  3. ↑ "XREAL Air 2 Ultra AR glasses bring full-featured spatial computing". Android Headlines. https://www.androidheadlines.com/2024/01/xreal-air-2-ultra-ar-glasses-spatial-computing.html.
  4. ↑ "XReal Air 2 Ultra Review: An Apple Vision Pro Competitor?". XR Today. https://www.xrtoday.com/reviews/xreal-air-2-ultra-review-an-apple-vision-pro-competitor/.
  5. ↑ "XREAL Air 2 Ultra hands-on: Convincing me and turning my partner into a Minecraft addict". Windows Central. https://www.windowscentral.com/accessories/wearable-tech/xreal-air-2-ultra-hands-on-gdc-2024.
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