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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|image =
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Mixed Reality]]
|Type = [[AR Glasses]]
|Type = [[AR Glasses]]
|Subtype = [[Smart Glasses]]
|Subtype = [[Consumer AR]]
|Platform = [[Nebula]], [[NRSDK]]
|Platform = [[Android]] (Nebula app)
|Developer = [[XREAL]] (formerly Nreal)
|Developer = [[Nreal]] (now [[Xreal]])
|Manufacturer = [[XREAL]]
|Manufacturer = [[Nreal]]
|Announcement Date = CES 2019
|Release Date = 2020 (Asia) / November 2021 (US)
|Release Date = 2020
|Price = $599 USD
|Price = $500 USD (glasses), $1,200 USD (dev kit)
|Website = https://www.xreal.com/
|Website = https://www.xreal.com/
|Successor = [[Nreal Air]]
|Successor = [[Nreal Air]]
|Display = 2× Sony OLED
|Display = Birdbath optics
|Resolution = 1920×1080 per eye
|Resolution = 1920x1080 per eye
|Refresh Rate = 60 Hz
|Refresh Rate = 60 Hz
|Field of View = 52° diagonal
|Field of View = 52°
|Equivalent Screen Size = 201" at 6 meters
|Equivalent Screen Size = 220" virtual display
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Ocularity = Binocular (stereo)
|Optics = Birdbath
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out SLAM)
|Tracking = 6DoF (SLAM, dual cameras)
|Cameras = 2x tracking cameras
|Plane Detection = Yes
|Audio = Spatial speakers
|Image Tracking = Yes
|Connectivity = USB-C tethered
|Eye Tracking = No
|Weight = 88g (glasses only)
|Hand Tracking = No
|Camera = RGB camera (right lens)
|Connectivity = USB-C (tethered to phone or compute pack)
|Weight = ~88g
}}
}}


The '''Nreal Light''' is a phone-powered [[augmented reality]] [[smart glasses]] developed by [[XREAL]] (formerly Nreal), first revealed at CES 2019 and released in 2020. The glasses attracted significant attention as one of the first consumer-oriented AR glasses with 6DoF tracking, weighing only 88 grams in a sunglasses-like form factor. Featuring dual Sony OLED displays at 1920×1080 per eye, birdbath optics, and SLAM-based tracking with plane detection, the Nreal Light provided spatial AR experiences when tethered to compatible Android phones or Nreal's compute pack. The Nebula operating system, announced at CES 2020, enabled Android app integration in 3D space.
The '''Nreal Light''' is a consumer [[mixed reality]] [[AR glasses]] developed by [[Nreal]] (now [[Xreal]]), first released in Asia in 2020 and launched in the US on November 18, 2021 through Verizon. At just 88g, the Nreal Light was one of the first affordable consumer AR glasses, featuring 1080p per eye resolution, 52° field of view appearing like a 220-inch display, 6DoF inside-out tracking via SLAM, and birdbath optics. Powered by a tethered Android smartphone running the Nebula app, the Light targeted consumers seeking mixed reality experiences, gaming, and personal entertainment in a lightweight sunglasses form factor.


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


Nreal (now XREAL) revealed the Nreal Light at CES 2019, garnering significant press attention for achieving light, fashionable AR glasses at an accessible price point. The company was founded in China with the goal of making AR glasses as ubiquitous as sunglasses. Developer kits opened for preorder at $1,200 in November 2019, with consumer glasses expected at $500.<ref name="uploadvr">{{cite web |url=https://www.uploadvr.com/nreal-lite-nebula-ces-2020/ |title=CES 2020: Nreal's AR Glasses Promise To Pin Android Apps In Your Room |publisher=UploadVR |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
Nreal unveiled the Light at CES 2019 and began shipping to developers and enterprise customers in 2020. Consumer availability started in Korea, Japan, Germany, and Spain before rolling out globally. The US launch occurred on November 18, 2021 through select Verizon stores, with online availability following on December 2. The Nreal Light established the company (later rebranded to Xreal) as a pioneer in consumer AR glasses, leading to successors like the Nreal Air and Xreal Air series.<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>
 
At CES 2020, Nreal unveiled Nebula, their Android-based operating system enabling 3D interfaces for Android apps. The company later released the consumer-focused [[Nreal Air]] in 2022, which simplified the platform to a display-only experience.<ref name="skarredghost">{{cite web |url=https://skarredghost.com/2020/06/11/nreal-light-devkit-review/ |title=Nreal Light devkit review: an interesting entry point for AR |publisher=The Ghost Howls |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== Design and Hardware ==
== Design and Hardware ==
Line 41: Line 34:
=== Display ===
=== Display ===


Premium Sony OLED displays:
Birdbath optics system:


* Dual Sony OLED panels
* '''1920x1080 per eye''' resolution
* 1920×1080 resolution per eye
* '''60 Hz refresh rate'''
* 60 Hz refresh rate
* '''52° field of view''' (wide for MR device)
* 52° diagonal field of view
* Appears like '''220-inch display'''
* 201-inch virtual screen at 6 meters
* '''Birdbath optics''' technology
* High contrast from OLED technology
* Image projected onto lenses
 
* Faithful color reproduction
=== Optics ===
* 1080p quality projection
 
* Birdbath optical system
* Relays image from hidden display at top of frame
* Reflects image into user's eyes
* Compact design enables sunglasses form factor


=== Tracking ===
=== Tracking ===


Full 6DoF spatial tracking:
Inside-out spatial tracking:


* '''6DoF tracking'''
* '''2 tracking cameras'''
* '''SLAM''' (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping)
* '''SLAM''' (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping)
* 6 Degrees of Freedom head tracking
* Inside-out positional tracking
* Dual forward-facing tracking cameras
* Head tracking
* '''Plane detection:''' Detects horizontal/vertical surfaces
* Environment mapping
* '''Image tracking:''' Marker-based AR
* Virtual objects fixed in real-world positions
* Walk around virtual content


=== Camera ===
=== Audio ===


* RGB camera on right lens
* '''Spatial speakers''' (one per arm)
* Captures outside world images
* Spatial audio positioning
* Enables mixed reality photography
* Voice commands supported
* Bluetooth speaker compatible
* Directional sound detection


=== Build ===
=== Build ===


* ~88 grams weight
Lightweight sunglasses design:
* Comfortable for extended wear
* Sunglasses-like design
* Fashionable form factor
* Half viewing area contains hardware


== Connectivity ==
* '''88g weight''' (glasses only)
* ~109g total system weight
* Sunglasses form factor
* '''4 interchangeable nose pads'''
* Magnetic nose support
* Adjustable fit
* Prescription lens frame included
* VR cover included (light blocking)


Tethered operation:
=== Connectivity ===


* USB-C connection required
* '''USB-C tethered''' to smartphone
* '''Android phones:''' Compatible devices
* Volume rocker on left arm
* '''Compute pack:''' Nreal's proprietary unit (dev kit)
* Phone becomes 3DoF controller
* Cannot operate standalone
* '''Nebula app''' required
* Android smartphone powered


== Software ==
== Operation ==


=== Nebula OS ===
=== Requirements ===
* Compatible Android smartphone
* Nebula app installed
* USB-C connection
* Phone provides processing power


Android-based operating system (CES 2020):
=== Controls ===
* Smartphone as 3DoF controller
* Touch controls on phone
* Volume rocker on glasses
* Voice commands


* 3D interface for Android apps
== Applications ==
* 2D Android apps in 3D space
* 3D content in physical surroundings
* Spatial computing experience


=== NRSDK ===
=== Entertainment ===
* Virtual cinema experience
* 220" equivalent screen
* Video streaming
* Movie watching


Developer tools:
=== Gaming ===
* AR gaming experiences
* Mixed reality games
* Spatial gaming


* Unity support
=== Productivity ===
* Mixed reality app development
* Virtual displays
* SLAM and tracking APIs
* Multi-window workspace
* Plane detection integration
* Mobile productivity


== Developer Kit ==
== Technical Specifications ==


The Nreal Light Developer Kit included:
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Specification !! Details
|-
| Display || 1920x1080 per eye
|-
| Refresh Rate || 60 Hz
|-
| Field of View || 52°
|-
| Virtual Screen || 220" equivalent
|-
| Tracking || 6DoF (SLAM)
|-
| Cameras || 2 tracking
|-
| Audio || Spatial speakers
|-
| Connection || USB-C tethered
|-
| Weight || 88g
|-
| Price || $599
|}


* Nreal Light glasses
== Included Accessories ==
* Proprietary compute pack
* Development tools access
* '''Price:''' $1,200


== Controller Support ==
* Carrying case
 
* VR cover (light blocking)
* Basic phone-based interaction
* 4 nose pads
* FinchShift controllers announced (6DoF)
* Prescription lens frame
* Controller support for full spatial input
* Cleaning cloth


== Reception ==
== Reception ==


'''Praise:'''
'''Praise:'''
* "Close, But Not Quite There Yet" - Tom's Hardware
* 88g ultra-lightweight design
* Revolutionary lightweight design (88g)
* 52° FOV wide for form factor
* 6DoF tracking in sunglasses form factor
* 1080p per eye quality
* Sony OLED displays
* 220" virtual display impressive
* Affordable compared to enterprise AR
* Sunglasses aesthetic appealing
* Plane detection for spatial AR
* 6DoF tracking capable
* Nebula OS Android integration
* Spatial audio included
* Interesting entry point for AR development
* Affordable consumer AR
* Prescription lens support
* VR cover for immersion


'''Criticism:'''
'''Criticism:'''
* Requires tethered connection
* Requires tethered smartphone
* Limited phone compatibility
* Limited phone compatibility
* 60 Hz only (competitors offer higher)
* 60Hz lower than competitors
* 52° FOV relatively narrow
* Tracking has noticeable bounce/drift
* Developer kit expensive ($1,200)
* Phone becomes controller only
* Compute pack required for full features
* Bird-bath optics limitations
* Battery drain on connected phone
* Not standalone device
* Limited consumer software ecosystem<ref name="tomshardware">{{cite web |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/nreal-light-ar-smart-glasses |title=Nreal Light AR Smart Glasses Review: Close, But Not Quite There Yet |publisher=Tom's Hardware |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
* $599 still premium for consumers<ref name="uploadvr">{{cite web |url=https://www.uploadvr.com/nreal-light-ar-glasses-review/ |title=Nreal Light AR Glasses Review |publisher=UploadVR |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
 
<ref name="roadtovr">{{cite web |url=https://www.roadtovr.com/hands-on-nreal-light-ar-glasses-cas-and-chary/ |title=Hands-on with Nreal Light, One of the First Consumer-available AR Glasses |publisher=Road to VR |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Nreal Air]]
* [[Nreal Air]]
* [[Xreal Air]]
* [[Xreal Air 2]]
* [[Xreal Air 2]]
* [[Xreal One]]
* [[Rokid Max]]
* [[Nebula]]
* [[Magic Leap One]]


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Augmented Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Mixed Reality Devices]]
[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:Smart Glasses]]
[[Category:Nreal]]
[[Category:XREAL]]
[[Category:Xreal]]
[[Category:2020 in technology]]
[[Category:2020 in technology]]

Revision as of 16:30, 7 January 2026

Nreal Light
Basic Info
VR/AR Mixed Reality
Type AR Glasses
Subtype Consumer AR
Platform Android (Nebula app)
Developer Nreal (now Xreal)
Manufacturer Nreal
Release Date 2020 (Asia) / November 2021 (US)
Price $599 USD
Website https://www.xreal.com/
Successor Nreal Air
System
Storage
Display
Display Birdbath optics
Resolution 1920x1080 per eye
Refresh Rate 60 Hz
Image
Field of View 52°
Optics
Ocularity Binocular (stereo)
Tracking
Tracking 6DoF (inside-out SLAM)
Audio
Audio Spatial speakers
Connectivity
Connectivity USB-C tethered
Device
Weight 88g (glasses only)

Property "Platform" (as page type) with input value "Android]] (Nebula app)" contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process. Property "Developer" (as page type) with input value "Nreal]] (now Xreal)" contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process.


The Nreal Light is a consumer mixed reality AR glasses developed by Nreal (now Xreal), first released in Asia in 2020 and launched in the US on November 18, 2021 through Verizon. At just 88g, the Nreal Light was one of the first affordable consumer AR glasses, featuring 1080p per eye resolution, 52° field of view appearing like a 220-inch display, 6DoF inside-out tracking via SLAM, and birdbath optics. Powered by a tethered Android smartphone running the Nebula app, the Light targeted consumers seeking mixed reality experiences, gaming, and personal entertainment in a lightweight sunglasses form factor.

History and Development

Nreal unveiled the Light at CES 2019 and began shipping to developers and enterprise customers in 2020. Consumer availability started in Korea, Japan, Germany, and Spain before rolling out globally. The US launch occurred on November 18, 2021 through select Verizon stores, with online availability following on December 2. The Nreal Light established the company (later rebranded to Xreal) as a pioneer in consumer AR glasses, leading to successors like the Nreal Air and Xreal Air series.[1]

Design and Hardware

Display

Birdbath optics system:

  • 1920x1080 per eye resolution
  • 60 Hz refresh rate
  • 52° field of view (wide for MR device)
  • Appears like 220-inch display
  • Birdbath optics technology
  • Image projected onto lenses
  • Faithful color reproduction
  • 1080p quality projection

Tracking

Inside-out spatial tracking:

  • 6DoF tracking
  • 2 tracking cameras
  • SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping)
  • Inside-out positional tracking
  • Head tracking
  • Environment mapping

Audio

  • Spatial speakers (one per arm)
  • Spatial audio positioning
  • Voice commands supported
  • Bluetooth speaker compatible
  • Directional sound detection

Build

Lightweight sunglasses design:

  • 88g weight (glasses only)
  • ~109g total system weight
  • Sunglasses form factor
  • 4 interchangeable nose pads
  • Magnetic nose support
  • Adjustable fit
  • Prescription lens frame included
  • VR cover included (light blocking)

Connectivity

  • USB-C tethered to smartphone
  • Volume rocker on left arm
  • Phone becomes 3DoF controller
  • Nebula app required
  • Android smartphone powered

Operation

Requirements

  • Compatible Android smartphone
  • Nebula app installed
  • USB-C connection
  • Phone provides processing power

Controls

  • Smartphone as 3DoF controller
  • Touch controls on phone
  • Volume rocker on glasses
  • Voice commands

Applications

Entertainment

  • Virtual cinema experience
  • 220" equivalent screen
  • Video streaming
  • Movie watching

Gaming

  • AR gaming experiences
  • Mixed reality games
  • Spatial gaming

Productivity

  • Virtual displays
  • Multi-window workspace
  • Mobile productivity

Technical Specifications

Specification Details
Display 1920x1080 per eye
Refresh Rate 60 Hz
Field of View 52°
Virtual Screen 220" equivalent
Tracking 6DoF (SLAM)
Cameras 2 tracking
Audio Spatial speakers
Connection USB-C tethered
Weight 88g
Price $599

Included Accessories

  • Carrying case
  • VR cover (light blocking)
  • 4 nose pads
  • Prescription lens frame
  • Cleaning cloth

Reception

Praise:

  • 88g ultra-lightweight design
  • 52° FOV wide for form factor
  • 1080p per eye quality
  • 220" virtual display impressive
  • Sunglasses aesthetic appealing
  • 6DoF tracking capable
  • Spatial audio included
  • Affordable consumer AR
  • Prescription lens support
  • VR cover for immersion

Criticism:

  • Requires tethered smartphone
  • Limited phone compatibility
  • 60Hz lower than competitors
  • Tracking has noticeable bounce/drift
  • Phone becomes controller only
  • Bird-bath optics limitations
  • Not standalone device
  • $599 still premium for consumers[2]

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "Nreal Light AR Smart Glasses Review". Tom's Hardware. https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/nreal-light-ar-smart-glasses.
  2. ↑ "Nreal Light AR Glasses Review". UploadVR. https://www.uploadvr.com/nreal-light-ar-glasses-review/.
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