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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|image =  
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|Type = [[AR Glasses]]
|Type = [[AR Glasses]]
|Subtype = [[Smart Glasses]]
|Subtype = [[Consumer AR]]
|Platform = [[Nebula]] (XREAL)
|Platform = USB-C display (multi-device)
|Developer = [[XREAL]] (formerly Nreal)
|Developer = [[Nreal]] (now [[Xreal]])
|Manufacturer = [[XREAL]]
|Manufacturer = [[Nreal]]
|Release Date = 2022
|Release Date = 2022
|Price = $379 USD
|Price = $379 USD
|Website = https://www.xreal.com/
|Website = https://www.xreal.com/
|Display = 2× Micro-OLED
|Successor = [[Xreal Air 2]]
|Resolution = 1920×1080 per eye (Full HD)
|Display = Sony Micro-OLED
|Resolution = 1920x1080 per eye
|Refresh Rate = 60 Hz
|Refresh Rate = 60 Hz
|Field of View = 46° diagonal
|Field of View = 46°
|Equivalent Screen Size = 130" (virtual)
|Equivalent Screen Size = 130" virtual display
|Brightness = High
|PPD = 49 PPD
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Optics = Birdbath
|Tracking = 3DoF
|Tracking = 3DoF
|Eye Tracking = No
|Audio = In-stem speakers
|Hand Tracking = No
|Connectivity = USB-C
|Audio = Built-in open-ear speakers
|Connectivity = USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode)
|Battery = None (powered by connected device)
|Battery Life = Up to 5 hours (device dependent)
|Weight = 79g
|Weight = 79g
|Color = Black
}}
}}


The '''Nreal Air''' (now marketed as '''XREAL Air''') is a consumer [[augmented reality]] [[smart glasses]] developed by [[XREAL]] (formerly known as Nreal), released in 2022. The glasses use birdbath optics with dual Micro-OLED displays to project a virtual 130-inch screen, primarily designed for media consumption and gaming. At just 79 grams, the Nreal Air helped establish the lightweight wearable display category and was succeeded by the [[Xreal Air 2]] series.
The '''Nreal Air''' (now '''Xreal Air''') is a consumer [[augmented reality]] [[AR glasses]] developed by [[Nreal]] (now [[Xreal]]), released in 2022 at $379. A lighter, more affordable alternative to the Nreal Light, the Air features Sony Micro-OLED displays at 1920x1080 per eye, 46° field of view appearing as a 130-inch virtual screen, 3DoF tracking, and an ultra-lightweight 79g design. Connecting via USB-C to smartphones, tablets, PCs, and game consoles, the Nreal Air excels as a portable big-screen media consumption device and gaming display rather than a full AR platform.
 
Note: XREAL rebranded from "Nreal" in 2023, and the product is now sold under the XREAL brand name.


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


Nreal (now XREAL) was founded in 2017 and released the Nreal Air in 2022 as a consumer-focused AR glasses product. The glasses were designed to provide a large virtual screen experience in a lightweight, sunglasses-like form factor. The company rebranded to XREAL in 2023, and the product line expanded to include the [[Xreal Air 2]] and [[Xreal Air 2 Pro]].<ref name="vrcompare">{{cite web |url=https://vr-compare.com/headset/nrealair |title=Nreal Air: Full Specification |publisher=VRcompare |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
Nreal announced the Air in September 2021 as a consumer-focused alternative to the more expensive Nreal Light. The glasses launched in 2022 across various markets, later becoming available in the US through carriers and direct sales. Nreal rebranded to Xreal in 2023, with the Air continuing as part of the Xreal Air lineup. The Air's success led to the Xreal Air 2 and Air 2 Pro successors with improved specifications.<ref name="tomshardware">{{cite web |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/nreal-air |title=Nreal Air Review |publisher=Tom's Hardware |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


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


=== Display and Optics ===
=== Display ===
 
Sony Micro-OLED technology:
 
* '''1920x1080 per eye''' resolution
* '''Sony Micro-OLED''' panels
* '''60 Hz refresh rate'''
* '''46° field of view'''
* '''130-inch equivalent''' virtual display
* Semi-transparent view
* True blacks (OLED)
* Quality imagery
 
=== Tracking ===
 
* '''3DoF tracking'''
* Rotational tracking only
* No positional tracking
* AR Space mode (Android)
 
=== Audio ===
 
* '''In-stem speakers'''
* Hidden in glasses arms
* Immersive audio
* Decent quality
* Open-ear design


The Nreal Air uses birdbath optics to reflect images from embedded Micro-OLED displays:
=== Build ===


* Dual 1920×1080 Micro-OLED displays (one per eye)
Ultra-lightweight design:
* 46° diagonal field of view
* 49 pixels per degree (PPD)—significantly higher than [[Oculus Quest 2]]'s 20.5 PPD
* 60 Hz refresh rate
* Birdbath optical system with mirror reflection
* Virtual 130-inch equivalent screen size<ref name="tomshardware">{{cite web |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/nreal-air |title=Nreal Air Review: Gaming and Media Greatness Marred by Dongle Madness |publisher=Tom's Hardware |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


The birdbath optics provide a larger field of view with reduced distortion compared to some alternative AR display technologies.
* '''79g weight'''
* Sunglasses form factor
* Compact design
* '''5.83 x 2.36 x 2.05 inches'''
* Portable
* Comfortable extended wear


=== Build and Comfort ===
=== Connectivity ===


At 79 grams, the Nreal Air is exceptionally lightweight, designed to look similar to oversized Ray-Ban sunglasses. The lightweight design avoids the front-heavy feeling of traditional VR headsets, making extended viewing sessions more comfortable.<ref name="techradar">{{cite web |url=https://www.techradar.com/reviews/nreal-air-ar-glasses |title=Xreal Air and Xreal Beam review: impressive AR tech but still not perfect |publisher=TechRadar |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
Universal device support:


=== Light Blocking ===
* '''USB-C connection'''
* '''Android phones'''
* '''iOS (iPhone 15+)'''
* '''PC/Mac'''
* '''Tablets'''
* '''Game consoles'''
* '''Steam Deck'''
* No onboard battery (device-powered)


The glasses include a lens cover accessory that blocks out ambient light for more immersive viewing in bright environments.
== Included Accessories ==


=== Audio ===
* Nreal Air glasses
* '''Three nose grips''' (one pre-installed)
* '''Light shield''' (VR-like blocking)
* Compact carrying case
* USB-C cable
 
== Features ==
 
=== Nebula App (Mac) ===
* Multi-window workstation
* M1/M2 chip MacBook support
* Virtual displays
* Productivity workspace
 
=== AR Space (Android) ===
* 3DoF experiences
* AR app suite
* Compatible Android devices only


Built-in open-ear speakers provide audio output without covering the ears, allowing awareness of surroundings.
=== Media Consumption ===
* Virtual cinema experience
* Gaming display
* Video streaming
* Big-screen portable


== Connectivity ==
== Optional Accessories ==


The Nreal Air connects via USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode:
* '''Xreal Beam''' ($119) - Enhanced functionality
* Prescription lens inserts
* Adapters for HDMI devices


* '''Direct USB-C:''' Android smartphones, computers, Steam Deck
== Technical Specifications ==
* '''With Nreal Adapter ($59):''' Game consoles (Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch), iOS devices, HDMI sources


The adapter requirement for non-USB-C devices was a common criticism in reviews.<ref name="techadvisor">{{cite web |url=https://www.techadvisor.com/article/723317/nreal-air-review.html |title=Nreal Air AR Glasses Review: A Look at the Future |publisher=Tech Advisor |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Specification !! Details
|-
| Display || 1920x1080 Sony Micro-OLED
|-
| Refresh Rate || 60 Hz
|-
| FOV || 46°
|-
| Virtual Screen || 130" equivalent
|-
| Tracking || 3DoF
|-
| Audio || In-stem speakers
|-
| Connection || USB-C
|-
| Weight || 79g
|-
| Price || $379
|}


== Reception ==
== Reception ==


'''Praise:'''
'''Praise:'''
* "Among the smartest glasses available in 2022"
* 79g ultra-lightweight
* Impressively lightweight at 79 grams
* Sony Micro-OLED quality
* High pixel density (49 PPD) for crisp text
* 130" virtual screen
* Good visual quality with OLED displays
* $379 accessible price
* Large 130-inch virtual screen
* Universal USB-C compatibility
* Sunglasses-like design
* Steam Deck excellent pairing
* Works with Steam Deck for portable gaming
* Mac multi-display useful
* Portable design
* Light shield included
* Media consumption excellent


'''Criticism:'''
'''Criticism:'''
* Firmware updates could break compatibility
* 46° FOV narrow
* 60 Hz refresh rate lower than competitors
* 60Hz vs 120Hz competitors
* Requires adapter for many devices
* 3DoF only (no 6DoF)
* No spatial tracking (3DoF only)
* No positional tracking
* "More of a big monitor for your face"
* No onboard cameras
* Image flicker reported by some users
* Not true AR (display glasses)
* Limited adjustability
* Limited AR functionality
* "Minimally viable product" criticism<ref name="dexerto">{{cite web |url=https://www.dexerto.com/tech/nreal-air-glasses-review-2149149/ |title=Nreal Air AR glasses review: A killer concept that's just too early |publisher=Dexerto |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
* Beam accessory extra cost
 
* Phone dependent features
<ref name="gamingnexus">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamingnexus.com/Article/7728/Nreal-Airs |title=Nreal Airs Review |publisher=Gaming Nexus |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
* Screen-door effect visible<ref name="techadvisor">{{cite web |url=https://www.techadvisor.com/article/723317/nreal-air-review.html |title=Nreal Air Review |publisher=Tech Advisor |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
 
== Successors ==
 
The Nreal Air was succeeded by:
* '''[[Xreal Air 2]]:''' Improved display, lighter weight
* '''[[Xreal Air 2 Pro]]:''' Added electrochromic dimming
* '''[[Xreal One]]:''' Added X1 spatial computing chip


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Xreal Air 2]]
* [[Xreal Air 2]]
* [[Xreal Air 2 Pro]]
* [[Xreal Air 2 Pro]]
* [[Xreal One]]
* [[Nreal Light]]
* [[Rokid Air]]
* [[Rokid Max]]
* [[Viture One]]


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:Smart Glasses]]
[[Category:Smart Glasses]]
[[Category:XREAL]]
[[Category:Nreal]]
[[Category:Xreal]]
[[Category:2022 in technology]]
[[Category:2022 in technology]]

Revision as of 16:59, 7 January 2026

Nreal Air
Basic Info
VR/AR Augmented Reality
Type AR Glasses
Subtype Consumer AR
Platform USB-C display (multi-device)
Developer Nreal (now Xreal)
Manufacturer Nreal
Release Date 2022
Price $379 USD
Website https://www.xreal.com/
Successor Xreal Air 2
System
Storage
Display
Display Sony Micro-OLED
Resolution 1920x1080 per eye
Refresh Rate 60 Hz
Image
Field of View 46°
Optics
Ocularity Binocular
Tracking
Tracking 3DoF
Audio
Audio In-stem speakers
Connectivity
Connectivity USB-C
Device
Weight 79g

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 Air (now Xreal Air) is a consumer augmented reality AR glasses developed by Nreal (now Xreal), released in 2022 at $379. A lighter, more affordable alternative to the Nreal Light, the Air features Sony Micro-OLED displays at 1920x1080 per eye, 46° field of view appearing as a 130-inch virtual screen, 3DoF tracking, and an ultra-lightweight 79g design. Connecting via USB-C to smartphones, tablets, PCs, and game consoles, the Nreal Air excels as a portable big-screen media consumption device and gaming display rather than a full AR platform.

History and Development

Nreal announced the Air in September 2021 as a consumer-focused alternative to the more expensive Nreal Light. The glasses launched in 2022 across various markets, later becoming available in the US through carriers and direct sales. Nreal rebranded to Xreal in 2023, with the Air continuing as part of the Xreal Air lineup. The Air's success led to the Xreal Air 2 and Air 2 Pro successors with improved specifications.[1]

Design and Hardware

Display

Sony Micro-OLED technology:

  • 1920x1080 per eye resolution
  • Sony Micro-OLED panels
  • 60 Hz refresh rate
  • 46° field of view
  • 130-inch equivalent virtual display
  • Semi-transparent view
  • True blacks (OLED)
  • Quality imagery

Tracking

  • 3DoF tracking
  • Rotational tracking only
  • No positional tracking
  • AR Space mode (Android)

Audio

  • In-stem speakers
  • Hidden in glasses arms
  • Immersive audio
  • Decent quality
  • Open-ear design

Build

Ultra-lightweight design:

  • 79g weight
  • Sunglasses form factor
  • Compact design
  • 5.83 x 2.36 x 2.05 inches
  • Portable
  • Comfortable extended wear

Connectivity

Universal device support:

  • USB-C connection
  • Android phones
  • iOS (iPhone 15+)
  • PC/Mac
  • Tablets
  • Game consoles
  • Steam Deck
  • No onboard battery (device-powered)

Included Accessories

  • Nreal Air glasses
  • Three nose grips (one pre-installed)
  • Light shield (VR-like blocking)
  • Compact carrying case
  • USB-C cable

Features

Nebula App (Mac)

  • Multi-window workstation
  • M1/M2 chip MacBook support
  • Virtual displays
  • Productivity workspace

AR Space (Android)

  • 3DoF experiences
  • AR app suite
  • Compatible Android devices only

Media Consumption

  • Virtual cinema experience
  • Gaming display
  • Video streaming
  • Big-screen portable

Optional Accessories

  • Xreal Beam ($119) - Enhanced functionality
  • Prescription lens inserts
  • Adapters for HDMI devices

Technical Specifications

Specification Details
Display 1920x1080 Sony Micro-OLED
Refresh Rate 60 Hz
FOV 46°
Virtual Screen 130" equivalent
Tracking 3DoF
Audio In-stem speakers
Connection USB-C
Weight 79g
Price $379

Reception

Praise:

  • 79g ultra-lightweight
  • Sony Micro-OLED quality
  • 130" virtual screen
  • $379 accessible price
  • Universal USB-C compatibility
  • Steam Deck excellent pairing
  • Mac multi-display useful
  • Portable design
  • Light shield included
  • Media consumption excellent

Criticism:

  • 46° FOV narrow
  • 60Hz vs 120Hz competitors
  • 3DoF only (no 6DoF)
  • No positional tracking
  • No onboard cameras
  • Not true AR (display glasses)
  • Limited AR functionality
  • Beam accessory extra cost
  • Phone dependent features
  • Screen-door effect visible[2]

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "Nreal Air Review". Tom's Hardware. https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/nreal-air.
  2. ↑ "Nreal Air Review". Tech Advisor. https://www.techadvisor.com/article/723317/nreal-air-review.html.
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