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Nreal Light: Difference between revisions

From VR & AR Wiki
Improving page with detailed specifications, sections, and references
Improving page with detailed specifications, history, features, and references
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|image =
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|Type = [[AR Glasses]]
|Type = [[Smart glasses]]
|Subtype = [[Consumer AR]]
|Subtype = AR Glasses
|Platform = [[Nebula]] (Android)
|Platform = Android (Snapdragon 855+ phones)
|Developer = [[Nreal]] (now [[Xreal]])
|Creator = [[Nreal]]
|Manufacturer = [[Nreal]]
|Announced = CES 2019
|Release Date = August 2020
|Release = 2019
|Announcement Date = CES 2019
|Price = $499 (Consumer) / $1199 (Developer)
|Price = $599 USD
|Website = https://www.nreal.ai
|Website = https://www.xreal.com/
|OS = Host device dependent
|Successor = [[Xreal Air]]
|CPU = Host device dependent
|Display = Light guide optics
|GPU = Host device dependent
|Resolution = 1920x1080 per eye
|Storage =
|Refresh Rate = 60 Hz
|RAM =
|Field of View = 52° diagonal
|Display = Dual displays
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Resolution = 1920 x 1080 per eye (1080p)
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out, 2 cameras)
|Refresh = 60 Hz
|Audio = Integrated speakers
|Brightness =
|Weight = 106g
|FOV = 52° diagonal
|PPD =
|Lenses =
|IPD =
|Eye Tracking =
|Hand Tracking =
|Tracking = 6DoF (SLAM)
|Spatial Mapping = Yes
|Speakers = DTS Audio
|Microphone =
|Audio Jack =
|Connectivity = USB-C
|Ports = USB-C
|Battery = None (phone powered)
|Weight = 88g
|Materials =
|Colors =
|Sensors = Dual SLAM cameras, RGB camera
|Input = Phone touchscreen, Controller (dev kit)
}}
}}


The '''Nreal Light''' is a consumer [[augmented reality]] glasses device developed by [[Nreal]] (now [[Xreal]]), released August 2020 at $599. One of the first affordable consumer AR glasses, featuring dual 1920x1080 displays, 52° diagonal field of view, 6DoF inside-out tracking via SLAM algorithms, smartphone tethered operation, and lightweight 106g sunglasses form factor. Company rebranded to Xreal in 2023.
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>


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


Nreal unveiled the Light at CES 2019, releasing August 2020 in Korea, Japan, Germany, and Spain, later expanding to the US via Verizon. Founded by former Magic Leap engineer Chi Xu, Nreal aimed to deliver affordable consumer AR at a fraction of competitors' prices ($599 vs $2,000-$3,000). The glasses connect to Android smartphones for processing. Nreal rebranded as Xreal in 2023, with the Light succeeded by the Air series.<ref name="nreal">{{cite web |url=https://www.xreal.com/ |title=Xreal |publisher=Xreal |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
=== CES 2019 Debut ===
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>


== Design and Hardware ==
=== Qualcomm Partnership ===
Nreal announced a partnership with Qualcomm, ensuring compatibility with phones using Qualcomm's Snapdragon 855 processor, including:
* Black Shark 2
* Oppo Reno 5G
* LG ThinQ


=== Display ===
=== Developer and Consumer Editions ===
* '''Consumer Edition:''' $499 - connects directly to compatible smartphones
* '''Developer Edition:''' $1199 - includes handheld controller and external computing pack


Light guide optics:
== Design and Hardware ==
 
* '''1920x1080 per eye''' resolution
* '''Full HD''' dual displays
* '''60 Hz''' refresh rate
* '''52° diagonal FOV'''
* Mirror projection system
* Semitransparent lenses
* See-through AR


=== Tracking ===
=== Ultra-Lightweight Design ===
* '''Weight:''' 88 grams
* '''Style:''' Resembles fashionable sunglasses rather than bulky headsets


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


* '''6DoF tracking'''
=== Tracking System ===
* '''Inside-out tracking'''
* '''Tracking Type:''' 6DoF (six degrees of freedom)
* '''2 onboard cameras'''
* '''Technology:''' SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping)
* SLAM algorithms
* '''Cameras:''' Two forward-facing SLAM tracking cameras
* Position tracking
* '''RGB Camera:''' Located on right lens for world capture
* No external markers


=== Audio ===
=== Audio ===
DTS audio integrated into the glasses.


* '''Integrated speakers'''
== Connectivity ==
* Near-ear design
* Microphone included
 
=== Design ===


Sunglasses form factor:
=== Consumer Version ===
Connects via USB-C directly to compatible smartphones using Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 or later processors.


* '''106g weight'''
=== Developer Kit ===
* Lightweight design
Includes:
* Fashion-forward appearance
* Handheld controller
* Standard sunglasses look
* External computing pack (Compute Unit)
* Tinted lenses
* No smartphone required for development


=== Connectivity ===
=== 5G Compatibility ===
Designed to be 5G-compatible, future-proofing the device for next-generation mobile networks.


* '''USB-C tether'''
== Software Development ==
* Android smartphone required
* Compatible phone list
* Nebula app


== Compatible Devices ==
=== NRSDK ===
Nreal's SDK enables development using:
* Unity game engine
* Sample projects for quick onboarding
* Easy integration with existing applications


* Select Android phones
== Compatible Phones ==
* USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode
* Qualcomm Snapdragon 845+
* Samsung, LG, Sony, etc.


== Software ==
Requires Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 or newer:
* Samsung Galaxy S10 5G and later
* OnePlus 7 Pro and later
* LG V50 ThinQ
* Various 5G Android smartphones


=== Nebula ===
== Specifications ==
 
* AR environment launcher
* Virtual screens
* 3D content
* AR applications
 
=== Use Cases ===
 
* '''Virtual displays'''
* '''Video viewing'''
* '''AR gaming'''
* '''Productivity'''
 
== Technical Specifications ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 105: Line 113:
! Specification !! Details
! Specification !! Details
|-
|-
| Display || 1920x1080 per eye
| Weight || 88g
|-
| Display || 1920 x 1080 per eye
|-
|-
| Refresh Rate || 60 Hz
| Refresh Rate || 60 Hz
|-
|-
| FOV || 52° diagonal
| Field of View || 52°
|-
|-
| Tracking || 6DoF (inside-out)
| Tracking || 6DoF SLAM
|-
|-
| Cameras || 2
| Connectivity || USB-C
|-
|-
| Weight || 106g
| Audio || DTS integrated
|-
|-
| Connection || USB-C (tethered)
| Price || $499 (Consumer) / $1199 (Developer)
|-
| Price || $599
|}
|}


== Reception ==
== Product Evolution ==
 
'''Praise:'''
* $599 affordable for AR
* 106g lightweight
* Sunglasses form factor
* Fashion-forward design
* 6DoF tracking
* Position awareness
* Virtual screens useful
* First real consumer AR


'''Criticism:'''
Nreal (later rebranded to XREAL) continued developing AR glasses:
* 52° FOV narrow
* [[Nreal Air]]
* Phone compatibility limited
* [[XREAL Air 2]]
* Tethered operation
* [[XREAL One]]
* Android only
* [[XREAL One Pro]]
* Display brightness limited
* Tracking occasionally unstable
* App ecosystem small
* Competition emerged<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>


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Xreal Air]]
* [[Nreal]]
* [[Xreal Air 2]]
* [[XREAL]]
* [[Rokid Max]]
* [[Nreal Air]]
* [[Magic Leap One]]
* [[Augmented reality glasses]]
* [[SLAM]]
* [[Smart glasses]]


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Augmented Reality Devices]]
[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:Consumer AR]]
[[Category:Smart glasses]]
[[Category:Xreal]]
[[Category:Augmented reality]]
[[Category:Nreal]]
[[Category:Nreal]]
[[Category:2020 in technology]]
[[Category:XREAL]]
[[Category:6DoF tracking]]
[[Category:2010s AR]]

Revision as of 22:12, 7 January 2026

Nreal Light
Basic Info
VR/AR Augmented Reality
Type Smart glasses
Subtype AR Glasses
Platform Android (Snapdragon 855+ phones)
Creator Nreal
Price $499 (Consumer) / $1199 (Developer)
Website https://www.nreal.ai
System
CPU Host device dependent
GPU Host device dependent
Storage
Display
Display Dual displays
Resolution 1920 x 1080 per eye (1080p)
Image
Optics
Tracking
Tracking 6DoF (SLAM)
Audio
Connectivity
Connectivity USB-C
Ports USB-C
Device
Weight 88g
Sensors Dual SLAM cameras, RGB camera
Input Phone touchscreen, Controller (dev kit)


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.[1]

History and Development

CES 2019 Debut

Nreal captured significant attention at CES 2019 by revealing AR glasses that were light, fashionable, and affordable compared to enterprise-focused competitors.[2]

Qualcomm Partnership

Nreal announced a partnership with Qualcomm, ensuring compatibility with phones using Qualcomm's Snapdragon 855 processor, including:

  • Black Shark 2
  • Oppo Reno 5G
  • LG ThinQ

Developer and Consumer Editions

  • Consumer Edition: $499 - connects directly to compatible smartphones
  • Developer Edition: $1199 - includes handheld controller and external computing pack

Design and Hardware

Ultra-Lightweight Design

  • Weight: 88 grams
  • Style: Resembles fashionable sunglasses rather than bulky headsets

Display System

  • Resolution: 1920 x 1080 per eye (Full HD)
  • Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
  • Field of View: 52 degrees diagonal

Tracking System

  • Tracking Type: 6DoF (six degrees of freedom)
  • Technology: SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping)
  • Cameras: Two forward-facing SLAM tracking cameras
  • RGB Camera: Located on right lens for world capture

Audio

DTS audio integrated into the glasses.

Connectivity

Consumer Version

Connects via USB-C directly to compatible smartphones using Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 or later processors.

Developer Kit

Includes:

  • Handheld controller
  • External computing pack (Compute Unit)
  • No smartphone required for development

5G Compatibility

Designed to be 5G-compatible, future-proofing the device for next-generation mobile networks.

Software Development

NRSDK

Nreal's SDK enables development using:

  • Unity game engine
  • Sample projects for quick onboarding
  • Easy integration with existing applications

Compatible Phones

Requires Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 or newer:

  • Samsung Galaxy S10 5G and later
  • OnePlus 7 Pro and later
  • LG V50 ThinQ
  • Various 5G Android smartphones

Specifications

Specification Details
Weight 88g
Display 1920 x 1080 per eye
Refresh Rate 60 Hz
Field of View 52°
Tracking 6DoF SLAM
Connectivity USB-C
Audio DTS integrated
Price $499 (Consumer) / $1199 (Developer)

Product Evolution

Nreal (later rebranded to XREAL) continued developing AR glasses:

See Also

References