ThinkReality A3
The Lenovo ThinkReality A3 is an enterprise augmented reality smart glasses device developed by Lenovo, announced January 10, 2021 at CES and released mid-2021. Versatile enterprise AR glasses featuring stereoscopic 1080p displays, Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1 processor, 6DoF tracking, up to 5 virtual displays, 8MP camera for remote assistance, ANSI Z87.1 safety certification, and 130g lightweight design. Available in PC Edition and Industrial Edition configurations.
| ThinkReality A3 | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Augmented Reality |
| Type | AR Glasses |
| Subtype | Enterprise AR |
| Platform | ThinkReality Platform |
| Developer | Lenovo |
| Manufacturer | Lenovo |
| Announcement Date | January 10, 2021 (CES) |
| Release Date | Mid-2021 |
| Price | Enterprise pricing |
| Website | https://www.lenovo.com/thinkrealitya3/ |
| Predecessor | Lenovo ThinkReality A6 |
| System | |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1 |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | Stereoscopic 1080p (birdbath optics) |
| Resolution | 1920x1080 per eye |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 50° |
| Optics | |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF (inside-out) |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Integrated speakers + 3 microphones |
| Connectivity | |
| Device | |
| Weight | 130g |
History and Development
Lenovo announced the ThinkReality A3 at CES on January 10, 2021, with availability beginning mid-2021 in select markets worldwide. Part of Lenovo's ThinkReality portfolio, the A3 targets enterprise digital transformation with two editions: PC Edition for virtual monitor workflows and Industrial Edition for hands-free field work. The design emphasizes versatility, safety compliance, and integration with Lenovo's enterprise ecosystem.[1]
Design and Hardware
Display
Birdbath optics:
- 1920x1080 per eye resolution
- Stereoscopic 1080p
- Up to 5 virtual displays
- Birdbath optical system
- Similar to Nreal Light optics
Processing
- Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1
- AR-optimized platform
- Tethered processing
- PC or smartphone host
Tracking
- 6DoF tracking
- Room-scale capable
- Dual fish-eye cameras
- Inside-out tracking
Cameras
- 8MP RGB camera
- 1080p video capture
- Remote assistance capable
- Documentation features
Audio
- Integrated speakers
- 3 microphones
- Collaboration-ready
- Noise handling
Safety
- ANSI Z87.1 compliant
- Impact-resistant lenses
- Side shields included
- Dust/debris protection
- Enterprise safety standards
Comfort
- 130g weight
- Ergonomic kit included
- Adjustable nosepiece
- Ear horn extensions
- Extended wear design
Editions
PC Edition
Virtual monitor use case:
- Tethers to PC/laptop
- Virtual monitors
- Up to 5 displays
- Windows 11 compatible
- ThinkPad integration
- P Series workstations
- T14s, X1 Carbon compatible
Industrial Edition
Field work applications:
- Tethers to Motorola smartphones
- Hands-free operation
- Software license required
- Certified applications
- Remote assistance
- Workflow guidance
- Training support
- 3D visualization
Enterprise Applications
Use Cases
- Remote expert assistance
- Workflow guidance
- Training simulation
- 3D visualization
- Manufacturing support
- Logistics operations
- Field service
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 1920x1080 per eye |
| Virtual Displays | Up to 5 |
| FOV | ~50° |
| Processor | Snapdragon XR1 |
| Tracking | 6DoF (inside-out) |
| Camera | 8MP RGB + fish-eye |
| Microphones | 3 |
| Weight | 130g |
| Safety | ANSI Z87.1 |
Reception
Praise:
- 130g lightweight
- Stereoscopic 1080p
- 5 virtual displays
- Safety certified
- Ergonomic design
- PC and mobile editions
- Enterprise integration
- ThinkReality ecosystem
- Remote assistance capable
Criticism:
- Enterprise-only focus
- Tethered required
- Limited consumer appeal
- Software licensing costs
- Phone compatibility limited
- FOV modest
- Competition from HoloLens
- Magic Leap alternatives[2]