TCL RayNeo X2
The TCL RayNeo X2 is a standalone augmented reality smart glasses developed by TCL, unveiled at CES 2023 and released in May 2023. It is the world's first standalone binocular full-color Micro-LED optical waveguide AR glasses, featuring a built-in Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 processor that enables independent operation without a connected device. The glasses include AI translation, GPS navigation, and an AI assistant named "Grace" powered by ChatGPT.
| TCL RayNeo X2 | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Augmented Reality |
| Type | AR Glasses |
| Subtype | Standalone AR |
| Platform | RayNeo OS |
| Developer | TCL |
| Manufacturer | TCL |
| Announcement Date | January 2023 (CES 2023) |
| Release Date | May 2023 |
| Price | $850 USD |
| Website | https://www.rayneo.com/products/tcl-rayneo-x2 |
| System | |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 |
| Storage | |
| Storage | 128 GB |
| Memory | 6 GB RAM |
| Display | |
| Display | Binocular Micro-LED optical waveguide |
| Resolution | 640×480 per eye |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 25° |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Optical waveguide |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | SLAM, 6DoF |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Built-in speakers |
| Camera | 16 MP (front-facing) |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C |
| Device | |
| Weight | 120g |
| Color | Black |
History and Development
TCL unveiled the RayNeo X2 at CES 2023 in Las Vegas, positioning it as a groundbreaking advancement in consumer AR technology. The glasses were designed as a fully standalone device, differentiating them from display-only AR glasses like the Xreal Air series that require a connected phone or computer.[1]
The X2 began shipping to Indiegogo backers in May 2023, making it one of the first true standalone AR glasses in a traditional eyewear form factor.
Design and Hardware
Display Technology
The RayNeo X2 features pioneering binocular full-color Micro-LED optical waveguide displays—a first in consumer AR glasses. Key display specifications:
- 640×480 resolution per eye
- 1000 nits brightness (10× brighter than Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro)
- 100,000:1 contrast ratio
- 25° diagonal field of view
- Micro-LED embedded in frame, not lenses (compatible with prescription inserts)[2]
The 1000 nit brightness enables outdoor use on sunny days, a significant advantage over most AR/VR displays.
Processing
- Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 platform
- 6 GB RAM
- 128 GB internal storage
- Fully standalone operation (no phone required)
Camera
The X2 features a 16 MP front-facing camera, a significant upgrade from the dual 5 MP cameras on glasses like the Ray-Ban Meta. The camera is positioned at the center of the frame and is visible to observers.[3]
Build
At 120 grams, the X2 is heavier than traditional smart glasses (compared to 50g for Ray-Ban Meta) but lighter than most VR headsets. The design uses a bulkier frame to accommodate all the built-in technology.
Features
AI Assistant "Grace"
RayNeo includes an AI assistant named Grace, built on ChatGPT technology:
- Answers complex queries
- Identifies scenes and objects the user is looking at
- Contextual information overlay
Real-Time Translation
AI-powered translation system for multiple languages:
- Face-to-face conversation translation
- Automatic language detection
- Subtitles displayed on AR screen
Smart navigation system using:
- SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping)
- Gesture recognition for control
- AR overlay of nearby landmarks
- Walking/cycling directions[4]
Reception
Praise:
- First truly standalone AR glasses in glasses form factor
- Exceptional brightness (1000 nits) for outdoor use
- High contrast Micro-LED display
- Full standalone operation with Snapdragon XR2
- AI assistant and real-time translation
- Makes users "check their phone less"
Criticism:
- Very narrow 25° field of view ("cripples AR device viability")
- Low resolution (640×480)
- Bulky design compared to normal glasses
- Visible camera may raise privacy concerns
- High price ($850) for limited capabilities
- Some features need fine-tuning[5]
See Also
References
- ↑ "TCL Unveils Groundbreaking Augmented Reality Glasses at CES 2023". TCL. https://www.tcl.com/global/en/news/tcl-unveils-groundbreaking-augmented-reality-glasses-at-ces-2023.
- ↑ "RayNeo X2 Review: Are The First AR Glasses Any Good?". UploadVR. https://www.uploadvr.com/rayneo-x2-standalone-ar-glasses-review/.
- ↑ "TCL RayNeo X2 AR glasses unveiled at CES 2023". Dezeen. https://www.dezeen.com/2023/01/12/tcl-rayneo-x2-ar-glasses/.
- ↑ "RayNeo X2 AR Glasses Review: The Smart Glasses of the Future". XR Today. https://www.xrtoday.com/reviews/rayneo-x2-ar-glasses-review-the-smart-glasses-of-the-future/.
- ↑ "TCL RayNeo X2 review: A first step towards true AR glasses, but still work to do". XDA Developers. https://www.xda-developers.com/tcl-rayneo-x2-review/.
- ↑ "TCL's huge glasses remind us good AR is difficult". Engadget. https://www.engadget.com/tcl-rayneo-x2-ar-glasses-ces-2023-182523521.html.