Xreal Air 2 Ultra
The XREAL Air 2 Ultra is a consumer augmented reality smart glasses with spatial computing capabilities, developed by XREAL and announced at CES 2024 in Las Vegas. Released in March 2024 at $699, it is the first XREAL glasses to feature true 6DoF spatial tracking via dual 3D environment sensors with computer vision, enabling spatial computing experiences previously only available on devices like the Apple Vision Pro. The Air 2 Ultra adds hand tracking, electrochromic dimming, and a wider 52° field of view to the Air 2 platform.
| Xreal Air 2 Ultra | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Augmented Reality |
| Type | AR Glasses |
| Subtype | Smart Glasses, Spatial Computing |
| Platform | XREAL, Nebula |
| Developer | XREAL |
| Manufacturer | XREAL |
| Announcement Date | January 2024 (CES 2024) |
| Release Date | March 2024 |
| Price | $699 USD |
| Website | https://www.xreal.com/air2ultra |
| Predecessor | Xreal Air 2 Pro |
| Successor | Xreal One Pro |
| System | |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | 2× Sony 0.55" Micro-OLED |
| Resolution | 1920×1080 per eye (Full HD) |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 52° |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Birdbath |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF (dual 3D environment sensors) |
| Eye Tracking | No |
| Hand Tracking | Yes |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Directional speakers, dual microphones |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode) |
| Device | |
| Weight | 80g |
| Color | Gray |
History and Development
XREAL unveiled the Air 2 Ultra at CES 2024 on January 7, 2024, positioning it as "the world's most advanced lightweight spatial computing glasses for developers." The device was marketed as an affordable alternative to the Apple Vision Pro ($3,499) and Meta Quest 3, offering similar spatial computing capabilities at a fraction of the price.[1]
Shipping began in March 2024 alongside the Unity-based NRSDK 2.2, which provides developers with improved hand tracking, gesture recognition, spatial anchors, and depth mesh capabilities. The device was initially focused on developers before broader consumer availability.[2]
Design and Hardware
Display
The Air 2 Ultra uses Sony Micro-OLED panels with enhanced specifications:
- Dual Sony 0.55-inch Micro-OLED displays
- 1920×1080 resolution per eye (Full HD)
- 52° field of view (widest in Air 2 series)
- 42 pixels per degree (PPD)
- 120 Hz refresh rate
- 500 nits peak brightness
- 154-inch virtual screen equivalent at 13 feet
- Birdbath optical system[3]
Build
- 80 grams total weight
- Titanium frame for durability and premium feel
- Wayfarer-style design
- Fashion-forward aesthetic
Electrochromic Dimming
Three-level electrochromic glass technology:
- Transparent mode for AR overlay
- Semi-dark for mixed environments
- Fully dark for immersive viewing
- Instant switching via button
Audio
- Directional speaker technology
- Improved audio privacy
- Dual microphones for voice interaction
- Voice command support
Spatial Computing Features
6DoF Tracking
The defining feature differentiating the Ultra from other Air models:
- 6 Degrees of Freedom: Full positional and rotational tracking
- Dual 3D environment sensors with computer vision
- Spatial awareness of surroundings
- Tracks physical movements in space
- Maps virtual objects to real-world positions
- Depth and light sensors for environment understanding
Hand Tracking
- Gesture recognition
- Natural hand interaction
- Sort through virtual environments
- No controller required for basic interactions
Spatial Anchors
- Pin virtual objects to real-world locations
- Persistent spatial content
- Developer access via NRSDK 2.2
Depth Mesh
- 3D environment mapping
- Occlusion support
- Enhanced mixed reality experiences
Developer Features
NRSDK 2.2
Unity-based development kit launched alongside device:
- Hand tracking APIs
- Gesture recognition
- Spatial anchors system
- Depth mesh capabilities
- Computer vision access
Use Cases
- Virtual video calls and meetings
- Spatial productivity applications
- Gaming and entertainment
- AR content creation
- Mixed reality experiences
Connectivity
Requires external computing device via USB-C:
- Smartphones: Samsung Android phones, iPhone 15+
- Computers: Mac and Windows laptops
- Accessories: XREAL Beam module
- USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode required
Comparison with Air 2 Series
| Feature | Air 2 | Air 2 Pro | Air 2 Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $449 | $699 |
| Tracking | 3DoF | 3DoF | 6DoF |
| Hand Tracking | No | No | Yes |
| Field of View | 46° | 46° | 52° |
| Electrochromic | No | Yes (3 levels) | Yes (3 levels) |
| Weight | 72g | 75g | 80g |
| Frame | Plastic | Plastic | Titanium |
Reception
Praise:
- "Apple Vision Pro's worst nightmare" - Tom's Guide
- Affordable spatial computing at $699 (vs $3,499 Vision Pro)
- True 6DoF tracking in lightweight glasses form factor
- Hand tracking and gesture recognition
- Wider 52° field of view
- Premium titanium frame
- Electrochromic dimming
- Strong developer SDK support
- 120 Hz refresh rate
Criticism:
- Still requires tethered connection
- 52° FOV still narrower than VR headsets
- Focused initially on developers, not consumers
- Limited spatial computing app ecosystem
- 42 PPD lower than Air 2's 49 PPD
- Heavier at 80g than standard Air 2[4]
See Also
References
- ↑ "XREAL's new AR glasses are Apple Vision Pro's worst nightmare — true spatial computing at a fraction of the cost". Tom's Guide. https://www.tomsguide.com/news/xreal-air-2-ultra-ces-2024.
- ↑ "XREAL Jump-Starts the Future of Affordable, Full-Featured Spatial Computing". PR Newswire. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/xreal-jump-starts-the-future-of-affordable-full-featured-spatial-computing-announces-xreal-air-2-ultra-ar-glasses-302027771.html.
- ↑ "XREAL Air 2 Ultra AR glasses bring full-featured spatial computing". Android Headlines. https://www.androidheadlines.com/2024/01/xreal-air-2-ultra-ar-glasses-spatial-computing.html.
- ↑ "XReal Air 2 Ultra Review: An Apple Vision Pro Competitor?". XR Today. https://www.xrtoday.com/reviews/xreal-air-2-ultra-review-an-apple-vision-pro-competitor/.
- ↑ "XREAL Air 2 Ultra hands-on: Convincing me and turning my partner into a Minecraft addict". Windows Central. https://www.windowscentral.com/accessories/wearable-tech/xreal-air-2-ultra-hands-on-gdc-2024.