ThinkReality A3
The Lenovo ThinkReality A3 is an enterprise smart glasses device developed by Lenovo, announced at CES on January 10, 2021 and released mid-2021. Described as "one of the most advanced and versatile enterprise smart glasses to come to market," the A3 features stereoscopic 1080p displays capable of presenting up to 5 virtual monitors, Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1 processing, 6DoF room-scale tracking, and ANSI Z87.1 safety-rated lenses. The glasses tether to compatible Windows PCs or select Motorola smartphones via USB-C, offering solutions for remote assistance, guided workflows, and 3D visualization in enterprise environments.
| ThinkReality A3 | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Augmented Reality |
| Type | AR Glasses |
| Subtype | Smart Glasses, Enterprise AR |
| Platform | ThinkReality |
| Developer | Lenovo |
| Manufacturer | Lenovo |
| Announcement Date | January 10, 2021 (CES) |
| Release Date | Mid-2021 |
| Price | ~$1,499 USD |
| Website | https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/thinkrealitya3/ |
| System | |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1 |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | 2× LCD |
| Resolution | 1920×1080 per eye (stereoscopic) |
| Image | |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Birdbath |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF (dual fisheye cameras) |
| Eye Tracking | No |
| Hand Tracking | No |
| Audio | |
| Camera | 8 MP RGB (1080p video) |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | USB-C (tethered to PC or Motorola phone) |
| Device | |
| Weight | 130g |
History and Development
Lenovo announced the ThinkReality A3 at CES 2021 as part of their ThinkReality enterprise XR platform. The glasses built on Lenovo's earlier AR work and represented their most advanced smart glasses offering. Two editions were developed: a PC Edition for knowledge workers and an Industrial Edition paired with Motorola smartphones for field workers.[1]
Design and Hardware
Display
Stereoscopic display system:
- Dual LCD panels
- 1920×1080 resolution per eye (stereoscopic)
- Up to 5 virtual displays simultaneously
- Full HD visual quality
- Birdbath optics (similar to Nreal Light)
Optics
- Birdbath-style optical system
- Spherical mirror/combiner design
- Cost-effective manufacturing
- Less bright than waveguide alternatives
- Adequate for indoor enterprise use
Processing
- Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1 platform
- High-quality AR performance
- Optimized for enterprise workloads
Tracking
Room-scale spatial tracking:
- Dual fisheye cameras
- 6 Degrees of Freedom (6DoF)
- Room-scale tracking capability
- Secure head fitting
Camera
- 8 MP RGB camera
- 1080p video recording
- Designed for remote expert use cases
- Documentation and communication
Safety
Industrial-grade protection:
- ANSI Z87.1 certified safety lenses
- Eye protection compliant
- Suitable for factory environments
- Impact-resistant design
Build
- 130g weight (0.3 lbs)
- Comfortable for extended wear
- Customizable fit
- Secure head mounting
Editions
PC Edition
Tethers to compatible Windows laptops:
- ThinkPad P1 (Gens 2, 3, 4)
- ThinkPad P15 Gen 1
- ThinkPad P17 (Gens 1, 2)
- ThinkPad P53
- ThinkPad X1 Gen 4
- ThinkPad T15g (Gens 1, 2)
Use cases:
- Virtual multi-monitor workspace
- Work from anywhere
- Private expanded display
Industrial Edition
Tethers to select Motorola smartphones:
- Hands-free AR tasks
- Complex work environments
- ThinkReality platform integration
- Commercial application deployment
Enterprise Features
ThinkReality Platform
- Build, deploy, manage MR applications
- Global-scale deployment
- Certified turnkey applications
- Remote assistance tools
- Guided workflow support
- 3D visualization
Use Cases
- Manufacturing: Guided assembly, schematics
- Remote assistance: Expert collaboration
- Field service: Hands-free procedures
- Retail/Hospitality: Customer service
- Laboratories: Research workflows
- Training: Interactive learning
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | Stereoscopic 1080p per eye |
| Virtual Monitors | Up to 5 |
| Processor | Snapdragon XR1 |
| Tracking | 6DoF (dual fisheye) |
| Camera | 8 MP RGB |
| Weight | 130g |
| Safety | ANSI Z87.1 |
| Connection | USB-C (tethered) |
Reception
Praise:
- Lightweight at 130g
- Stereoscopic 1080p displays
- Up to 5 virtual monitors
- ANSI Z87.1 safety certification
- 6DoF room-scale tracking
- Versatile PC and Industrial editions
- ThinkReality platform integration
- 8MP camera for remote expert use
- Comfortable extended wear
- Enterprise-focused design
Criticism:
- Tethered operation required (no standalone)
- Limited compatible PC models
- Birdbath optics less bright than waveguides
- No eye or hand tracking
- Enterprise-only—no consumer availability
- Motorola-only smartphone support[2]
See Also
References
- ↑ "Lenovo Introduces the ThinkReality A3 — The Most Versatile Smart Glasses Ever Designed for the Enterprise". Lenovo. https://news.lenovo.com/pressroom/press-releases/thinkreality-a3-most-versatile-smart-glasses-ever-designed-for-the-enterprise/.
- ↑ "Lenovo ThinkReality A3 Review: Enticing Enterprise AR". XR Today. https://www.xrtoday.com/reviews/lenovo-thinkreality-a3-review-enticing-enterprise-ar/.
- ↑ "Lenovo Reveals ThinkReality A3 Lightweight AR Glasses for Enterprise". Road to VR. https://www.roadtovr.com/lenovo-thinkreality-a3-ar-smart-glasses/.