Xreal Air 2 Ultra
| Xreal Air 2 Ultra | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Augmented Reality |
| Type | AR Glasses |
| Subtype | Tethered AR |
| Platform | Nebula |
| Creator | Xreal |
| Developer | Xreal |
| Manufacturer | Xreal |
| Announcement Date | January 8, 2024 (CES 2024) |
| Release Date | March 2024 |
| Price | $699 |
| Website | https://www.xreal.com/air2ultra |
| Versions | Xreal Air 2 Ultra |
| Requires | USB-C compatible device (smartphone, tablet, or computer) |
| Predecessor | Xreal Air 2 Pro |
| System | |
| Operating System | Nebula (companion app) |
| Chipset | N/A (relies on connected device) |
| CPU | N/A |
| GPU | N/A |
| Storage | |
| Storage | N/A |
| Memory | N/A |
| SD Card Slot | No |
| Display | |
| Display | Dual Sony micro-OLED |
| Subpixel Layout | RGB |
| Peak Brightness | 500 nits |
| Resolution | 1920 × 1080 per eye (Full HD) |
| Pixel Density | 42 PPD |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
| Persistence | Low persistence |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 52° |
| Horizontal FoV | 46° |
| Vertical FoV | ~37° |
| Average Pixel Density | 42 PPD |
| Peak Pixel Density | 42 PPD |
| Foveated Rendering | No |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Birdbath optical system |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| IPD Range | Software adjustable |
| Adjustable Diopter | Via prescription lens inserts (sold separately) |
| Passthrough | Native see-through (optical) |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF (inside-out) |
| Tracking Frequency | 60Hz |
| Base Stations | None required |
| Eye Tracking | No |
| Face Tracking | No |
| Hand Tracking | Yes |
| Body Tracking | No |
| Rotational Tracking | Yes |
| Positional Tracking | Yes |
| Update Rate | 120Hz (display) |
| Tracking Volume | Room-scale |
| Play Space | Unlimited (see-through) |
| Latency | <4ms display latency |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Dual directional speakers |
| Microphone | Yes (dual microphones) |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | No |
| Camera | 2× 3D cameras for spatial tracking |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode) |
| Ports | USB-C |
| Wired Video | Yes (USB-C) |
| Wireless Video | Via Xreal Beam (sold separately) |
| WiFi | No (uses connected device) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Power | USB-C powered (from connected device) |
| Battery Capacity | N/A (powered by source device) |
| Battery Life | N/A |
| Charge Time | N/A |
| Device | |
| Dimensions | 148mm × 52mm × 160mm |
| Weight | 80g (glasses only) |
| Material | Titanium alloy frame |
| Headstrap | Glasses-style temples |
| Haptics | No |
| Color | Dark Gray |
| Sensors | 2× 3D cameras, IMU, ambient light sensor |
| Input | Hand tracking, connected device input, voice |
| Compliance | TÜV Rheinland certified (eye comfort, color accuracy, low blue light) |
| Size | Standard glasses form factor |
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The Xreal Air 2 Ultra is a pair of augmented reality glasses developed by Xreal (formerly Nreal), unveiled at CES 2024 on January 8, 2024, and released in March 2024 at a price of $699. Distinguished from the consumer-focused Air 2 and Air 2 Pro models, the Air 2 Ultra is specifically designed for developers and spatial computing enthusiasts, featuring dual 3D cameras that enable six degrees of freedom (6DoF) positional tracking and hand tracking capabilities not available in its siblings. Weighing just 80 grams thanks to its titanium alloy construction, the Air 2 Ultra brings true spatial AR experiences to a glasses-style form factor, earning comparisons to Apple Vision Pro at a fraction of the cost.
History and Development
Nreal Origins
Xreal was founded in 2017 under the name Nreal by Chi Xu, a former Magic Leap engineer. The company's mission was to create AR glasses that could be worn comfortably like regular eyewear while delivering meaningful augmented reality experiences. Early products like the Nreal Light targeted enterprise markets, but the company shifted toward consumer accessibility with the Air series.
Rebranding to Xreal
In 2023, the company rebranded from Nreal to Xreal, reflecting its expanded vision and growing product portfolio. The name change coincided with increased investment in spatial computing technologies and the development of more capable AR hardware.
Air Series Evolution
The Air series launched in 2022 as consumer-friendly AR glasses focused primarily on large-screen media consumption:
- Air: Original consumer glasses with basic 3DoF head tracking
- Air 2: Improved comfort and display brightness
- Air 2 Pro: Added electrochromic dimming for varied environments
- Air 2 Ultra: Developer-focused model with full spatial tracking
CES 2024 Announcement
Xreal unveiled the Air 2 Ultra at CES 2024, positioning it as a developer platform for spatial AR applications. The announcement emphasized the glasses' ability to enable true augmented reality experiences with room-scale tracking and hand interaction, capabilities previously reserved for bulkier devices like Microsoft HoloLens or Magic Leap.
Market Positioning
The Air 2 Ultra launched shortly after Apple announced Vision Pro, and Xreal marketing explicitly drew comparisons—offering "true spatial computing at a fraction of the cost." While the comparison was ambitious given the vast capability differences, it highlighted Xreal's strategy of democratizing AR technology.
Design Philosophy
Glasses Form Factor
The Air 2 Ultra maintains a form factor resembling ordinary sunglasses:
- Lightweight titanium alloy frame (80g total weight)
- Curved temples for comfortable wear
- No bulky headband or visor
- Discrete appearance compared to traditional AR headsets
Titanium Construction
The choice of titanium for the frame provides multiple benefits:
- High strength-to-weight ratio
- Corrosion resistance
- Premium feel and durability
- Flexibility for comfortable fit
Adjustable Fit System
Multiple adjustment options ensure proper fit:
- Three-position adjustable temples
- Three nose pad sizes included
- Balanced weight distribution
- Prescription lens insert compatibility
Electrochromic Dimming
Inherited from the Air 2 Pro, the front electrochromic layer offers:
- Three dimming levels
- Adaptation to different lighting conditions
- Enhanced immersion when desired
- Quick toggle between transparent and darkened states
Display Technology
Sony Micro-OLED Panels
The Air 2 Ultra utilizes the same display technology as its siblings:
- Panel Source: Sony micro-OLED
- Resolution: 1920 × 1080 per eye (Full HD)
- Pixel Density: 42 pixels per degree
- Refresh Rate: Up to 120Hz
- Brightness: 500 nits peak
Virtual Screen Size
The optical system creates large virtual displays:
- Equivalent to a 154-inch screen at 4 meters
- Suitable for productivity, gaming, and media consumption
- Sharp text rendering for extended work sessions
Color Accuracy and Certification
TÜV Rheinland certification confirms:
- Accurate color reproduction
- Eye comfort for extended use
- Low blue light emission
- Flicker-free operation
- ISO standard compliance for image quality
Spatial Tracking
6DoF Inside-Out Tracking
The Air 2 Ultra's key differentiator is full positional tracking:
- Six Degrees of Freedom: Translation and rotation in all axes
- Inside-Out Design: No external sensors or beacons required
- World Mapping: Creates spatial understanding of the environment
- Persistent Anchors: AR content can maintain position relative to real-world locations
Dual 3D Cameras
Two cameras—one on each side of the lenses—enable spatial capabilities:
- Stereo depth perception
- Environment mapping
- Hand tracking input
- Object recognition potential
Comparison to Air 2 and Air 2 Pro
The standard Air 2 models only offer 3DoF (rotation) tracking:
| Feature | Air 2 / Air 2 Pro | Air 2 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Rotational Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Positional Tracking | No | Yes |
| World Mapping | No | Yes |
| Hand Tracking | No | Yes |
| AR App Support | Limited | Full spatial AR |
Hand Tracking
Gesture-Based Interaction
The dual camera system enables hand tracking:
- Recognition of hand position and orientation
- Individual finger tracking
- Gesture recognition for input
- Direct manipulation of AR content
Supported Gestures
Applications can utilize various gestures:
- Pinch to select
- Point to indicate
- Grab to manipulate
- Swipe for navigation
Input and Interaction
Multiple Input Modes
Users can interact through several methods:
- Hand Tracking: Gesture-based spatial input
- Connected Device: Touch input from smartphone or computer
- Voice: Dual microphones for voice commands
- Xreal Beam: Optional controller accessory
Xreal Beam Compatibility
The optional Beam accessory adds:
- Wireless connectivity to more devices
- Built-in battery for extended use
- Additional input controls
- Expanded device compatibility
Audio System
Directional Speakers
Speakers integrated into the temples provide:
- Directional audio aimed at user's ears
- Privacy-focused sound projection
- Open design allows environmental awareness
- Spatial audio capability
Microphone Array
Dual microphones enable:
- Voice command input
- Video calls
- Voice memo recording
- Noise-aware audio processing
Connectivity
USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode
Primary connection method:
- Single cable for video and power
- Direct connection to compatible devices
- No charging required (powered by source)
Device Compatibility
Works with various devices:
- Android: Samsung Galaxy S22/S23 series and other USB-C DP compatible phones
- iOS: iPhone 15 and later (USB-C)
- Mac: MacBooks with USB-C
- Windows: USB-C equipped laptops and desktops
- Steam Deck: Gaming on the go
- PlayStation: With appropriate adapters
Nebula Software
The Nebula companion app unlocks full functionality:
- Spatial AR workspace on Android
- Multiple virtual screens
- AR application ecosystem
- 6DoF tracking utilization (Ultra only)
Use Cases
Developer Platform
The Air 2 Ultra is primarily positioned for developers:
- AR application development and testing
- Spatial computing experimentation
- Prototype demonstration
- SDK access for custom applications
Productivity
Multi-screen workspace applications:
- Virtual monitors in physical space
- Document comparison side-by-side
- Coding with expanded screen real estate
- Video conferencing with AR presence
Entertainment
Media consumption and gaming:
- Large-screen video viewing
- Mobile gaming on virtual big screen
- Cloud gaming (Xbox Game Pass, etc.)
- 3D content viewing
AR overlay applications:
- Turn-by-turn directions
- Information overlays
- Translation displays
- Contextual notifications
Prescription Lens Support
ZEISS Partnership
Xreal partners with ZEISS for prescription inserts:
- Custom prescription lenses available
- Magnetic attachment system
- Same optical quality as standard configuration
- Various prescription ranges supported
Comparison to Competitors
vs. Apple Vision Pro
| Feature | Xreal Air 2 Ultra | Apple Vision Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699 | $3,499 |
| Weight | 80g | 600g+ |
| Display | 1080p per eye | 3660×3200 per eye |
| FOV | 52° | ~100° |
| Tracking | 6DoF | 6DoF |
| Hand Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Eye Tracking | No | Yes |
| Standalone | No | Yes |
vs. Consumer AR Glasses
The Air 2 Ultra offers significantly more capability than basic AR glasses, bridging the gap between simple display glasses and full AR headsets.
Technical Specifications Summary
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | Dual Sony micro-OLED, 1920×1080 per eye |
| Refresh Rate | Up to 120Hz |
| Field of View | 52° |
| Pixel Density | 42 PPD |
| Tracking | 6DoF inside-out |
| Hand Tracking | Yes |
| Weight | 80g |
| Audio | Directional speakers, dual microphones |
| Connection | USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode |
| Certifications | TÜV Rheinland (eye comfort, color accuracy) |
| Price | $699 |