Nreal Air
| Nreal Air | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Augmented Reality |
| Type | AR Glasses |
| Subtype | Consumer AR |
| Platform | Nebula app, host device dependent |
| Creator | Nreal (now XREAL) |
| Developer | Nreal |
| Manufacturer | Nreal |
| Announcement Date | September 2021 |
| Release Date | March 4, 2022 |
| Price | $379 |
| Website | https://www.xreal.com/ |
| Versions | Nreal Air |
| Requires | Compatible smartphone, PC, or gaming device |
| Predecessor | Nreal Light |
| Successor | XREAL Air 2 |
| System | |
| Operating System | Host device dependent |
| Chipset | N/A (display glasses) |
| CPU | N/A (host device) |
| GPU | N/A (host device) |
| Storage | |
| Storage | N/A (host device) |
| Memory | N/A (host device) |
| SD Card Slot | No |
| Display | |
| Display | Dual Micro-OLED |
| Subpixel Layout | RGB stripe |
| Peak Brightness | 400 nits |
| Resolution | 1920 × 1080 per eye (Full HD) |
| Pixel Density | 49 PPD |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz (up to 90Hz capable) |
| Persistence | Low persistence |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 46° |
| Horizontal FoV | ~46° |
| Vertical FoV | ~25° |
| Average Pixel Density | 49 PPD |
| Peak Pixel Density | 49 PPD |
| Foveated Rendering | No |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Birdbath (reflective waveguide) |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| IPD Range | 56-72mm (software adjustable) |
| Adjustable Diopter | No (prescription lens inserts available) |
| Passthrough | Native see-through (AR glasses) |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 3DoF (IMU) |
| Tracking Frequency | N/A |
| Base Stations | None |
| Eye Tracking | No |
| Face Tracking | No |
| Hand Tracking | No |
| Body Tracking | No |
| Rotational Tracking | Yes |
| Positional Tracking | No |
| Update Rate | 60Hz |
| Tracking Volume | N/A |
| Play Space | Head-locked display |
| Latency | <50ms |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Integrated directional speakers |
| Microphone | Yes (dual) |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | No |
| Camera | No |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode) |
| Ports | USB-C |
| Wired Video | Yes (USB-C DP Alt) |
| Wireless Video | No |
| WiFi | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Power | Powered by host device (USB-C) |
| Battery Capacity | N/A |
| Battery Life | N/A (host powered) |
| Charge Time | N/A |
| Device | |
| Dimensions | 148mm × 52mm × 159mm |
| Weight | 79g |
| Material | Plastic, polycarbonate |
| Headstrap | None (glasses temples) |
| Haptics | No |
| Color | Black |
| Sensors | IMU (accelerometer, gyroscope) |
| Input | Host device controls |
| Compliance | FCC, CE |
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The Nreal Air is a consumer-focused pair of AR glasses developed by Nreal (now rebranded as XREAL), announced in September 2021 and released on March 4, 2022, at a price of $379. Designed as a more affordable and lightweight successor to the Nreal Light, the Nreal Air prioritizes media consumption and personal entertainment, featuring dual 1080p Micro-OLED displays capable of projecting up to a 201-inch equivalent virtual screen at 6 meters viewing distance. At just 79 grams—lighter than many traditional sunglasses—the Nreal Air represents a significant step toward socially acceptable AR eyewear, resembling oversized sunglasses rather than a tech-forward headset. With 49 pixels per degree clarity, 46° field of view, and simple USB-C connectivity to compatible smartphones, gaming devices, and computers, the Nreal Air targets users seeking a private, immersive display experience for streaming, gaming, and productivity without the bulk of traditional VR headsets.
History and Development
Nreal Company Background
Startup origins:
- Founded 2017
- Magic Leap veterans
- Consumer AR focus
- Lightweight glasses goal
Nreal Light Foundation
First product:
- 2019 developer release
- 106 gram weight
- 6DoF tracking
- Enterprise partnerships
Simplified Consumer Focus
Nreal Air direction:
- Lighter weight (79g)
- Lower price ($379)
- Media consumption focus
- Simplified features
September 2021 Announcement
Product reveal:
- Consumer positioning
- Sunglasses form factor
- Micro-OLED displays
- Spring 2022 availability
March 2022 Launch
Commercial release:
- $379 price point
- Multiple region rollout
- Consumer channel
- Strong reception
Design Philosophy
Sunglasses Form Factor
Social acceptability:
- Looks like sunglasses
- 79 gram weight
- Wearable in public
- Fashion-conscious design
Media First
Entertainment focus:
- 201" virtual screen
- Streaming optimized
- Gaming compatible
- Productivity capable
Simple Connectivity
Easy setup:
- Single USB-C cable
- Phone, PC, or console
- Plug and play
- No separate compute
Affordable AR
Consumer pricing:
- $379 price point
- Accessible technology
- Mass market target
- Entry-level AR
Display Technology
Dual Micro-OLED
High-quality panels:
- Resolution: 1920 × 1080 per eye
- Type: Micro-OLED
- Brightness: 400 nits
- PPD: 49 pixels per degree
Visual Experience
Impressive quality:
- Full HD per eye
- Vibrant colors
- Deep blacks (OLED)
- Sharp text
Virtual Screen Size
Immersive viewing:
- Up to 201" equivalent
- 6m viewing distance
- Private theater experience
- Adjustable positioning
Refresh Rate
Smooth display:
- 60Hz standard
- Up to 90Hz capable
- Adequate for media
- Gaming acceptable
Field of View
46° Diagonal FOV
Focused viewing:
- Centered content
- Not immersive VR-style
- Adequate for media
- Private viewing
Optical System
Birdbath Optics
Reflective design:
- Waveguide-based
- Good image quality
- Compact size
- Lightweight
IPD Adjustment
Software-based:
- Range: 56-72mm
- Software adjustment
- Wide accommodation
- Easy setup
Prescription Options
Vision correction:
- Lens inserts available
- Custom diopter
- Third-party solutions
- Glasses-free use
Tracking
3DoF IMU Tracking
Basic orientation:
- Head rotation only
- No positional tracking
- IMU-based
- Display stabilization
Air Casting Mode
Display mode:
- Head-locked display
- Fixed virtual screen
- Simple operation
- Primary use case
Nebula 3DoF Mode
AR capability:
- Spatial anchoring
- Limited AR features
- Android only
- Extended functionality
Connectivity
USB-C DisplayPort
Primary connection:
- USB-C cable only
- DisplayPort Alt Mode
- Power from host
- Single cable solution
Device Compatibility
Wide support:
- Android smartphones (select models)
- Windows PCs
- Mac (M1/M2)
- Steam Deck
Gaming Devices
Console connection:
- Nintendo Switch (direct)
- Xbox (with adapter)
- PlayStation (with adapter)
- HDMI adapter required
Nreal Adapter
Optional accessory:
- HDMI input
- iOS compatibility
- Console support
- $59 add-on
Audio System
Directional Speakers
Built-in audio:
- Temple-integrated
- Directional output
- Private listening
- Environmental awareness
Audio Quality
Capable speakers:
- Reasonable quality
- Movie watching
- Gaming audio
- Communication
Dual Microphones
Voice capture:
- Communication calls
- Voice commands
- Recording
- Clear capture
Physical Design
Sunglasses Style
Fashionable appearance:
- Oversized sunglasses look
- Black frame
- Tinted lenses
- Public wearable
Ultra-Lightweight
Exceptional comfort:
- Weight: 79g
- Lighter than predecessor (106g)
- All-day wearable
- No pressure points
Build Quality
Consumer grade:
- Plastic construction
- Polycarbonate lenses
- Flexible temples
- Durable design
Included Accessories
Box contents:
- USB-C cable
- Lens covers
- Carrying case
- Nose pads
Software
Nebula App
Android companion:
- 3DoF AR mode
- Multi-window support
- App ecosystem
- Screen mirroring
MR Space
Extended features:
- Multiple virtual screens
- Productivity mode
- AR environment
- Android exclusive
Basic Display Mode
Universal function:
- Mirror display
- No app required
- Any DP Alt device
- Simple operation
Use Cases
Personal Cinema
Entertainment viewing:
- Movie streaming
- TV shows
- Private viewing
- Travel entertainment
Gaming
Portable gaming:
- Steam Deck display
- Nintendo Switch display
- Console gaming
- PC gaming
Productivity
Work applications:
- Multi-monitor simulation
- Document viewing
- Presentations
- Private working
Travel
Portable entertainment:
- Airplane viewing
- Hotel room theater
- Compact travel
- Lightweight carry
Comparison with Competitors
| Feature | Nreal Air | Rokid Air | TCL Nxtwear G |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $379 | $449 | $299 |
| Resolution | 1920×1080 | 1920×1080 | 1920×1080 |
| Display Type | Micro-OLED | Micro-OLED | Micro-OLED |
| FOV | 46° | 43° | 45° |
| Weight | 79g | 83g | 130g |
| PPD | 49 | 55 | 49 |
| AR Mode | 3DoF | 3DoF | No |
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
- Ultra-lightweight (79g)
- High-quality Micro-OLED displays
- 49 PPD sharp visuals
- Simple USB-C connectivity
- Affordable ($379)
- Wide device compatibility
- Sunglasses form factor
Limitations
- No positional tracking (3DoF only)
- Limited FOV (46°)
- Requires compatible host device
- No built-in spatial audio
- Android-exclusive AR features
- Adapter needed for some devices
- No cameras for mixed reality
Technical Specifications Summary
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | Dual Micro-OLED, 1920 × 1080 per eye |
| PPD | 49 pixels per degree |
| FOV | 46° |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz (up to 90Hz) |
| Tracking | 3DoF (IMU) |
| Connection | USB-C (DP Alt Mode) |
| Audio | Directional speakers, dual mics |
| Weight | 79g |
| Price | $379 |