Xreal Air
| Xreal Air | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Augmented Reality |
| Type | AR Glasses |
| Subtype | Consumer AR |
| Platform | Nebula (Xreal software) |
| Creator | Xreal (formerly Nreal) |
| Developer | Xreal |
| Manufacturer | Xreal |
| Announcement Date | 2022 |
| Release Date | 2022 |
| Price | $379 (launch), $299 (current) |
| Website | https://www.xreal.com/ |
| Versions | Xreal Air, Xreal Air 2, Xreal Air 2 Pro, Xreal Air 2 Ultra |
| Requires | Compatible smartphone, PC, or gaming console |
| Predecessor | Nreal Light |
| Successor | Xreal Air 2 |
| System | |
| Operating System | Works with Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, gaming consoles |
| Chipset | N/A (display device) |
| CPU | N/A (display device) |
| GPU | N/A (display device) |
| Storage | |
| Storage | N/A |
| Memory | N/A |
| SD Card Slot | No |
| Display | |
| Display | Dual micro-OLED |
| Subpixel Layout | RGB stripe |
| Peak Brightness | 400 nits |
| Resolution | 1920 × 1080 per eye (1080p) |
| Pixel Density | ~49 PPD |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| 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 waveguide |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| IPD Range | Fixed (~65mm) |
| Adjustable Diopter | No (prescription lens inserts available) |
| Passthrough | Native see-through (AR glasses) |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 3DoF (with Nebula app) |
| Tracking Frequency | N/A |
| Base Stations | None required |
| Eye Tracking | No |
| Face Tracking | No |
| Hand Tracking | No |
| Body Tracking | No |
| Rotational Tracking | Yes (with software) |
| Positional Tracking | No |
| Update Rate | 60Hz |
| Tracking Volume | N/A |
| Play Space | Personal/seated |
| Latency | <50ms |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Dual 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) |
| Wireless Video | Via Xreal Beam (accessory) |
| WiFi | No (in glasses) |
| Bluetooth | No (in glasses) |
| Power | Powered by host device |
| Battery Capacity | N/A (powered by source) |
| Battery Life | N/A |
| Charge Time | N/A |
| Device | |
| Dimensions | Sunglasses form factor |
| Weight | 79g |
| Material | Plastic, polycarbonate |
| Headstrap | None (glasses temples) |
| Haptics | No |
| Color | Black |
| Sensors | IMU (accelerometer, gyroscope) |
| Input | Host device input |
| Compliance | FCC, CE |
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The Xreal Air (originally branded as Nreal Air) is a pair of consumer AR glasses developed by Xreal (formerly Nreal), released in 2022 at a launch price of approximately $379. Unlike traditional AR headsets that project virtual objects into the real world, the Xreal Air functions primarily as a personal display device, projecting a virtual screen equivalent to a 130-inch display at 4 meters onto the user's field of view through birdbath optics and dual micro-OLED displays. Weighing just 79 grams in a sunglasses form factor, the Air connects via USB-C to compatible smartphones, PCs, gaming consoles, and other devices, making it a portable personal cinema and productivity display. The Xreal Air represents the growing category of "smart glasses" that prioritize display functionality over complex AR world-tracking.
History and Development
Nreal Origins
Company background:
- Founded in 2017 in Beijing
- Originally "Nreal"
- Focused on consumer AR
- Enterprise and consumer products
Nreal Light (Predecessor)
Earlier product:
- More AR-focused
- Developer/enterprise target
- 6DoF tracking (with phone)
- Higher price point
Rebranding to Xreal
2023 name change:
- Nreal → Xreal
- Global brand positioning
- Consumer focus
- Continued development
Air Product Line
Display-first approach:
- Xreal Air (2022)
- Xreal Air 2 (2023)
- Xreal Air 2 Pro (2023)
- Xreal Air 2 Ultra (2024)
Design Philosophy
Personal Display Focus
Primary use case:
- Virtual screen viewing
- Not complex AR
- Portable display
- Media consumption
Sunglasses Form Factor
Wearable design:
- 79 grams
- Glasses appearance
- Comfortable extended wear
- Portable
Universal Compatibility
Wide device support:
- USB-C DisplayPort devices
- Smartphones (Android, iOS)
- PCs (Windows, macOS)
- Gaming consoles (Steam Deck, ROG Ally)
Display Technology
Micro-OLED Panels
High-quality displays:
- Resolution: 1920 × 1080 per eye (1080p)
- Size: Micro-OLED
- Brightness: 400 nits
- Color: ~108% sRGB
Virtual Screen Size
Perceived display:
- Up to 130-inch equivalent
- 4 meters virtual distance
- Personal cinema experience
- Adjustable via software
OLED Benefits
Display quality:
- Deep blacks
- Rich colors
- Fast response
- Good contrast
Pixel Density
Sharp image:
- ~49 pixels per degree
- Sharp text
- Minimal screen door
- Professional clarity
Optical System
Birdbath Optics
Display method:
- Reflective waveguide
- Projects to eyes
- See-through capable
- 46° field of view
Field of View
Display area:
- 46° diagonal
- Feels like 100-inch screen at distance
- Good for personal viewing
- Not full immersion
See-Through
Transparency options:
- Can see through lenses
- Optional light shields (included)
- Blocks ambient light
- Personal preference
Tracking and Sensors
Basic 3DoF
Head tracking:
- IMU sensors
- Accelerometer + gyroscope
- Rotational tracking
- Screen stabilization (with Nebula)
No 6DoF
Limitations:
- No positional tracking
- No world-anchored AR
- Display device primarily
- Simple interaction model
Nebula App
Software enhancement:
- Android companion app
- Virtual displays
- Head-locked or space-locked modes
- Extended functionality
Connectivity
USB-C DisplayPort
Primary connection:
- USB-C with DP Alt Mode
- Single cable
- Powers and drives display
- Wide compatibility
Device Compatibility
Supported sources:
- Android phones (USB-C DP)
- iPhones (with adapter)
- MacBooks
- Windows laptops
- Steam Deck, ROG Ally
- PlayStation/Xbox (with adapter)
Xreal Beam
Wireless accessory:
- Connects to glasses
- Wireless video from devices
- Android TV built-in
- Additional cost
Xreal Adapter
Console/HDMI support:
- HDMI to glasses
- Gaming console support
- Adds compatibility
- Separate purchase
Audio
Directional Speakers
Built-in audio:
- Dual speakers
- Directional (privacy)
- Decent quality
- Convenient
Audio Quality
Adequate for use:
- Clear sound
- Limited bass
- Private listening possible
- Bluetooth headphones alternative
Microphone
Communication:
- Dual microphones
- Video calls
- Voice control
- Decent quality
Physical Design
Weight
Ultra-lightweight:
- 79 grams
- Comfortable for hours
- Lighter than most AR
- Glasses comparable
Form Factor
Sunglasses style:
- Folding temples
- Nose pads included
- Multiple sizes
- Portable case
Materials
Quality construction:
- Plastic frame
- Polycarbonate lenses
- Durable
- Quality feel
Prescription Support
Vision correction:
- Optional prescription inserts
- Magnetic attachment
- Third-party available
- Glasses not required over
Use Cases
Personal Cinema
Entertainment viewing:
- Movies and TV
- Large virtual screen
- Portable viewing
- Travel entertainment
Gaming
Gaming display:
- Steam Deck companion
- Console gaming
- PC gaming
- Immersive display
Productivity
Work applications:
- Virtual monitors
- Video conferencing
- Document viewing
- Extended display
Travel
Portable entertainment:
- Airplane viewing
- Train/bus use
- Hotel room
- Compact packed
Comparison with Air 2
Air 2 Improvements
2023 upgrade:
- 10% lighter (72g)
- 25% brighter (500 nits)
- Improved audio
- Better comfort
Air 2 Pro
Additional features:
- Electrochromic dimming
- Adjustable tint
- Same display
- Higher price
Air 2 Ultra
Advanced variant:
- 6DoF tracking (with cameras)
- Spatial computing
- Dual cameras
- Premium price
Comparison with Competitors
| Feature | Xreal Air | Rokid Max | Viture One |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $379 | $439 | $459 |
| Resolution/eye | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p |
| FOV | 46° | 50° | 43° |
| Brightness | 400 nits | 600 nits | 1800 nits |
| Weight | 79g | 75g | 78g |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | 60Hz |
Limitations
Not True AR
Display focus:
- No world tracking
- No AR object placement
- Personal display primarily
- Limited AR capability
Single Display Size
Fixed virtual distance:
- 4 meter equivalent
- Not adjustable without software
- Personal preference varies
Ambient Light
Visibility challenges:
- 400 nits may struggle outdoors
- Best in dim environments
- Light shields help
- Air 2 improves this
Technical Specifications Summary
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | Dual micro-OLED, 1920 × 1080 per eye |
| Brightness | 400 nits |
| FOV | 46° |
| Virtual Screen | ~130" at 4m |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Connection | USB-C (DP Alt Mode) |
| Audio | Dual directional speakers |
| Weight | 79g |
| Tracking | 3DoF (IMU) |
| Price | $379 (launch), $299 (current) |