It was April 15, 2013, when Google started selling its Google Glass prototype exclusively to qualified explorers in the USA, sparking interest and curiosity. The Google Glass was one of the first widely recognized products to integrate Augmented Reality technology. However, its failures brought attention to the difficulties of developing AR devices that are user-friendly, stylish, and practical.

Fast forward to today, a decade after the introduction of Google Glass, AR technology and AR smart glasses have become more common and popular. Recently, Xreal, a Chinese augmented reality firm, released the XReal Air Pro 2, a sleek and improved version poised to challenge industry giants like Meta and Apple. 

While XReal Air remains the bestseller, launching the improved follow-up, the XReal Air Pro 2 has made sure that it continues to rule the AR smart glass empire. And, here is why Xreal's New AR Glasses are here to stay.

The Impeccable Features to Highlight

The XReal Air Pro 2 boasts several standout features that set it apart. Unlike bulky headsets that dominate the market, Xreal Air 2 Augmented Reality glasses have a lightweight design that easily catches the eye. 

The company's objective is to provide a product that is accessible to a broader range of consumers by offering an easy-to-use and comfortable device. The device is designed to enhance the user's comfort during extended use and prioritizes this aspect above all others.

As per Xreal, their latest AR glasses are now 10% lighter than the previous generation, thanks to the use of smaller displays. The company also claims that they have made significant improvements to the headset speakers to reduce the amount of sound escaping. 

The Xreal Air 2 Pro boasts an impressive electrochromic feature that has been widely acclaimed for its game-changing capabilities. One of the biggest improvements over its predecessor is the ability to fix the transparency issue that plagued the earlier version. 

The previous model allowed too much light to pass through, requiring users to physically place a plastic lens cap over the glass to block out the transparency. The newest edition has addressed this problem by incorporating a lens that can darken on its own, effectively blocking out the outside world.

In addition to this, the latest iteration of the Xreal Air also boasts a higher maximum brightness and more accurate colors. The colors are also more saturated, resulting in visuals that appear much closer to the original source display. Overall, the Xreal Air 2 Pro is a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering a more immersive and visually stunning experience for users.

AR Glass from the Future? 

The visuals created from these AR glasses are equivalent to a 130-inch display from about 12 feet away. The lenses are see-through by default allowing you to see the real world while experiencing the magic of augmented reality. The Nebula app that comes with Xreal is what gives the glasses the AR effect, but they are completely dependent on the smartphone you are running. Since the Xreal Air 2 pro has no internal processor, battery, or even storage, it is a lightweight accessory that runs as long as your device runs. 

From a technical standpoint, these AR glasses are not fully immersive like Apple’s Vision Pro, but rather a portable monitor. However, they enable one to keep the head up while using them and reduce the need to tilt down to stare at the screen, greatly reducing the strain on the neck.

Market Impact and Competition 

The Xreal Air 2 Pro costs 450 dollars, which is more expensive than the other best AR glasses available in the market. However, the market for AR glasses is expected to grow by 46.8% YoY in 2024, as per IDC. This growth is anticipated to be influenced by the launch of new hardware in the market.

Xreal Air 2 was launched as a competitor to Apple's Vision Pro, which is scheduled to be released next year. Xreal Air 2 provides a larger screen experience for applications, including streaming services and gaming. 

Xreal's AR glasses can be connected to smartphones, gaming consoles, and other devices, allowing users to view what they are looking at on a virtual screen up to 330 inches in size. Meta, the largest AR and VR headset maker by market share, is also launching new hardware alongside Apple's Vision Pro.

Final Thoughts

XReal's commitment to redefining the AR landscape is evident with the launch of XReal Air Pro 2. These AR glasses are lightweight, stylish, and packed with innovative features, offering a glimpse into the future of augmented reality. 

With a focus on user comfort, enhanced visuals, and seamless connectivity, XReal has set a new standard in the world of AR. This has solidified its position as a key player in this dynamic and ever-evolving industry, especially as technology continues to advance.