The new XREAL AR glasses are what Microsoft HoloLens should’ve been: on-board spatial computing takes the new ‘XREAL AR One’ and ‘One Pro’ to the next level

The new XREAL AR glasses are what Microsoft HoloLens should've been: on-board spatial computing takes the new 'XREAL AR One' and 'One Pro' to the next level

What you need to know

  • XREAL is an augmented reality glasses company that is at the forefront of miniaturising the tech.
  • Up until now, XREAL relied on external computing solutions to add spatial anchors to its insanely sharp hologrammatic screens, but not anymore.
  • The XREAL One series (One and One Pro) have a new XR chip baked straight into them, side-stepping the need for apps and external add-ons.
  • The XREAL One and One Pro are available now in the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe, starting at $499 USD, £449 GBP, and €549 EUR.

As a seasoned tech enthusiast and frequent traveler, I can confidently say that XREAL has done it again! With the launch of their new XREAL One series, they’ve taken augmented reality glasses to a whole new level. I’ve been following XREAL since their early days, and while I loved their initial offerings, I was always left wanting more – specifically, on-board computing capabilities. Well, XREAL has finally delivered, and it feels like they’ve completed the augmented reality circle that HoloLens failed to accomplish!


XREAL is back, and this time, they’re even better.

I’m a big fan of XREAL. In my XREAL Air review, I detailed how the subtle lenses do all the things I wish HoloLens would’ve ended up doing, albeit with a key concession: they have no on-board compute. The worst thing about the XREAL glasses previously was underbaked software and integration with Windows and Android, although the app situation has improved immeasurably over time. XREAL even launched its own compute module for their glasses called the XREAL Beam, although it was a bit like carrying an extra phone around in your pocket, and not exactly ideal.

XREAL concurred, henceforth, the latest additions to their lineup, the XREAL One and XREAL One Pro, are equipped with on-board computing for the very first time. This development marks the successful completion of the augmented reality loop that Microsoft’s HoloLens was unable to achieve.

The XREAL One glasses are now available for preorder over on Amazon.

The new XREAL AR glasses are what Microsoft HoloLens should've been: on-board spatial computing takes the new 'XREAL AR One' and 'One Pro' to the next level

XREAL’s One series is referred to as the “largest step forward” in consumer Augmented Reality, thanks to its self-designed X1 processor platform. Earlier, the functionality of XREAL was limited without a connected XREAL Beam, Android app, or Windows app, which meant that it couldn’t independently customize its virtual 3D display. Essentially, it functioned like a high-quality external virtual reality monitor, but one with limited adjustment options, which could sometimes be frustrating. However, the introduction of the X1 chip and the new XREAL Software Development Kit (SDK) opens up a world of possibilities without requiring additional devices or apps to handle the complex tasks.

With XREAL’s recently developed X1 spatial computing co-processor, integrated within the XREAL One Series, it can transform any device into a spatial display. This surpasses the capabilities of current AR and VR technology by offering a customizable cinematic virtual screen that is controlled spatially by the glasses themselves for the first time.

These latest eyewear models come with numerous upgrades compared to their predecessors. They boast built-in Bose speakers, official health certifications for the eyes, and an AI-enhanced, optional modular camera that boosts tracking and spatial awareness capabilities. For the first time, these new glasses also offer dynamic interpupillary distance control to ensure a more comfortable fit and easier adjustment. Just like before, they can be customized with prescription lenses as well.

The XREAL glasses can be used with numerous devices, making them versatile for various situations. You can connect them to devices like the Steam Deck or ASUS ROG Ally for immersive gaming experiences on a large screen. Additionally, they can be connected to a Windows PC to function as an extra monitor. They can even extend your Samsung S24 with Samsung DeX, and so forth.

XREAL is what HoloLens could’ve been

The new XREAL AR glasses are what Microsoft HoloLens should've been: on-board spatial computing takes the new 'XREAL AR One' and 'One Pro' to the next level

The XREAL One glasses offer a wide field of view at 57 degrees, delivering stunningly clear 1080p images. Weighing in at 84 grams for the standard model and 87 grams for the Pro version, these glasses are significantly more functional and user-friendly compared to HoloLens or even devices like the Meta Quest 3.

I think therein lies the big gap between what some platforms want to push vs. what consumers will actually want in reality. Yes, the XREAL aren’t cheap, but they’re also something I use regularly as someone who travels frequently. I watched Cyberpunk Edgerunners while travelling exclusively on the XREAL devices connected to my phone. They’re great for playing Xbox Cloud Gaming titles, and also adding a bigger display to the Lenovo Legion Go and so on.

Previously, adjusting the size of the monitors or securing them required additional measures. However, the introduction of the X1 computing platform seems to address this issue. Keep an eye out for our comprehensive review coming up shortly.

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2024-12-04 20:39