While not widely recognized across the U.S., Beijing-based XReal has emerged with its innovative Air 2 Pro AR glasses. These offerings have received some attention from reviewers in the recent past, though they aren’t typically included in conversations about mixed reality leaders such as Meta, Apple, and HTC.
At this year’s Augmented World Expo (AWE) in Southern California, XReal took the opportunity to introduce the Beam Pro. Retailing for $200, this gadget may resemble an Android smartphone in both appearance and functionality, yet it stands apart as a bespoke mobile companion for XReal’s eyewear.
Fundamentally, Beam Pro is tailored to translate Google Play applications into a “3D space” for the eyewear. XReal elaborates, saying, “XReal Beam Pro enhances the XReal glasses experience, offering users a seamless way to engage with their preferred apps, social media, streaming services, professional tools, and gaming environments in a robust AR setting that acknowledges three-dimensional space.”
Empowered by Snapdragon and running on Android 14, this device is equipped with dual 50-megapixel cameras capable of capturing 3D photos and spatial videos. Its creation specifically serves the XReal glasses without aspiring to replace traditional smartphones. Its approach is distinct, reminiscent of a time when people carried an iPod Touch alongside their iPhones, with a slight nod to the Amazon Fire Phone via its 3D capturing capabilities—though perhaps the less said about that, the better.
XReal points out, “Users will find the smartphone-esque design familiar at first glance. As for its connectivity suite, the XReal Beam Pro includes dual USB ports, catering to simultaneous operation with the XReal glasses even while charging. With a 27W fast charge, the worry of batteries dying amidst long streaming or gaming marathons is effectively alleviated.”
The specifications of the Beam Pro align with expectations for a device at the $200 price point, boasting a 6.5-inch display with a 2400 x 1080 resolution, options for 6 or 8GB of RAM, and 128 or 256GB of storage capacity. It comes both in Wi-Fi-only versions and with 5G connectivity, making it sound very much like a smartphone in its own right.
XReal has also developed its own tailored NebulaOS software layer over Android, focusing on converting classic 2D apps into immersive 3D experiences, providing a unique interface within the system.
The involvement of big tech like Qualcomm, through their Senior Director Sahil Bansal’s compliment on XReal’s innovative offerings making AR more widely accessible, alongside contributions from Nvidia’s off-device CloudXR tech and Amazon Web Services, is noteworthy. This collaboration highlights the expanding ecosystem thriving on advancements in AR technology.
Currently, the Beam Pro is available for purchase in the U.S., China, Japan, and select European countries via the XReal website, with plans to launch on Amazon the following month.
Compiled by Techarena.au.
Fanpage: TechArena.au
Watch more about AI – Artificial Intelligence
