Xreal, a Chinese augmented reality (AR) firm previously known as Nreal, has unveiled its latest AR glasses: the Xreal Air 2 and Xreal Air 2 Pro. The company is aiming to position the new products as formidable competitors against the Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3.
Founded in 2017, Xreal introduced its consumer-focused AR glasses in 2022, distinguishing itself by seamlessly integrating its products with popular gaming and streaming entertainment devices like Microsoft’s Xbox, Sony’s PlayStation, and the Nintendo Switch.
The Xreal Air 2 series demonstrates a significant leap in AR capabilities, transforming the wearer’s surroundings into an immersive digital canvas, offering a virtual display of up to 330 inches. In a statement shared by Xreal, Peng Jin, co-founder of Xreal, underlined the company’s commitment to user comfort and wearability..
“Xreal’s AR glasses first allowed the world to put big screen TVs, theater-quality projectors and full high-definition monitors in their pockets, transforming what entertainment and productivity can look and feel like on the go and at home for extended sessions. We’ve found that 50–60% of our customers spend between one and three hours every time they use Xreal’s AR glasses. These longer engagements drove our decision to focus on comfort and wearability for Xreal Air 2, while maintaining superior display and fidelity,” Peng said.
To enhance user comfort during extended usage, Xreal integrated smaller micro-OLED displays, resulting in a 10% reduction in thickness and weight. The temples of the glasses have been redesigned to accommodate wearers of various head sizes and feature softer materials for an improved tactile experience. Xreal also introduced AirFit nose pads, addressing common discomfort and neck strain associated with prolonged use of mobile phones and computers.
Where Xreal sets itself apart is in its cross-platform capabilities, in contrast to major rivals Apple and Meta, which are confined to proprietary operating systems and social networks. Xreal offers an open and flexible approach to AR usage and development, allowing users to seamlessly integrate Xreal AR glasses into their existing tech ecosystem, regardless of brand or platform.
Bolstered by significant investments from prominent backers like Alibaba Group, Nio, and Sequoia Capital, Xreal is shaping up as a notable contender in the rapidly expanding market for VR and AR headsets. Currently holding just a 2% market share, Xreal’s dedication to innovation and user-centric design positions it favorably for future market growth.
The International Data Corporation (IDC) predicts a resurgence in the AR market in 2024, with projected year-on-year growth of 46.8%. Xreal’s commitment to innovation and cross-compatibility makes it well-prepared to play a pivotal role in this evolving technology landscape.