Xreal AR glasses just got a major computing upgrade that puts them at the top for me

Regular readers know that I am a daily user and fan of XR glasses, which allow me to enjoy media content on a big screen in a glasses form factor while adding multiple portable displays for getting work done on the go. 

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Back in July, I tested Xreal’s Beam Pro media hub device and was impressed by its functionality and performance. At CES 2024, ZDNET’s Kerry Wan tried out the Xreal Air 2 Ultra AR glasses, and now Xreal is taking that experience to the next level thanks in large part to its new X1 independent spatial computing chip. 

For the first time, the glasses control the three degrees-of-freedom (3DoF) spatial computing experience. With previous Xreal glasses, the Beam Pro and Nebula OS powered that experience.

With nearly any computing device that supports video over USB-C, the Xreal One Pro and Xreal One unlock spatial computing for apps, games, websites, communications platforms, and more. Developers can also use Xreal’s SDK to build AR holographic experiences.

Chi Xu, CEO and Co-founder of XREAL, stated:

With the X1 chip, we’re introducing our biggest innovation since pioneering lightweight, portable, tethered AR glasses. X1 is the result of over three years of cutting-edge research and development, culminating in the world’s first customized silicon designed specifically for OST AR glasses. This is a transformative moment for XREAL customers—X1 powers the kind of spatial computing we’ve always envisioned and that customers have been eagerly waiting for. I’m thrilled for everyone to experience the XREAL One Series and see the X1 chip in action. It’s a true game-changer.

The X1 chip delivers a low latency of less than 3ms at 120Hz, which is significantly lower than the 20ms industry benchmark for OST (optical see-through) AR devices. The Xreal One provides a 50-degree field-of-view (FoV), while the One Pro provides an impressive industry-leading 57-degree FoV. The viewing experience equals a 1080p view from each eye, so you can enjoy high-definition content.

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The glasses are constructed of a lightweight magnesium alloy front shell and nylon hinges, with the Xreal One weighing 84 grams and the One Pro 87 grams. Four microphones are incorporated into the glasses to capture clear recordings. Audio is delivered through a partnership with Bose, meaning you can expect a very high-quality audio tuning and performance experience.

The Xreal One Pro is available in two interpupillary distance (IPD) size ranges, so you can pick the range that best fits your eyes. The Xreal One is available in one size with a software-based adjustment available for IPD. The Xreal One Pro is available for $599 and the Xreal One for $499, with the Pro shipping in early 2025 and the One planned for mid-December delivery.

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Xreal is also introducing a camera accessory for the glasses, called the Xreal Eye. This detachable camera will fit into the bridge area of the glasses and capture 12MP photos and 1080p 60fps video content from the wearer’s point of view. A future software update will enable AI capabilities, image recognition, and other functionality associated with the camera.