Technology
Tuesday, October 24th, 2023 2:04 pm EDT
Key Points
- Xreal, a Chinese augmented reality (AR) firm, has introduced its next-generation AR glasses, the Xreal Air 2 and Xreal Air 2 Pro, focusing on lightweight glasses rather than bulky headsets for wider consumer appeal. These AR glasses offer users large-screen experiences, allowing them to connect to smartphones, game consoles, and other devices for a virtual screen experience of up to 330 inches.
- The Xreal Air 2 and Pro models start at $399 and $449, respectively, and are set to be available for order in November. Xreal has reduced the weight of the glasses by 10% compared to the previous generation and improved the headset speakers to minimize sound leakage.
- While the market for augmented and virtual reality headsets is still emerging, tech giants like Apple and Meta are investing heavily in AR and VR technologies, viewing them as the next big consumer product platform. Xreal’s approach of being cross-platform and its freedom from legacy systems make it a flexible player in the market, and the company aims for rapid growth, with the goal of selling 1 million units annually within the next two to three years. Xreal has backing from investors, including Alibaba and Nio, and is actively exploring opportunities for further investment to support its expansion.
Chinese augmented reality (AR) company Xreal has unveiled its next-generation AR glasses, the Xreal Air 2 and Xreal Air 2 Pro. These lightweight glasses are designed to offer a more comfortable and user-friendly experience. The glasses allow users to have large-screen experiences, such as streaming services or gaming, and can connect to smartphones, game consoles, and other devices, providing a virtual screen of up to 330 inches.
Xreal is launching these glasses in the U.S., U.K., and select European markets, with the Xreal Air 2 starting at $399 and the Pro version at $449. The company has reduced the weight of the glasses by 10% compared to the previous generation and improved the headset speakers to minimize sound leakage.
While the AR headset market is still in its early stages, with an expected rebound in 2024, major tech players like Apple and Meta (formerly Facebook) are betting on AR as the next big computing platform. Xreal differentiates itself by being cross-platform and not tethered to existing systems, offering users a more flexible experience. The company aims for fast growth, targeting annual sales of 1 million units within the next two to three years.
Xreal has backing from major investors, including Alibaba and electric vehicle company Nio, and is actively exploring opportunities for further investment to support its growth. The AR headset market is expected to see significant growth in the coming years, with various tech giants competing for market share.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/24/xreal-air-2-launch-ar-glasses-look-to-challenge-meta-and-apple.html
