XREAL at GDC: My first experience with AR glasses
At the heart of the Game Developers Conference 2024, an encounter with XREAL opened my eyes to their latest foray into augmented reality. These AR creations, the Air 2 Pro and the yet more advanced Air 2 Ultra, offer an intriguing glimpse into a potential future where technology seamlessly integrates into our daily lives.
Returning from the conference, I was greeted with a sample pair of the XREAL Air 2 Pro AR glasses. The presentation was impeccable: a sturdy travel case, a sleek USB Type-C cable, and a microfiber cloth for care. The moment I donned the AR glasses, I appreciated their lightness (a mere 75 grams) and the comfort of their balanced design, which allowed for extended use without strain.
With built-in dual-stereo speakers, the need for headphones vanished, even if a bit of sound leakage remained. The standout feature, however, was the Air 2 Pro’s electrochromic lenses that could adjust their opacity, offering three levels of tint to adapt to different lighting conditions. This made them versatile in bright outdoor settings where reflections commonly challenge AR displays.
What truly sets XREAL’s offerings apart is their function as a large, private, and portable external monitor. By plugging the AR glasses into any device with a Type-C video output, they transform into a massive screen visible only to the user. In my case, this meant a fatigue-free gaming experience with my ASUS ROG Ally, allowing for comfortable play sessions without the weight burden of handheld consoles.
XREAL at GDC: Amazing my partner with Minecraft
The moment my partner tried the Air 2 Pro glasses with Minecraft, the game’s vibrant world took on a new dimension. The 1080p, 120Hz display delivered a quality that rivaled our home entertainment setup. She was instantly hooked, absorbed in gameplay, completely at ease on our couch, wrapped in the comfort of a blanket, yet fully immersed in the game through the AR glasses.
But as with all technology, the Air 2 Pro had its share of limitations. While the build quality inspired confidence, the connection cable required careful handling. Additionally, the inability to charge the connected device concurrently with usage was noticeable, especially during extended gaming sessions. However, XREAL’s smart solution, the XREAL Hub, resolves this by offering 45W charging pass-through and an additional Type-C port, a worthwhile accessory for any XREAL glasses owner.
XREAL at GDC: The next gen of AR glasses
The Air 2 Ultra, XREAL’s step into interactive AR, was a revelation. Boasting a titanium frame and wider field-of-view, these glasses retain all the Air 2 Pro’s features while introducing environmental awareness through advanced sensors. This allows for a more robust AR experience where digital objects and controls can be manipulated within the user’s space with precision.
During the demo, I witnessed the power of the Air 2 Ultra firsthand. I orchestrated a tabletop game, manipulated a virtual theater, and even battled aliens, all through the nuanced tracking capabilities of these glasses. Despite the impressive tech and potential, the Air 2 Ultra’s success hinges on the creation of an ecosystem that leverages its capabilities, a vision XREAL is steadily building towards.
XREAL at GDC: Believing in the AR promise
The Air 2 Ultra’s high price point of 9 reflects its advanced technology and the future it promises. However, the current ecosystem best suits the Air 2 Pro, a luxury yet the best in its class for those seeking a portable and private monitor. With the XREAL Hub, the Air 2 Pro becomes even more compelling, extending device longevity and enhancing the user experience.
The glimpse into XREAL’s vision at GDC was more than a demonstration; it was an affirmation of augmented reality’s potential. For now, I savor the comfort and convenience of the Air 2 Pro, with an eye on the evolving landscape that the Air 2 Ultra promises to shape.
