XREAL announces new Air Series 2 Augmented Reality glasses

In Augmented Reality News

October 24, 2023 – XREAL (formerly Nreal), a provider of consumer augmented reality (AR) glasses, has today announced its newest consumer AR product offerings with the launch of the XREAL Air 2 and XREAL Air 2 Pro for the US and UK markets. XREAL stated that its Air 2 series builds on the momentum of its predecessor, XREAL Air, and marks the third AR glasses product that the company has released.

Commenting on the launch of the Air 2 series, XREAL Co-Founder Peng Jin, said: “We believe the era of wearable displays is here. Over the past four decades, the methods in which people have interacted with technology have evolved to allow us to put stereos, record players, telephones, high-powered computers and small screen entertainment in our pockets. XREAL AR glasses first allowed the world to put big screen TVs, theater-quality projectors and full HD monitors in their pockets, transforming what entertainment and productivity can look and feel like on the go and at home for extended sessions.”

XREAL Air 2 AR glasses can turn whatever the wearer is viewing into a big screen experience up to 330-inches, according to the company. Featuring the latest Micro-OLED displays, the new XREAL Air 2 series is lighter and thinner than the previous generation, with a higher pixel density and improved brightness and color reproduction.

XREAL Air 2 series glasses are available in two colors: Graphite Gray and Carmine Red. The XREAL Air 2 series also debuts the new XREAL ‘Kaleido Kit’ – a collection of adhesive skins that can be added to the front frame of the glasses.

Display Technology

As the world’s first AR glasses to utilize the latest Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation’s 0.55-inch Micro-OLED displays, XREAL Air 2 series AR glasses feature 4,032 pixels-per-inch, to deliver a virtual screen experience at 49 pixels-per-degree (PPD). A Full HD display resolution of 1920 x 1080 per eye, an ultra-high contrast ratio of 100,000:1, and 500 nits brightness ensure content is presented in incredibly sharp detail, XREAL added. Furthermore, XREAL Air 2 series AR glasses have a response rate speed of 0.01 milliseconds or less, and pack a fast refresh-rate of up to 120Hz.

Thinner and Lighter Design

Designed with comfort in mind, the integration of smaller Micro-OLED displays means that XREAL Air 2 series AR glasses are approximately 10% thinner and 10% lighter than previous models, the company stated. Additionally, new and improved elastic temples meet the needs of all wearers, regardless of head-size, and feature softer materials that feel more natural to the touch.

Furthermore, XREAL noted that XREAL Air 2 series AR glasses have been designed for optimal balance that improves comfort and minimizes pressure from the glasses on the wearer’s face. Comfort is further aided with the XREAL Air 2 new and improved AirFit nose pads that offer day-long comfort. 

Jin added, “We’ve found that 50-60% of our customers spend between one and three hours every time they use XREAL AR glasses. These longer engagements drove our decision to focus on comfort and wearability for XREAL Air 2, while maintaining superior display and fidelity.”

One-Touch Dimming Control with XREAL Air 2 Pro

XREAL Air 2 Pro introduces XREAL Electrochromic Dimming that allows wearers to select the immersion level of their AR glasses virtual-screen experience. At the touch of a button, users can instantly select from three pre-configured immersion modes:

Transparent Mode is configured at 0%, and blocks no light through the lenses, ideal for when users need to be aware of the world around them, e.g., wearing around the home, or traveling on public transportation.

Productivity Mode is configured at 35%, reducing the amount of light that travels through the lenses, ideal for users who want to focus better on the task at hand without entirely shutting out their surroundings.

Immersive Mode is set at 100% and blocks all light to give wearers the most immersive experience, perfect for gaming sessions, or watching TV and movies at home.

Cinematic Audio and Improved Voice Calls

XREAL Air 2 series AR glasses feature an improved audio speaker system that includes unique spatial wrap-around audio delivery using an open ear design targeted only for the wearer to hear. XREAL stated that this brings enhanced privacy and minimizes disruption to others when in public spaces.

Additionally, Air 2 series users can also expect an improved voice call experience, thanks to EQ calibrated beamforming microphones that capture the wearer’s voice more clearly during calls,  according to XREAL.

Finally, the glasses debut a new travel case, a new light shield, and include both USB C-C and USB C-HDMI custom cables.

XREAL Air 2 Series Pricing and Availability

Pre-orders for XREAL Air 2 opened today, with devices expected to ship to customers in the US and UK in mid-to-late November, and additional European countries in December. The company also noted that XREAL Air 2 series AR glasses are expected to be available from Amazon beginning in November. Both products are also available now in China and Japan.

For more information on XREAL and its AR glasses, please visit the company’s website.

Image credit: XREAL

About the author

Sam Sprigg

Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.