The XReal Beam is the latest innovation from extended reality pioneers XReal (previously NReal).
Promising to introduce a new generation of spatial experiences to XR fans, this accessory could make a significant impact on the market.
In the last few months, XReal has undoubtedly given the industry a lot to talk about.
Earlier this year, rumors began circulating that popular smart glasses company, NReal, would be updating its name to XReal.
The company officially announced its new name in May, highlighting its increased focus on the XR and spatial computing market. At the same time, the brand revealed a handful of new technologies, including the now highly coveted XReal Beam. This new spatial computing adapter promises to elevate the XReal smart glasses experience.
If successful, it could provide customers with a brand-new way to interact with digital content in the AR world.
Here’s everything you need to know about the XReal Beam.
What is the XReal Beam? An Introduction
At a glance, the XReal Beam looks a little like an original iPad. It’s a streamlined device, with a few buttons for controlling audio and display options.
XReal created the Beam as an adapter for smart glasses, specifically the XReal Air (previously the NReal Air) smart glasses.
The glasses have already achieved phenomenal success in the AR environment. According to XReal, they’re the best-selling consumer-grade augmented reality glasses on the market.
They’re also considered some of the most intuitive and comfortable smart glasses available. The Air glasses are packed with cutting-edge optic technology and feature a fantastic ergonomic design. However, some reviewers have questioned the functionality of the XReal Air glasses in the past.
Initially, when the XReal Air glasses were introduced, they were intended as an Android-only experience with basic spatial functionality.
The XReal Beam takes the already impressive functionality of these smart glasses to the next level by extending access to your spatial display experience.
Instead of connecting your XReal Air glasses to an Android smartphone for screen mirroring, with the Beam, you’ll be able to connect to various displays. The Beam will extend the “Nebula app” used by the Air glasses to multiple smartphones, computers, and consoles.
According to XReal, the Beam will support wired and wireless connections to source devices, giving users many more ways to dive into immersion.
The XReal Beam Features
The XReal Beam is an exciting step forward in the smart glasses vendor’s strategy to differentiate itself from other emerging competitors in the XR field.
On the surface, the XReal Beam is a pretty straightforward device intended for everyday extended reality users. It’s compatible with virtually every smartphone, gaming console, and PC. Plus, it comes with an adjustable virtual display size, ranging up to 330 inches.
Features of the device, expected to start shipping later in July 2023, include:
Wireless and wired connectivity options
Adjustable virtual displays
A complementary XReal C-C cable
5 hours of battery life with seven day standby time
Two USB C ports for simultaneous charging and playing
Three spatial display modes for different use cases
Integrated volume controls
Rapid charging (50% power in up to 30 minutes)
How Does the XReal Beam Work?
XReal says the Beam technology will empower users to make “everything spatial.” You’ll be able to mirror the display on your PS5 and similar products within your smart glasses and leverage three viewing options, including:
Body anchor: The 3 degrees of freedom option allows the screen to stay fixed regardless of head movement so that you can walk around freely.
Smooth follow: A visual solution designed to minimize image movement caused by physical environments, for more optical comfort.
Sideview: The option to shrink the display and move it to one side to avoid visual interference in your direct line of sight.
The Beam comes with two USB-C ports on board. The first directly connects to your smart glasses (such as the XReal Air). The second USB-C port, implemented based on user requests, can charge the Beam battery or directly connect to a PC or smartphone.
This means users can simultaneously play with their smart glasses and charge their devices. While wired connectivity was likely expected by most XReal fans, the company also added wireless options to the mix and support for DTS: X Ultra audio.
Customers can wirelessly watch YouTube videos and other content using the Beam, and DRM content is expected to be supported later.
Who is the XReal Beam Designed For?
The launch of the XReal Beam appears to be part of XReal’s overall plan to enhance adoption and widen the functionality of its smart glasses.
The addition of the XReal Beam adapter will allow users to view a game or desktop superimposed onto the real world. This transforms the XReal Air glasses from a standard screen mirroring solution into something more unique. With its excellent battery life and ease of use, the XReal Beam will likely become a valuable accessory in XReal’s collection.
The Beam is available for preorder for $109 in the US and Japan, with expected shipping dates later this month.
It’ll be interesting to see whether the success of this new product paves the way to a new range of opportunities for XReal in the years ahead.
