Xreal has unveiled its groundbreaking One Series AR glasses, offering unprecedented device compatibility through universal USB-C connectivity. This innovative approach potentially solves one of the most persistent challenges in AR adoption: limited device compatibility and application availability.
The new One Series represents a substantial evolution in AR technology, introducing a proprietary X1 silicon chip that enables three degrees-of-freedom rotational tracking and spatial computing capabilities directly within the glasses themselves. This marks a significant departure from previous models that required additional adapters like the Xreal Beam or Beam Pro for spatial display functionality. The technical achievement is particularly noteworthy as it delivers remarkably low motion-to-photon latency of approximately 3ms at 120Hz, ensuring smooth and responsive visual experiences.
What sets these glasses apart in the increasingly competitive AR market is their universal compatibility. Users can now seamlessly connect their One Series glasses to a wide array of devices, including iPhones, Android devices, Steam Deck, PCs, and MacBooks – essentially any device featuring video-out capability over USB-C. This broad compatibility addresses a crucial limitation in previous AR solutions, potentially opening the technology to a much wider user base.
The visual experience has also received significant attention in the One Series design. The standard Xreal One model employs a triangular birdbath lens design, delivering an impressive 50-degree field-of-view and full HD 1080p resolution for each eye. The display area represents a 20.7-percent increase compared to the previous Air 2 series. The premium One Pro model pushes boundaries further with its innovative flat-prism lens design, achieving an even wider 57-degree field-of-view, making it the first AR glasses to incorporate this advanced optical technology.
Audio quality hasn’t been overlooked, with Xreal partnering with renowned audio manufacturer Bose to integrate high-quality sound systems into both the One and One Pro models. This collaboration suggests a commitment to delivering a comprehensive, premium multimedia experience rather than focusing solely on visual capabilities.
While the One Series maintains the characteristically substantial form factor common to AR glasses, including Meta’s Orion AR glasses, Xreal has made notable progress in reducing bulk. The glasses feature an 11mm plane that is 40.9 percent thinner than traditional birdbath optics, representing a significant advancement in miniaturization while maintaining performance specifications.
The pricing strategy positions these devices in the premium consumer electronics segment, with the standard Xreal One available for pre-order at $499 (€549) and the enhanced One Pro model at $599 (€649). The release schedule is staggered, with the Xreal One scheduled to begin shipping in mid-December, while the One Pro will follow in early 2025.
This launch comes at a crucial time in the AR market’s evolution, as major technology companies continue to explore and expand their presence in the spatial computing space. Xreal’s approach of prioritizing universal connectivity and eliminating the need for additional adapters could prove to be a significant advantage in capturing market share, particularly among users who want to experiment with AR technology across multiple devices.
The success of the One Series could mark a turning point in AR adoption, potentially establishing a new standard for device compatibility in the industry. As the AR market continues to mature, the ability to connect seamlessly with existing devices rather than requiring specialized hardware could be the key factor in moving AR technology from a niche interest to a mainstream computing platform.
For potential buyers, the One Series represents a significant investment in emerging technology, but the universal compatibility and advanced features suggest these glasses could serve as a versatile tool across multiple use cases, from entertainment and productivity to specialized professional applications.
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