XReal Aura: First Wired XR Glasses Available for Preorder
XReal debuts lightweight XR glasses under 95g powered by Android XR, starting at $1,099 with shipments beginning in mid-November.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- XReal debuted the XReal Aura XR glasses at Google’s Android Developer Summit
- Weighs under 95 grams with transparent optical see-through lenses and a 70° FOV
- Available for pre-order in the U.S., Canada, Japan, and South Korea
The bulky VR headset era may finally be taking a backseat as XReal officially unveiled its first fully-capable XR smart glasses, the XReal Aura, at Google's Android Developer Summit. Powered by Android XR and running on a Snapdragon Reality Elite-powered pocket puck alongside XReal's own X1S chip in the glasses, the Aura manages to pack a 70-degree field of view into a lightweight frame that weighs under 95 grams.
Customers located in the United States, Canada, Japan, and South Korea can place their orders starting today directly on XReal's website, with shipments anticipated to commence in mid-November. The limited-time launch pricing is set at $1,099 for the 12GB + 256GB storage configuration and $1,299 for the 16GB + 512GB configuration, marking a $180 and $200 discount respectively from earlier monthly estimates.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Unlike enclosed virtual reality headsets that completely isolate the user, the XReal Aura projects digital content directly onto transparent lenses, enabling wearers to remain fully present in the real world while interacting with digital layers. By housing the main batteries and computing components inside a wired puck controller meant to slip easily into a pocket, XReal successfully minimized facial weight and ensured long-term comfort. Because the system is built on Android XR, users gain immediate access to millions of pre-existing 2D and 3D Android applications straight out of the box.
Beyond native Android software, users can also connect any USB-C compatible computer or handheld gaming console directly into the Aura, projecting external devices into the same virtual environment alongside standard Android XR apps. Furthermore, the device launches alongside an initial library exceeding 150 dedicated XR apps, featuring interactive experiences like Andy Serkis-designed Nevatars, the Fallout-themed strategy game Fallout: Factions, and spatial companion experiences for major sports and arts organizations.
The industry's shift toward split-compute architectures—where heavy processing units and batteries are offloaded to a pocket-sized puck—represents a major engineering milestone for wearable technology. By alleviating facial strain and leveraging the massive Android developer ecosystem, devices like the Aura lower the barrier of entry for daily spatial computing adoption.
For tech enthusiasts looking closer at the hardware specifications, the XReal Aura includes:
- Split-compute architecture featuring a compact control puck
- Wired Mirroring support for laptops and compatible handheld gaming gear
- Standard USB-C connectivity interface
- Electrochromic dimming functionality for enhanced immersion
- TÜV Rheinland certification for Eye Comfort
- Comprehensive input support via voice, hand tracking, keyboards, trackpads, and controllers
Source: Lifehacker
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