Unlike more expensive headsets, these glasses draw power and content from the device they’re plugged into. This makes them a practical choice for people who travel frequently and don’t want to lug around a portable gaming console.
Xreal’s first mode, called Air Casting, works by mirroring your phone screen to a virtual 130in display 4m away. You can also connect them to an Apple laptop or MacBook via a USB-C adapter (but not an iPhone).
They’re comfortable
If you’re a gamer who likes to transport your gaming console with you, these glasses might be perfect for you. They’re a lightweight, compact pair of glasses that can show video and apps on a virtual semi-transparent screen. They work by projecting a 1080p OLED screen that’s beamed and reflected using mirrors.
They’re not a headset and don’t support VR games, but they’re better than most standalone screens. They’re also less expensive than competing devices.
The only problem is that they need a compatible smartphone to work and require a USB-C connection. They won’t work with iPhones and only some Android smartphones. They can also act as a monitor when plugged directly into a PC or laptop. They have a limited number of MR and AR applications and don’t come with an app store. The Nreal Air’s biggest downfall is its poor design and software. It asks you to jump through several hoops to set up the device and can be blindingly bright in sunlight.
They’re easy to use
Rather than being a fully fledged virtual reality headset like Vive or HTC Flow these augmented reality glasses rely on a connected smartphone for power and smarts. They also use a special adapter to work with an iPhone, meaning they cost more for Apple users at $59.
The Nreal Air forgoes cameras that could be seen as an invasion of privacy and instead offers a pair of light and compact glasses with virtual semi-transparent screens for video and apps. They’re tethered via USB to a compatible Android smartphone that needs the Nebula app to run, so won’t work with iPhones (though they will display an iPad screen).
When not paired with your smartphone, the Nreal Air acts as a high-resolution big-screen TV. The 480Hz FullHD resolution isn’t as sharp as a 4K monitor and the brightness can be a little distracting for long periods of time, but for those who frequently travel or spend long days in hotel rooms and want a portable way to bring their home entertainment with them this is a compelling solution.
They’re good value
These glasses use the screen of a connected phone for all of their processing power and display capabilities, which keeps them small and affordable. That also means they need to be tethered to a device, which drains the battery quickly. There’s a special cable included and an official Apple Lightning Digital AV Adapter costs $59.
They work with most Android smartphones running the Nebula app and can mirror their screens in a mode called Air Casting. That’s useful for showing presentations and other work-focused apps. They’re also a great way to watch videos or play games on the go.
They don’t have the cameras found on most other AR headsets that can detect the world around you and place virtual objects in it – but they do a decent job of creating a private 130-inch theater screen. They’re comfortable enough to wear for hours and offer a crisp image. The only downside is that the bright OLED display makes it difficult to read text.
They’re not perfect
While it’s cool that they can work with many USB-C devices and can be used as a virtual screen, there’s no onboard battery or microprocessor to run the displays themselves. This means that they’re dependent on a phone to be able to function, and it limits what you can use them for.
There are some nice features such as a cycling app that plays videos of cyclists riding along cycle paths, but the technology is ultimately limited to mirroring your smartphone’s display. That’s fine for casual gamers and people who like to watch movies on the go, but it doesn’t make them a compelling alternative to a TV or tablet.
It’s also a shame that they don’t have a camera or sensors to capture the environment around them, as this could offer more immersive experiences. Overall, the Nreal Light is a solid set of glasses that are less expensive than VR headsets and more comfortable to wear than traditional AR glasses.