Upon wearing the glasses, a large screen appeared before my eyes. Even when I turned my head, the screen remained fixed in place. This device allows users to view virtual screens while still seeing the real world.
Xreal's newly launched AURA takes this concept further. Built on the Google Android XR operating system and enhanced with the AI Gemini, the glasses enable users to run apps directly within the device and display multiple screens in their environment. The company describes it as a step beyond merely projecting a smartphone screen, aiming to create a 'spatial computing' platform.
During a demonstration event held at Hongdae Square in Mapo-gu, Seoul, I had the opportunity to try both the AURA and the Xreal 1 Pro+. Visitors explored the second-floor experience zone, eager to try the unfamiliar XR glasses.
While both products resemble traditional glasses, they operate differently. The 1 Pro+ connects to a smartphone or PC to display screens, whereas the AURA connects via cable to a separate computing device called the 'Puck' to run its own Android XR apps. This marks a shift from merely 'viewing' external device screens to 'using' its own operating system and apps.
The AURA was developed in collaboration with Google and Qualcomm. Xreal claims it is the world's first wired XR glasses based on Android XR. The device supports voice and hand gesture controls, along with over 150 XR-specific experiences available through the Google Play app. In South Korea, users can enjoy 180-degree and 360-degree videos on the Naver streaming platform, Chijijik.
The AURA's key selling point lies in its functionality rather than screen size. Users can create a virtual workspace by mirroring their laptop screen or watch videos on a large virtual display. The Gemini AI is designed to understand and assist with tasks displayed on the screen.
The hardware emphasizes lightweight design, with the glasses weighing less than 95 grams and offering a 70-degree field of view. Equipped with a Sony micro OLED display, it supports a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. The Puck houses the computing unit and battery, reducing the weight of the glasses, and the transparent lenses allow users to see their surroundings, distinguishing it from fully enclosed VR headsets. For those needing vision correction, a dedicated lens kit can accommodate prescription lenses, eliminating the need to wear additional glasses.
However, the price is significant. The model with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage starts at 1.69 million won, while the 16GB RAM and 512GB model is priced at 1.99 million won. A promotional discount will be available until December, with shipments beginning in late November. This contrasts sharply with the 1 Pro+, which is priced in the 800,000 won range. However, the AURA's ability to run its own XR platform sets it apart from being just a higher-end model.
During my experience, I noted some drawbacks. Both products felt heavier than regular glasses, making them uncomfortable for extended wear. The cable connecting the AURA to the Puck was also distracting during use. While the experience of using the screens and apps was novel, improvements in weight and connectivity are necessary for everyday use.
The price also poses a barrier. Starting at 1.69 million won, the AURA is a significant investment for a trial purchase. The value of XR-specific content and AI features, as well as the availability of frequently used apps and content, will be crucial factors.
Xreal has shifted its focus from traditional AR glasses that merely display screens to XR devices that integrate an operating system and AI. By leveraging Google Android XR, Gemini, and Qualcomm's computing platform, the company aims to create a comprehensive hardware and software ecosystem. This suggests that competition may extend beyond display performance and comfort to include content and platform capabilities.
While XR glasses are unlikely to replace smartphones or PCs immediately, they remain a novel product category for South Korean consumers, with price and comfort still needing to be addressed. However, the country's strong early adopter market could serve as a testing ground for initial demand.
The AURA showcases the evolution of XR devices resembling glasses, but for them to become everyday tools, they must balance comfort, content, and competitive pricing. This launch marks a pivotal moment in assessing whether spatial computing can penetrate the consumer market.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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