Xreal’s New Gadget is a Phone-Sized Android Tablet Just for Your AR Glasses

Xreal, known for its stylish augmented reality (AR) glasses, is taking a significant leap forward with its latest gadget, the Beam Pro. This innovative device aims to enhance the functionality of its AR glasses, which currently serve as display screens for various external devices, by adding an all-in-one companion that integrates software and content seamlessly.

Bridging the Gap with Beam Pro

The Beam Pro is a handheld device with the size and shape of a smartphone, but it is designed specifically as a companion for Xreal's AR glasses. Running on a customized version of Android 14, called NebulaOS, the Beam Pro can load most apps directly onto the AR display of the glasses. This bridges the gap left by the glasses, which unlike devices such as Apple’s Vision Pro or Meta’s Quest 3, lack built-in software or content.

Specifications and Features

The Beam Pro boasts impressive specifications that align it with modern smartphones:

• Display: 6.5-inch, 2400 x 1800 resolution screen.

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon processor (specific model not disclosed).

• Memory and Storage: Options of 6GB or 8GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of storage.

• Camera: Dual 50-megapixel cameras for spatial and 3D video capture.

• Ports: Two USB-C ports for simultaneous charging and connection to AR glasses.

Priced starting at $199, the Beam Pro is an attractive addition for users who already own or are considering purchasing Xreal glasses.

Unique Capabilities

What sets the Beam Pro apart from ordinary Android phones are its dual high-resolution cameras and its specialized AR functionalities. The device allows users to capture spatial and 3D videos, enhancing the immersive experience of viewing content through AR glasses. Additionally, the Beam Pro can serve as a touchpad when the glasses are connected, allowing users to navigate and control their AR environment seamlessly.

Enhanced User Experience

The Beam Pro addresses several issues identified in its predecessor, the Beam. The previous model, essentially a remote control for Xreal glasses, was criticized for being fiddly and unreliable. The inclusion of a screen and advanced camera features in the Beam Pro makes it a more user-friendly and versatile device, going beyond being a mere remote control to becoming a powerful AR tool.

A Different Approach to AR

While companies like Apple and Meta are working towards creating fully integrated AR headsets that function as standalone computers, Xreal's approach is more modular and flexible. By leveraging a mature device category like smartphones to handle the computational heavy lifting, Xreal minimizes the complexity and weight of the components worn on the face. This strategy not only simplifies the user experience but also makes the technology more accessible and adaptable.

Conclusion

Xreal’s Beam Pro represents a significant step forward in the evolution of augmented reality technology. By combining the convenience and functionality of a smartphone with specialized AR features, it offers a compelling solution for enhancing the capabilities of AR glasses. As AR technology continues to advance, Xreal's innovative approach might prove to be a smart and user-friendly strategy in the burgeoning field of augmented reality.

By Kushal Bharat, Tech News

For more updates on the latest in technology and augmented reality, stay tuned to Kushal Bharat Tech News.

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