Latest news with #Xreal
Hindustan Times
6 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Google Glass 2.0 is here, and this time, AI makes it worth wearing
It is 2012, and Google has come up with this weird yet interesting spectacle-like wearable product that looks kind of like a safety glass for factories. Many were confused about why I was so excited about it then. I clicked many pictures with it and proclaimed to anyone who would listen that this is the future of the wearables industry, and that Google is underrated for the visionary work they do. To top it the reveal was nothing short of spectacular. Google unveiled its Google Glass 1.0 with a couple of skydivers live streaming themselves while parachuting on the San Francisco skyline. But then, this turned out to be a classic case of the product being ready, but the market not as much. No one would have realized it was a case of premature execution then. Google quietly pivoted to making this available enterprise only. The enterprise edition in 2017 found only a few takers in the medical and the industrial field. And Google finally stopped selling and supporting the enterprise edition too in 2023. One of the most important differences from the Meta glasses though is the in-lens display which Google says aims not to escape reality but to enhance it.(Google) In the meanwhile, in 2021, another quiet development was taking place. Meta had developed a wearable whose form factor looked eerily similar to Google Glass, in partnership with Essilor Luxottica. Meta then upgraded the product in 2023 and then again in 2024. Cut to today, it has become so common to see people wearing chunky Ray-Ban Meta glasses clicking away in Silicon Valley. This must have made Google feel vindicated about its product and choice of form factor back in 2012. Google has made some significant announcements regarding Android XR glasses in its Google I/O in May 2025. To be sure, Google isn't doing this alone this time around. They are partnering with Samsung, Qualcomm and Xreal. There seem to be a number of glass-like products that are in several stages of development including one with Samsung – Project Moohan and one in-house Google glass. The one with Xreal is more developer-focussed. But one thing is for sure that all of it will be using Google's Operating system for headsets and glasses – Android XR. The most exciting thing about the Google glass 2.0 is the Gemini AI integration, obviously. You can now hold live bilingual conversations, ask Gemini questions about everything you see and of course you can ask for directions. There are also two ways how your directions are displayed – either projected in front of you or on the embedded in lens display depending on where you are looking. Hands-free photos, video and note capturing are a given as it is with the Meta glasses. One of the most important differences from the Meta glasses though is the in-lens display which Google says aims not to escape reality but to enhance it. You can for instance see the directions overlayed on where you are walking and from the videos Google has shared it looks quite vivid and useful rather than intrusive. Another difference from the Meta glasses is seeing the result of the picture that you just took on the lens. This in itself feels like one step ahead of the Meta glasses. Although this is currently a prototype, the Google glasses seem to be lighter than the Meta glasses according to feedback from those who tried it at Google I/O. The product isn't out for sale yet and the price point is still unclear too. But Google has done well this time by partnering with luxury eyewear firms like Gentle Monster and the direct to consumer vendor Warby Parker. It can be argued that the Meta Ray bans wouldn't really have been as successful as they are now had they not been Ray bans. Although in 2012, Google wanted to market the product as an early adopter item, there were concerns regarding its functionality, high price, safety and privacy that ultimately led to the untimely demise of the product. Today, society and technology have evolved and the bar for many of those parameters look very different. So, with some modifications from Google it does look like the world may be ready for its Glass (and Android XR based glasses and headsets) and lap it up given the right price point. I still have the old Google Glass. I am definitely getting the 2.0 version as well. Authored by: Varun Krishnan
South China Morning Post
4 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Alibaba previews its first AI-powered glasses, joining China's heated smart wearable race
Alibaba Group Holding has entered the fierce smart glasses race in China, previewing its first pair of AI-powered glasses at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai – the country's largest annual AI event. The Quark AI glasses, named after Alibaba's AI assistant, were showcased to the public for the first time at the event on Saturday. The company said it had completed development of the product and was aiming for an official launch this year, although no specific date was provided. This marks Alibaba's debut in the smart glasses market, which has seen heightened local competition as domestic firms like Rokid and Xreal have rushed to release new products in recent months. Alibaba, owner of the Post, also struck a partnership with augmented reality glasses maker RayNeo earlier this year to provide AI support for the Hong Kong-based company's products. 'AI glasses will become the most important form of wearable intelligence – it will serve as another pair of eyes and ears for humans,' said Song Gang, head of smart terminal business at Alibaba's Intelligent Information business group, during a sub-forum. The move by the Hangzhou-based tech giant is part of a broader strategy to enhance its AI offerings. In February, Alibaba committed to investing US$53 billion in AI infrastructure over the next three years. Alibaba is doubling down on its investments into AI software and hardware. Photo: AP
Stuff.tv
5 days ago
- Business
- Stuff.tv
You can trade-in your old glasses for big money off Xreal's smart specs – here's how
Been looking to get yourself a set of smart glasses? Whether you want to shoot first-person clips for Instagram or watch content on a huge virtual screen, there are lots of reasons to bag yourself a set. But they don't come cheap. Fortunately, there's never been a better time to get a set of smart specs, thanks to this creative Xreal promotion. If you've got any pair of old glasses lying around, you can trade them in and get money off a new set of Xreal's AR smart glasses. I've used Xreal's glasses before, and they're some of the most impressive options I've tried. They deliver high-quality displays with a surprisingly lightweight design that feels comfortable for longer sessions. Right now, you can save up to $475 off the cost of a new set of Xreal glasses – depending on what you send in. This offer runs from 15 July to 15 August for US customers who don't mind covering the shipping cost. The process is straightforward. You start by buying an Xreal One or One Pro headset directly from the brand's website. Then, you fill out the valuation form on its trade-in page, ship your old glasses following the provided instructions, and wait for the assessment. You can send in anything from an old pair of sunglasses, your grandad's reading specs, or even blue-light glasses – as long as they look like glasses, they qualify. Once Xreal reviews the condition of your trade-in, you'll get a digital MasterCard with the agreed amount. You can use anywhere online. I'm a big fan of how flexible this promotion is compared to other trade-in schemes – you're not limited to specific models or brands. Having used its AR glasses myself, I'd say this is a smart way to make the jump if you've been curious about the tech but hesitant about the price.
CNET
7 days ago
- Business
- CNET
Trade In Grandpa's Old Reading Glasses and Upgrade to Xreal AR Glasses With This Insane Deal
Glasses are having a moment, from Jurassic Park to VR headsets. If you've been hoping to snag a pair of smart glasses without paying full price, then this deal is for you. Right now you can snag a sweet trade-in deal from Xreal. Just turn in any pair of glasses, whether that's an AR or VR model, spare sunglasses you've had laying around the house or even your grandpa's old readers, you'll get trade-in credit with your purchase of either the Xreal One or One Pro AR headset. The Xreal One AR glasses impressed CNET Editor at Large and wearables expert Scott Stein thanks to their sharp and vivid display, solid sound and wide compatibility. He notes that, "The Xreal One glasses aren't perfect, but they're the best set of display glasses I've ever seen." There are a few things about this trade-in deal to be aware of, which I'll outline for you below -- but this is a pretty sweet deal for anyone looking for a solid pair of smart glasses. First, you'll need to purchase either the Xreal One or the Xreal One Pro directly from Xreal. Then you'll submit your claim here. You must submit your claim within 30 days of your purchase date and include proof of purchase. Once that is completed, you'll be contacted via email if you're approved and XReal will give you instructions on how to send in your qualifying trade-in product. Select Meta and Amazon wearables are included, as well as older Xreal models and more. But even if you don't have other smart glasses to turn in, you'll be able to send in any old pair, including those blue-light blocking glasses that were all the rage not too long ago. (I still use mine daily.) Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. Xreal is offering trade-in savings of up to $475, but that amount is for the Meta Quest Pro. For just any old glasses, you'll likely get back $75 or $100. But there is a vast range in between. A pair of Amazon Echo Frames could get you as much as $145, for example. Check out all of the qualifying items and values (which vary based upon which Xreal glasses you purchase and the condition of your trade in item) to get an idea on what you could expect to get back. Once Xreal reviews the condition of your trade-in, the company will finalize your trade-in amount and send you a digital MasterCard loaded with the final value for you to spend wherever MasterCard is accepted. Just be sure to snag your AR glasses by Aug. 15 to qualify. It's also worth noting that this promotion is exclusively for US customers, and you can only make two claims per person and a maximum of four claims per household. Only one claim will be accepted per purchased promotion product and corresponding trade-in device. Once you receive your card, you must spend the funds within 6 months or forfeit the balance. Why this deal matters Getting your hands on cutting-edge tech is hardly cheap. But finding deals can make it a little more affordable to splurge. These Xreal One glasses don't often see price cuts, whether directly or through trade in offers. Because of expected tariff-related price hikes on all sorts of tech, this is a great time to go ahead get yourself a solid pair of smart glasses at a nice discount whether you're turning in an older smart model or just handing over one of your well worn pairs of extra sunglasses.
CNET
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
Viture's Luma Pro Glasses Make Me Wish the Switch 2 Had an OLED Screen
When I played Donkey Kong Bananza for hours and hours over the last few weeks, I didn't just play on my TV and the handheld screen. I spent a good chunk of my playtime wearing Viture's latest display glasses, the Luma Pro, with which the lush levels never looked so eye-poppingly colorful. Viture's glasses can be used for just about any USB-C-connected device, including phones, laptops or tablets, but they might be the best fit for games. Sadly, the Nintendo Switch 2 can't directly connect to display on the glasses, but using Viture's separately sold mobile dock as a conduit, I found the Switch's games to be the best showcase for how rich these glasses' brightness and color look. The world of display-enabled glasses is growing fast. Like headphones for your eyes, this subcategory of tech includes players like Xreal, TCL and Viture. Xreal's excellent One and One Pro glasses have improved audio as well as the ability to pin displays in place with built-in 3DoF (aka 3 Degrees of Freedom) head tracking. Viture's new Luma series of glasses, which includes four models coming between now and October, has some advantages and drawbacks over Xreal. I've only gotten to try the Viture Luma Pro model for now, since the others are coming later this year: a more bare-bones Luma, and the step-up Ultra and Beast glasses. After playing with the Luma Pros, I loved the quality of the display, enough to make me yearn for a high-quality OLED screen on my Switch 2. A side view of the Luma Pro glasses, with magnetic prescription lenses attached which I needed. Scott Stein/CNET The Luma Pro compares favorably to the Xreal One. Both cost $500 and use birdbath-style display systems, which use chunky angled lenses to project bright microOLED displays into your eyes. There are differences: the Luma Pro's displays are brighter, at 1,000 nits (compared to 600 nits for Xreal One), and also higher-res (1,920x1,200 pixels per eye, as opposed to Xreal's 1,920x1,080 per eye). The display definitely feels more color-saturated, likely due to the brightness bump. It makes the most difference for me when playing games, and the Switch 2's color schemes are a perfect match. Unfortunately, you need a special accessory to even connect a Switch 2 to these glasses, since Nintendo doesn't enable direct glasses connections into its hardware the way you can do with Steam Deck and Windows handhelds. Viture sells a separate Pro Mobile Dock ($129) that doubles as a 6,500-mAh battery pack. You have to plug the Switch 2 into that dock, and then the glasses can plug into the dock too. The dock mimics a Switch 2 dock, which means you have to play the Switch with Joy-Cons detached. This is just as well since the Switch 2 ends up tethered to that chunky battery pack in the first place. That's exactly what I did, and while the results were pleasant, the process was awkward. Like previous Viture glasses, the Luma Pro has a diopter adjustment up to -4 for nearsightedness. (My prescription is worse, though.) Scott Stein/CNET Luma's advantages: Brightness, color and a bit of prescription adjustment The extra brightness of Viture's Luma Pro sometimes made darker movie scenes seem almost like they were in bright daylight. Watching scenes from David Cronenberg's The Shrouds, indoor scenes almost felt like they were shot in different locations when I shifted from Luma Pro to Xreal One. It was too amped-up for my tastes, at least with Cronenberg. For gaming, though, it's particularly vivid. Sometimes it's almost a bit too much for me, but you can lower the brightness and change the color tone to several presets to make it warmer or cooler. The brightness still isn't enough to overcome a super-bright, sunny summer day by the pool. I found daylight still competing with the electrically dimming sunglass-like lenses and the brightest setting, bleeding through. The USB-C cable tether for these glasses uses a magnetic snap-on system. It's easy to attach, but don't lose that cable. Scott Stein/CNET You need to tether these glasses to your laptop, phone, or whatever else you're connecting to via USB-C, but Viture has a clever new magnetic cable system to snap onto the side of the glasses. This seems like a promising idea for future glasses that could run on battery power or be tethered on the fly, but for the moment, that magnetic cable doesn't add a lot. It just means you have to make sure to pack another proprietary cable with you. Finally, for some, these glasses could work even with some mild myopia. A diopter dial on each lens can be adjusted up to -4, saving you the need for prescription lens inserts. I'm a -8, so I needed lens inserts anyway. Viture's solution magnetically snaps onto the glasses, which I appreciate, but it took a while to tweak the nose pieces (three are included, which also magnetically snap on) and arm angles, which click in place, to get my vision to look just right. There's also an included RGB camera right in the nosepiece, something Xreal is currently charging extra for on the Xreal One. I didn't use the Xreal camera much, and right now, Viture isn't doing much with its camera, either. You could use it to take photos and maybe help track movement with future software, but it feels vestigial now. The Viture Luma Pro (left) next to Xreal One (right): Both have similar design and size, and angled "birdbath" style lenses that project microOLED displays to your eyes. Xreal's have more onboard display settings, though. Scott Stein/CNET Downside: No display pinning and not enough settings You can't pin the Luma Pro's display in space like you can on the Xreal One unless you play with the software Viture makes to run on laptops. I miss the multiple display settings Xreal offers, including automatic transparency, screen size and distance controls, and even shifting screen placement. The 52-degree field of view and slightly taller 16:10 aspect ratio display feel a tiny bit bigger than the Xreal One's 50-degree viewing area, but having it stuck to my vision with no way to pin the display in place makes it hard to use as a laptop monitor. For gaming, it's fine. The upcoming Viture Luma Beast glasses will have a 3DoF pinnable display function, plus a larger 58-degree viewing area for its display. Wait for the Beast? Coming in October is the step-up Luma Beast, a pair of glasses with even brighter, newer microOLED panels and a larger viewing area, plus the ability to pin a display in place. The Beast will also have flatter, less angled lenses, similar to the Xreal One Pro glasses. Yes, the price is a bit higher ($549), but I tested the Beast glasses briefly in June and came away impressed. I'd suggest you wait it out for those, or consider Xreal's glasses. But if you value a rich, vivid and brighter display over anything else, these Viture Luma Pros might be your pick.
