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Hands-on with Rokid's more affordable and lighter Vision Pro alternative
Rokid's new AR glasses and computing box combine to offer a spatial computing experience that can approximate what the Vision Pro does
I've been testing my fair share of consumer AR glasses from brands like Rokid, TCL, XReal, and Viture, as the first three are definitely the current market leaders. While I find them very useful as wearable screens (my colleagues feel the same way), they haven't been doing much with Augmented Reality thus far. Rokid is looking to change that with the newly-announced Rokid AR Lite: a kit which includes a new pair of AR glasses named Rokid Max 2 and a phone-shaped computing box named Rokid Station 2.
TCL RayNeo X2 review: A first step towards true AR glasses, but still work to do
The RayNeo X2 are truly wireless glasses that can project visual overlay onto the real world and give you surprisingly smart AI help
TCL's subsidiary brand RayNeo has released several capable smartglasses in the past couple of years, including the excellent Air 2. But the company's latest X2, which was teased over a year ago at 2023's CES, is finally ready for mass release. Well, almost ready, because RayNeo is launching it via the Indiegogo crowdfunding platform first, though company reps say it will be sold in stores later.
Apple’s Vision Pro is going to spearhead improved AR eyewear in 2024
Apple's Vision Pro headset is likely too expensive for most people. But it will lead to a surge in superior AR eyewear from other brands
The previously nascent AR smart glasses market grew quite a bit in 2023, with companies like TCL, XReal, Rokid releasing vastly improved gen-two (or even gen-three) products that were well-reviewed. The team at XDA tested all the best smart glasses, and while we found them very useful for watching movies and working on the go (my colleague Karthik spent a week using the XReal Air 2 in place of a proper monitor), ultimately they are mostly just a portable, wearable screen, without doing any real "augmenting" of our reality.
XREAL Air 2 review: A good entry to the world of spatial computing
A little rough around the edges, though.
Augmented reality (AR) glasses have been around for quite some time, but they're having a bit of a Eureka moment now following the announcement of Apple's Vision Pro headset. I've come across more AR glasses over the last few weeks on my social media feed and in my inbox than I've collectively seen in all these years of covering tech. I am not complaining, though, because many of these new pair of glasses are genuinely impressive. The XREAL Air 2 is definitely one of the more interesting AR glasses out there that enables spatial computing for $400 and no lead times.
Xreal Air 2 AR glasses are the latest wearable displays for gaming and watching movies
Xreal Air 2 and Air 2 Pro come with upgraded hardware, new features, and a plethora of customization options.
Nreal is a well-known brand for AR enthusiasts, having launched a variety of smart AR glasses in recent years, most notably, the first-gen Nreal Air AR glasses, which were received fairly well by consumers at large. Earlier this year, the company changed its name to Xreal after a trademark dispute with Epic Games. Following the name change, the company is now launching the Air 2 and Air 2 Pro in select North American, European, and Asian markets.
Samsung's alleged AR headset leaks online with new images and detailed specifications
Samsung's new AR headset finds its way online, giving us a look at its current form and alleged specifications.
Samsung first shared its plans for a new XR device back in February during its Galaxy Unpacked event. While it didn't show off any new products or software, it did bring partners Qualcomm and Google on stage to share the news. The three touted their partnership for new experiences, sharing how working together, the companies would bring a new augmented reality experience to consumers. Several months later, we're getting our first look at what this partnership looks like, with leaked images of a prototype headset, along with the device's specifications.
Google and Taito celebrate 45th anniversary of Space Invaders with new immersive AR game
A new game has been released to celebrate Space Invaders' 45th anniversary using Google's AR tech.
Tatio's Space Invaders was first released in arcades way back in 1978. And even 45 years later, it's still alive and well, with the company utilizing the nostalgia associated with the game to churn out licensed merchandise and occasionally issuing new releases of the game. Of course, a classic will always remain a classic, so it's good to see a company like Google paying homage to the property, celebrating the title's 45th anniversary. What makes this celebration even better is when it comes in the form of a unique experience, like its augmented reality SPACE INVADERS: World Defense mobile game that is now available on Android and iOS.
Apple's upcoming headset could leverage familiar apps and services to sway users
With the headset reportedly arriving in a couple of months, the latest update shares details about the device's software ambitions.
For years now, we've heard about Apple's mixed-reality headset and how it's going to be a revolutionary new product for the company when it arrives. And while anticipation runs high for some, so far, we're still just waiting to get a sliver of confirmation that thing really exists. Although we've already had plenty of iPhone leaks for this year, Apple is playing this one extremely close to the chest, with all current and past reported information simply coming in the form of leaks and rumors.
Apple's mixed-reality headset reportedly suffers another setback as optimism for the product dwindles
We've heard it before, and we're hearing it again, as it's being reported that Apple will reportedly delay the release of its headset.
It looks like Apple has suffered another setback with its mixed-reality headset, as analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has chimed in, sharing that mass production for the product has been delayed. While it's unclear whether this device will make an appearance at Apple's upcoming WWDC set to take place on June 5, at the very least this new development will push back the release of the product by a few months. Kuo expects that the headset could release sometime in the third quarter of this year, but quantities of the product will be much lower.
Exclusive: These are Xiaomi's new Wireless AR Smart Glasses, and they look like they're from the future
Xiaomi's AR Smart Glasses are a prototype not meant for commercial release right now, but the hardware feels more than ready
Mobile World Congress is an exciting trade show for mobile enthusiasts because it's not just a launching ground for commercial-ready products, but also a place where some of the world's top tech brands show off prototypes or ideas for future products. And while Xiaomi just held an actual launch event for its Xiaomi 13 series two days ago, it had another surprise announcement today: a pair of augmented reality glasses with more advanced technology than any existing AR glasses currently on market.
Apple's mixed reality headset will now reportedly makes its debut in June
There have been numerous reports of delays, but this latest one puts Apple's mixed reality headset debut on course for the middle of the year.
While there hasn't been an official announcement or even a teaser, it's been rumored for quite some time many news outlets that Apple's next major product will be its mixed reality headset. Although dates for the device's unveiling have been swirling around the past year or so, it now looks like it might make its debut in a few months time, set to take center stage during Apple's WWDC event in June.
Anticipating Apple's mixed-reality headset reignites my enthusiasm for tech events
Mainstream tech events have been exceptionally boring as of late, but waiting for Apple's rumored mixed-reality headset renews my shriveling hope.
Once upon a time, mainstream tech launches were exciting events, but that's no longer the case. I'm aware that certain companies still preview some innovative yet niche phones, tablets, and laptops (hence the emphasis on "mainstream"), but these devices almost never gain traction or get serious attention from their respective manufacturers after they're released.
Apple reportedly postpones AR glasses and pivots efforts toward affordable mixed-reality headset
Apple has indefinitely postponed its AR glasses and will instead shift its focus to an affordable mixed-reality headset.
After making a splash with the announcement of its latest MacBook Pro 14 and MacBook Pro 16, it's now being reported that Apple's augmented reality glasses are now being postponed. While the company initially had plans to launch the glasses sometime in 2023, it was pushed back to 2025, and now, it no longer has a release date. While it hasn't been canceled, it unfortunately won't be arriving anytime soon.
HTC's VIVE XR Elite is an aggressively priced consumer-focused flagship VR headset
HTC has unveiled its new consumer-focused VIVE XR Elite VR headset, which is now available for pre-order and is priced at $1,099.
After teasing the world with a new mixed reality headset, HTC has finally announced its latest product, the VIVE XR Elite at CES 2023. The headset is a consumer-friendly device that looks most likely to take on the Meta Quest Pro. As far as pricing goes, the VIVE XR Elite comes in at $1,099.
TCL finally dives into AR eyewear with the RayNeo X2
After years of experimenting, TCL is finally ready to announce augmented reality glasses, slated to arrive to developers in the first quarter of 2023.
TCL is known mainly for its TVs, and on occasion, it'll also deliver some budget-minded smartphones as well. But the company has also been dabbling in another product segment for some years, focusing on digital eyewear, giving users the ability to display massive 100-inch screens in front of their faces by just putting on a pair of glasses.
HTC teases new mixed-reality Meta Quest Pro competitor ahead of CES
It looks like next year could be a little exciting for AR / VR enthusiasts and newcomers, as HTC has teased a new headset set to be announced at CES.
The excitement around AR/VR has been pretty lukewarm this year, despite Meta releasing a new headset and PlayStation touting a new VR unit for next year. For the most part, there really aren't too many companies in the space that have managed to create excitement around VR, AR, or mixed reality.
Apple's mixed reality headset might face shipment delays due to "software-related issues"
Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the headset might arrive in the second half of 2023
Apple has been working on a mixed reality (MR) headset for quite a while, and we've seen several leaks and rumors about the product over the last few months. In June this year, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed that the headset could finally make it to the market early next year, with mass shipments to follow in Q2 2023. However, in a recent string of tweets, Kuo has now revealed that the headset might face a significant delay due to "software-related issues."
Qualcomm debuts the Snapdragon AR2 Gen 1 for thin, high-performance AR glasses
The chipset will make an appearance on upcoming AR glasses from Lenovo, Nreal, LG, Oppo, TCL, Xiaomi, and more!
Alongside its latest flagship SoC for smartphones, Qualcomm debuted a new augmented reality platform for next-gen AR smart glasses during its ongoing Snapdragon Summit today. The new Snapdragon AR2 Gen 1 is part of Qualcomm's extended reality (XR) portfolio and brings several improvements over the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 from 2019. However, unlike the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 and the recently released XR2 Plus Gen 1, the new platform is only designed to power AR experiences.
After announcing details about its release strategy for the Magic Leap 2 during the summer, the company has now made its latest augmented reality product available for sale. Despite this, but don't expect to just waltz into your local electronics retailer and pick one up, as this release is geared towards commercial buyers.
Meta announces Connect event for October 11
Meta has announced its upcoming Connect event that will focus on virtual and augmented reality. The Meta Quest Pro could also makes its debut.
Meta has announced its plans to hold a Connect event on October 11. The one-day virtual event will discuss various virtual and augmented reality topics. There will be information shared about the company’s latest technologies, and there will be educational developer sessions. While it has not been announced formally, after being rumored for quite some time, the long-awaited Project Cambria headset will also most likely make its debut at the event.