TechCrunch, in an experiential article, states that XREAL's smart glasses a01, released in May this year, while providing a brighter picture and a certain immersion, are not yet fully mature if it is used as a daily visual device. This also reflects the fact that XR hardware is still looking for a more stable consumption scenario.

It's a good picture, but it's not logical.

The position of a01 is not complex, it is closer to an exterior screen, rather than an AR glasses with full computing capability. The equipment itself does not have batteries and needs to be connected to a laptop, cell phone or handheld via USB-C, and powered by external equipment.

The product is not bad in terms of the effect. The article mentions that a01 is equipped with a two-mini OLED panel with a resolution of 1080p with a brightness of up to 1600 Nit, with a strong colour. It is true that when used in a dark environment, there is a greater sense of package than in a normal notebook.

But the problem is also straightforward. As a01 relies mainly on screen mirrors, users tend to look at a virtual screen in front of them, while the computer or mobile phone next to them is running the same content simultaneously. This makes it difficult to avoid “Why not look directly at the original screen”.

Second screen is restricted.

XREAL describes a01 as a " second monitor " or " wearable monitor ", but the article considers that this location is still limited in its actual use. It is difficult for users to view the physical screens outside the glasses at the same time, so it is not easy to operate computers with glasses.

When connected to a mobile phone, it will be more mobile than a connection to a laptop, and theoretically more suitable for viewing videos in aircraft, trains, etc. However, a01 is still a mirror display device, mobile screens need to be kept on and redundancy issues are not really resolved.

  • a01 Sale price approximately $300
  • Beam Pro extra for approximately $200
  • Main connection to laptops, cell phones and handhelds

The heat is still the main slab.

The article also mentioned that a01 is used for a period of time when the heat is visible and the heat is felt in the nose and eyes. This is not a unique problem for XREAL, but is a common constraint for many XR glasses at present: it is difficult to contain the heat in a small size device that integrates components associated with computing.

However, the weight and comfort of a01 is still considered to be relatively good, at least not as heavy as some of the more heavy headlights. For those who want to try a light XR view, it has some availability, but there is still a gap between "ideal sightings".

Aura aimed at a more complete experience.

The article also mentions that XREAL is promoting new equipment that has not yet been sold Project Aura. This product places more emphasis on complete XR experience than a01. Aura uses the Google and Samsung-driven Android XR systems to support primary signage and access Google Play.

More importantly, Aura is equipped with an external computing and power module, which can be used by users in their entry bags and no longer has to be connected to another main equipment on a continuous basis, as is the case with a01. According to the article, this design is expected to improve the current main point of pain in the mobility and interaction of XR glasses.

Additional information:TechCrunch thinks that a01 is more like a transition product in the evolution of XR hardware. It demonstrates the possibility of viewing side by side, but in the short term it is difficult to replace more mature screen experiences such as television, projection or cinema.