Xreal has unveiled its latest device at the XR Augmented World Expo (AWE) 2024 industry exhibition, but it's not a pair of AR smart glasses, it's a smartphone-like device called the Xreal Beam Pro.
The Beam Pro is a successor to the original Beam adapter and solves many of the problems I've had with this generation of AR specs, and is surprisingly affordable.
The updated Beam Pro is a brand new Xreal glasses accessory that is compatible with the Xreal Air and Xreal Air 2 models, including the Pro and Ultra. Simply plug it into your specs with a USB-C to USB-C cable and they become true space computers running on Android 14 and NebulaOS (Xreal's own operating system).
You can control what you see on the Xreal glasses using the Beam Pro's 6.5-inch 2K LCD touchscreen. You can also use the screen like you would on a smartphone to manage Play Store apps and modify your settings, and thanks With the dual 50 MP cameras on the rear you can capture space images and 3D videos at 1080p and 60 fps.
Best of all, it costs just $199 / £189 for the 6GB RAM / 128GB storage model, while the 8GB RAM / 256GB storage model will set you back $249 / £239. Pre-orders are now available on XREAL.com for the United States, United Kingdom, China, Japan, Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands; Availability and pricing for Australia is TBC.
If you buy the Beam Pro and a pair of
The AR accessory we needed
I haven't had a chance to try the Xreal Beam Pro yet, but it looks like the AR add-on we've been needing for a while to solve a lot of issues I had with the technology when testing it. .
First of all, finding compatible devices can be confusing. There are all kinds of compatibility issues thanks to hardware and software nuances that are confusing if you're not tech-savvy. While the original Beam was advertised as a potential solution, it still suffered from compatibility issues because it couldn't be used without a smartphone, whereas if you pick up the Pro and a pair of Xreal Airs, you know you'll have everything you need. .
Secondly, it solves the battery problems I have had thanks to its two USB-C ports. The Xreal glasses (and other wired AR specs) can consume your phone's charge and there is no way to charge your phone and use the glasses at the same time. That's not a problem with the Beam Pro, as you can use it and plug it into power at the same time.
Finally, it seems like a good value for money. Without any bundle discounts, a setup of AR glasses and Beam Pro costs between $498 and $648 / £528 and £638, which is slightly more expensive than a Meta Quest 3.
While AR isn't prohibitively expensive, it may seem like you're getting relatively little value for your money compared to XR devices such as virtual reality headsets, due to the aforementioned compatibility and complexity issues.
Beam Pro gives you a simple plug-and-play option that is a pocket TV and 3D camera and requires no other technology, just a few subscriptions to the best streaming services.
Obviously I'll have to try the Beam Pro to verify Xreal's bold promises, but if you've been waiting for AR technology to start feeling worthwhile, this is your prompt to start paying attention to the space, and maybe even finally dive in. . .
