Xreal Beam Pro: Bridging the gap in AR glasses
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 5:34AM 
Image: Xreal
Xreal has carved a niche with stylish augmented reality (AR) glasses that project a virtual screen for watching movies or gaming in a personal giant cinema. However, unlike competitors like Apple's Vision Pro or Meta's Quest 3, Xreal glasses lack built-in software and content. While this allows for connecting various devices, it limits functionality.
Enter the Beam Pro, Xreal's solution to bridge this gap. This handheld device resembles a smartphone but functions more like a companion for your glasses. It runs a customized Android 14 version called NebulaOS, enabling app use on your AR display. The dual-lens camera on the back captures spatial and 3D videos for viewing on your Xreal glasses (or even Apple's Vision Pro, according to Xreal).
The Beam Pro boasts smartphone-grade specs: a 6.5-inch 2400 x 1800 display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor (model unspecified), and variants ranging from 6GB/128GB to 8GB/256GB. The base model starts at US$199 (around CA$273), but keep in mind you'll likely need Xreal glasses for a complete experience.
Image: Xreal
What sets the Beam Pro apart? Firstly, the dual 50-megapixel cameras. Secondly, its two USB-C ports allow simultaneous charging and connection to your glasses. NebulaOS tweaks Android for AR. With glasses plugged in, the Beam's screen transforms into a touchpad, and apps can be displayed side-by-side in your field of view. Additionally, the first-time connection creates a dedicated app home screen on your glasses, controllable via the Beam Pro.
The Beam Pro is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, a simple remote control plagued by user frustration and questionable purpose. The screen brings user-friendliness, while the camera elevates it beyond a basic smartphone replacement. While you can still connect a Steam Deck or phone to Xreal glasses, the Beam Pro offers a more integrated approach.
Xreal's strategy stands in contrast to Apple and Meta, which favour a fully integrated computer-on-your-face experience. However, Xreal's approach is clever. It leverages the established smartphone format to handle complex tasks, minimizing the burden on your face. For now, this seems like a wise move.
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