Xreal vs. Apple Vision Pro: Why I chose Air 2 and Beam Pro

Xreal’s latest innovation, the Beam Pro, has transformed my $400 Xreal Air 2 smart glasses into an affordable alternative to the Vision Pro. While Apple’s VR headset holds more power and sophistication, Xreal’s spatial computing solution offers similar features.

The Beam Pro allows for capturing 3D photos and videos, enhancing the experience of reliving memories through the Xreal Air smart glasses. These glasses bring depth and movement to moments, creating a more immersive experience. While Apple’s Vision Pro is considered the best spatial computing solution currently available, its high price tag of $3,500 sparked my search for a more budget-friendly alternative.

Although Apple may not endorse this comparison, the Vision Pro stands out as a top VR headset, while Xreal excels in the smart glasses space. Opting for Xreal’s Air 2 and Beam Pro over Apple’s Vision Pro not only saved me thousands but also provided a compelling experience, despite not being a complete replacement.

Xreal spatial computing

The Xreal Air, Air 2, and Air 2 Pro smart glasses function like virtual monitors, necessitating a separate device for input, internet access, and data processing. This is where the Beam Pro comes into play.

Resembling an Android phone in appearance and functionality, the Beam Pro allows many Android phones to connect to Xreal glasses, running a limited version of its software. This setup enables virtual browser windows, simulating a multi-screen PC experience. However, there are limitations when using web apps.

Designed by Xreal specifically for its Air smart glasses, the Beam Pro extends beyond just a browser. It accommodates the opening of any Android app in either portrait or landscape view, facilitating multitasking scenarios like having Gmail and Chrome concurrently open. Additionally, users can explore various apps, including VPNs, password managers, and chat tools, enhancing the versatility of the system.

Comparison to Apple’s Vision Pro reveals that Xreal’s solution offers a head-mounted display with a full-featured browser and mobile app access. While Apple integrates all processing power into the Vision Pro’s visor, Xreal distributes it across the Beam Pro and Air series smart glasses, resulting in a lightweight and functional setup.

Working with virtual screens

Xreal’s NebulaOS, despite lacking tracking cameras, delivers a responsive virtual interface that adapts to head movements seamlessly. The system offers body anchor mode for locking the screen’s position, providing a user-friendly experience. Interacting with controls and content involves using the Beam Pro as a pointer, enabling efficient navigation and input methods.

The system’s portrait orientation facilitates multitasking by displaying two windows simultaneously, with a toggle option for landscape mode to optimize viewing. Quick settings and taskbar functionalities enhance user convenience, making navigation and app management straightforward.

While Xreal’s system excels in casual browsing and content consumption, it may not be ideal for extensive productivity tasks. However, when paired with a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, the Beam Pro offers a productive experience akin to a Chromebook, enhancing usability.

Comparing keyboard and mouse modes, Xreal’s setup provides a practical alternative for productivity, offering familiarity and efficiency similar to traditional computing setups. The system’s capability to support multiple apps and tasks simultaneously enhances multitasking capabilities.

Spatial videos

Xreal’s Beam Pro stands out in recording spatial videos in the SBS 3D format, offering a unique perspective with natural depth perception. The system utilizes dual cameras to capture depth, enhancing the viewing experience when wearing the Xreal Air 2 smart glasses.

Comparatively, Apple’s Vision Pro records spatial videos with lower-resolution cameras, leading to distinct visual differences. Xreal’s affordability and functionality in capturing 3D content without the need for additional hardware or accessories provide a compelling value proposition.

Sharing spatial content across platforms may pose challenges, but Xreal’s compatibility with standard 3D formats allows for conversion and sharing through various tools. The integration of SBS 3D videos with popular platforms enhances sharing capabilities and extends the reach of the content.

Converting Xreal’s spatial content for compatibility with other platforms showcases the system’s flexibility and integration capabilities. Applications like Spatialify enable seamless sharing and viewing experiences across different devices.

Xreal vs. Apple

While Apple’s Vision Pro offers superior immersive experiences, Xreal’s affordability and functionality make it a compelling alternative for many users. The Xreal Air 2’s expansive field of view and lightweight design provide a practical solution for work and entertainment, complementing the Vision Pro’s immersive capabilities.

Both systems cater to distinct use cases, with Xreal emphasizing portability and efficiency, while Apple focuses on creating immersive environments for gaming and media consumption. The diverse extended reality marketplace accommodates various preferences and requirements, illustrating the versatility of spatial computing solutions.

Ultimately, the choice between Apple’s Vision Pro and Xreal’s Air 2 and Beam Pro bundle boils down to individual needs and preferences. While Apple excels in certain areas, Xreal’s cost-effective approach appeals to a broader audience, offering a compelling experience at a fraction of the cost.

As technology continues to evolve, with promising products like Snap’s Spectacles and Meta’s Orion on the horizon, the spatial computing landscape is poised for further innovation. Xreal’s advancements, including the Air 2 Ultra with hand gesture recognition, showcase the potential for enhancing user experiences in the XR space.