Google and Xreal launch the Xreal Aura wired XR glasses, with Android XR and a puck with Snapdragon Reality Elite, for $1,099+ through December, then $1,279+

Your existing Google Play apps gain a new XR interface, and Gemini can now understand on-screen context.

Google's partner Xreal has launched the Xreal Aura, a new line of wired smart glasses powered by Android XR and Qualcomm's Snapdragon Reality Elite platform. These glasses feature Sony's Micro-OLED displays with 1200p resolution at 120 Hz and a 95-degree field of view, and utilize Bose's audio technology. The Xreal Aura connects to a processing 'puck' and supports a range of Google Play apps and XR experiences, including specific apps for the NBA and NASCAR. Additionally, users can connect external devices like computers or gaming consoles via USB-C for augmented display capabilities, and the glasses integrate with Google's Gemini AI as a Q&A assistant. The Xreal Aura is available for order in the US, Canada, Japan, and South Korea, with limited-time launch pricing starting at $1,099 through December, after which prices will increase to $1,279. Shipping is expected to begin in mid-November.

The Xreal Aura's launch, powered by Android XR and Qualcomm's latest chips, signifies Google's continued strategy of leveraging partners to expand its presence in the burgeoning smart glasses market, mirroring its approach with Android smartphones. This move positions Google against competitors like Meta and Apple, aiming to establish a consumer-ready XR ecosystem through third-party hardware. The device's design, resembling Meta's glasses more than Apple's Vision Pro, suggests a focus on a more approachable and integrated form factor for everyday use.

This release highlights a key trend in XR hardware: the reliance on tethered processing units for enhanced performance and a more manageable device weight. By integrating Sony's advanced displays and Bose's audio, Xreal Aura aims to deliver a premium visual and auditory experience, differentiating itself from simpler smart glasses. The device's broad app support, including entertainment and productivity use cases, suggests a push towards making XR glasses a more versatile tool for both consumption and work, potentially accelerating adoption beyond niche gaming or developer applications.