Xreal opens preorders for its Android XR-powered Aura glasses with a compute puck, starting at $1,279 for 12GB/256GB, in the US, Canada, Japan, and South Korea

Augmented reality glasses can now be purchased with AI capabilities integrated into a separate compute unit.

Xreal has opened preorders for its Aura Android XR smartglasses, with prices starting at $1,279 for the 12GB/256GB model. The glasses require a tethered compute puck that runs Android XR and includes Google Play and Gemini AI. Powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon Reality Elite chip, the Aura boasts precise hand tracking, a 70-degree field of view, and see-through lenses for mixed reality experiences. The compute puck features a trackpad and fingerprint sensor for navigation, and the glasses can also function as an external monitor when connected to a computer. Aura will be available in two configurations: $1,279 for 12GB RAM/256GB storage and $1,499 for 16GB RAM/512GB storage. Shipping will begin in the US, Canada, Japan, and South Korea soon, with a wider international release planned for 2027.

The launch of Xreal's Aura smartglasses, featuring an Android XR operating system and Gemini AI integration, signifies a growing trend towards more robust and integrated augmented reality experiences. The use of Qualcomm's Snapdragon Reality Elite chip highlights the industry's push for powerful, yet compact, processing capabilities in wearable devices. This move by Xreal, offering a premium product with advanced AI and mixed reality features, could set new benchmarks for consumer XR hardware. The inclusion of Bose-engineered audio further emphasizes a focus on delivering a comprehensive, high-quality sensory experience.

The pricing and staggered international rollout suggest Xreal is targeting early adopters and specific key markets for its initial launch, aiming to build momentum before wider distribution. The compute puck's design, incorporating a trackpad and fingerprint sensor, indicates a focus on user-friendly navigation and security within the XR environment. By allowing the glasses to double as an external monitor, Xreal is also attempting to broaden the device's utility beyond dedicated XR applications, potentially appealing to a wider consumer base seeking versatile tech solutions.