What do you need to know
- XREAL is a Chinese technology company that produces augmented reality (AR) glasses.
- Today at AWE 2024, XREAL announced a brand new Android mobile device called Beam Pro that serves as an accessory to the XREAL AR glasses.
- XREAM Beam Pro features dual 3D cameras that allow users to capture 3D videos.
- It was designed to allow AR glasses users to access the apps they want without draining the phone’s battery.
- XREAL Beam Pro pre-orders are open. It comes in either a Wi-Fi only model or a 5G model and has a starting price of $199.
The Augmented Reality (XR) Expo, known as AWE 2024, is taking place this week in Sunnyvale, California. It’s the premier technology conference for virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) companies. Chinese technology company XREAL, which is known for its high-quality AR glasses, unveiled a new accessory in the form of XREAL Beam Pro during the event. This device is currently available for pre-order starting today for $199 on XREAL.
The XREAM Beam Pro looks an awful lot like a mobile phone – although it’s a much cheaper option – it could technically be used as a phone if you get the 5G model, but it’s primarily an accessory to the XREAL glasses. It features the familiar app layout familiar to every Android user and can be used to access millions of 2D apps, including those found in the Google Play Store, streaming services, and cloud gaming platforms (such as Xbox Game Pass).
To use it, you simply plug the XREAL AR Air glasses into one of the two USB-C ports and start a 3DoF or 6DoF surround session.
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“AWE 2024 is the perfect backdrop for us to globally unveil XREAL Beam Pro, a breakthrough mobile device that gives everyone the chance to create their own stunning 3D video content, as well as the opportunity to enjoy a range of popular entertainment and gaming platforms. in conjunction with the best-selling AR glasses in the world,” commented Chi Xu, founder and CEO of XREAL “For XREAL Beam Pro, we chose a uniquely simple design that features the familiar Android mobile experience and opens the door to a new spatial world. computing that everyone can enjoy Working with companies such as Qualcomm Technologies, NVIDIA and others, we see the mobile internet evolving into a spatial internet, and we anticipate that the XREAL Beam Pro plus XREAL glasses will become one of the most powerful solutions for AR to explore millions of apps in 3D. space.”
XREAL Beam Pro Specifications
Price: From $199
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon technology
Connectivity: Wi-Fi Only | 5G
OS: Android 14 with NebulaOS
FRAME: 6GB | 8GB
Storage space: 128 GB | 256 GB
Screen: 6.5 inch LCD 2K touch screen
Cameras: Dual 50MP 3D cameras
Ports: 2x USB-C, microSD card reader
battery: Unknown but has 27W fast charging
As XREAL’s head of PR, Ralph Jodice, explained to me, the Beam Pro was designed in response to feedback from users of the XREAL glasses. Basically, when people use the XREAL glasses, many prefer to use the phone only for making calls. Plus, users don’t want to worry about the glasses draining their phone’s battery to work. Using a completely separate phone-like device, XREAL wearers can still control the AR and VR apps they want without connecting to their phones. What’s more, some phone companies still didn’t use USB connections that worked with the XREAL glasses, but the Beam Pro works with all of them, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility.
The Beam Pro starts at $199 and is available in either a Wi-Fi-only model or a more expensive 5G model. Both models feature processors with Qualcomm Snapdragon technologies (specifically the Snapdragon Spatial Companion Processor) and run on Android 14 with “a custom spatial user interface built on XREAL’s NebulaOS.” More than just screen mirroring, apps accessible with Beam Pro and XREAL glasses are presented on a “spatial canvas” where two apps can be opened at once and placed next to each other in 3D space as needed.
When XREAL glasses are connected to Beam Pro, users will be able to enjoy countless 2D applications, but in a 3DoF or 6DoF spatial environment. In terms of storage, there is an option of 6GB RAM with 125GB storage or 8GB RAM with 256GB storage. This means that the included microSD card reader allows you to further expand the storage capacity if needed.
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As mentioned earlier, this mobile device also features two USB-C ports that allow users to charge the device while still having the XREAL glasses attached. According to XREAL, it offers 27W fast charging to help keep the Beam Pro ready to go. One of the most interesting aspects of the Beam Pro is its dual 50MP 3D cameras that allow users to create 3D videos. They capture in 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second, which is very impressive.
Beam Pro also works as a controller. Simply wave it around to use it as a pointer that you’ll see behind your AR glasses.
Another cool thing is that the Beam Pro doesn’t just serve as a surround sound device, it also functions as a controller. Simply wave it to use it as a pointer that you see behind the AR glasses, or tap directly on the 6.5-inch 2K touchscreen to send commands.
One of the more popular features from the original Beam accessories is also available on the Beam Pro in the form of Body Anchor mode. This will fix the virtual screen in one position. In a somewhat related vein, Smooth Follow mode keeps the screen in front of you and can even ensure that what’s on display is “subtly synchronized with your head movement.” This should make the viewing experience much more convenient for users.
Which XREAL glasses are compatible with Beam Pro?
The XREAL Beam Pro is designed to work with the XREAL Air, XREAL Air 2, XREAL Air 2 Pro and XREAL Air 2 Ultra goggles. However, only the XREAL Air 2 Ultra will be able to take advantage of 6DoF capabilities thanks to its 3D environmental sensors. The rest of these compatible XREAL glasses have 3DoF experiences.
XR experiences that won’t drain your phone
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We’ve seen a lot of growth in XR over the last decade, so it’s no surprise that XREAL – one of the biggest AR glasses companies – has created a new device for interacting with apps in a spatial environment. . I know from my own experience with AR glasses that phone battery anxiety is a real thing, so having a separate device that allows me to access and control programs while leaving my phone free as a phone is really appealing.
I also really appreciate that the Beam Pro also doubles as a pointer that can be moved around and used as a remote control. Earlier this year at CES 2024, I had the chance to try out the XREAL glasses in person and discovered that the Air 2 Ultra has a 3D environmental sensor that records my hand movements. XREAL made it so that there is a crosshair in the middle of the virtual screen of the glasses. To select something I had to point my head at the program and then pinch my thumb and finger together looking at the camera to make a selection. While it’s nice to be able to control apps without having to interact with the device, the Beam Pro will offer more careful Nintendo Wii-like controls for those who want it.
Of course, the low price of the Beam Pro is also attractive. I’m almost tempted to buy the 5G model and see how easy it is to use as my main phone; it’s basically only a quarter of the price of my current one. Who knows, this low price could start the user base of Beam Pro mobile phones.
I’d just like to know how long the Beam Pro battery lasts. If it can keep running for up to six hours on average, I’ll be especially happy. After all, I suppose spatial computing requires more power than your typical phone usage. I’m guessing that more intense 3D programs with the XREAL Air Ultra 2 glasses will likely strain the Beam Pro’s battery more than 2D programs. But I’ll have to wait until I check out the Beam Pro in person to know if that’s correct. We’ll be reviewing Beam Pro at some point, so check back here on Windows Central.