Xreal, a Chinese startup, has launched its latest augmented reality (AR) glasses, Xreal One, which offers a surprisingly good TV-like experience for your face. Available for preorder starting December 4, 2024, at $499, the Xreal One is not a true pair of AR glasses but rather a display mirror for your phone, laptop, or gaming console.

Despite not being a full-fledged AR experience, the Xreal One's display advancements over its predecessor, the Air 2 glasses, make it a compelling option for those looking for an immersive viewing experience. The custom birdbath lens system provides an equivalent 1080p display with a 50-degree field of view, making it suitable for watching movies or playing games.

In a hands-on review, the Xreal One was found to provide a fairly immersive viewing experience, although it falls short of the experience offered by more advanced AR headsets like the Vision Pro. However, the fact that the Xreal One is a lightweight, 84-gram pair of glasses that doesn't fully occlude your vision makes up for the difference. The only notable limitation is the pixelation of dark colors, which may deter users from watching certain types of content.

The Xreal One also features speakers embedded into the frames, courtesy of a partnership with Bose. While the audio quality is better than that of the Meta Ray-Bans, users may still prefer to use external headphones for a more immersive experience.

What sets the Xreal One apart from other AR headsets is its focus on providing a specific solution for in-home entertainment and business travel. According to CEO Chi Xu, the company has sold roughly half a million glasses since its launch in 2017, with these use cases being the top applications. In a market where many AR headsets are still finding their purpose, the Xreal One's clear focus is a refreshing change.

The Xreal One's competitive pricing and unique value proposition make it an attractive option for those looking for an affordable, portable, and convenient way to enjoy their favorite content on the go. As the AR market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Xreal's focused approach fares against more ambitious AR projects from companies like Meta and Snap.

In conclusion, the Xreal One may not be a true AR experience, but it offers a surprisingly good TV-like experience for your face at an affordable price point. Its focus on providing a specific solution for in-home entertainment and business travel sets it apart from other AR headsets, making it a compelling option for those looking for a convenient and portable way to enjoy their favorite content.