XREAL AURA launches as first wired XR glasses running Android XR

Pricing, availability and hardware

According to XREAL, customers in the United States, Canada, Japan and South Korea can order XREAL AURA starting today. The company is running what it calls a surprise limited time offer: the 12GB + 256GB configuration costs $1,099, and the 16GB + 512GB configuration costs $1,299. Devices are expected to begin shipping in mid-November.

XREAL developed the glasses together with Google and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. They use transparent optical see-through lenses, so wearers can still see the room and people around them while digital content appears in their field of view. This sets them apart from fully enclosed headsets, according to the company.

The system uses a split-compute design. The main compute and battery sit in a compact puck, which XREAL says keeps the glasses lightweight and comfortable for extended use. The company states that the new Snapdragon Reality Elite Platform delivers pro-grade performance while the glasses stay under 95 grams.

Android apps, Gemini and wired mirroring

On day one, users get access to millions of mobile apps and games from Google Play, alongside experiences built specifically for XR. Android XR provides hand and voice input, and XREAL says Gemini works across what users see and do to make the experience more natural.

A feature called Wired Mirroring lets users connect a computer or handheld gaming console to the glasses over USB-C. The connected device then appears as a large private spatial window. A laptop, handheld gaming device or other compatible USB-C device can sit next to native Android XR apps in the user's spatial workspace. XREAL pitches use cases such as turning a plane seat into a multi-monitor setup, watching a movie on a large virtual screen, or playing Android and console games in an immersive environment.

"This is a defining moment for XR," said Chi Xu, co-founder and CEO of XREAL, in the release.

Over 150 made-for-XR experiences at launch

XREAL says AURA launches with a growing library of over 150 made-for-XR experiences. The company highlighted several titles:

• NBA App for Android XR: lets users watch up to three games at a time in multiview with an NBA League Pass subscription, and adds a tabletop feature called Court View for live games.
• Nevatars: created by Andy Serkis, exclusive to Android XR at launch and free for the first six months.
• Fallout: Factions: a skirmish-level wargame for two players on a virtual tabletop.
• Project Hail Mary: Journey Among the Stars: a mixed-reality adventure based on Andy Weir's novel.
• NASCAR XR App: offers a live 3D track map, driver telemetry, leaderboards and spatial highlights.
• Nutcracker: The Immersive Experience: a collaboration between YB, San Francisco Ballet, Google and XREAL, available through YB's CultVRe app and covering Act I.
• Galapagos: an immersive film from Atlantic Studios, narrated by Margot Robbie.
• Asteroid: an immersive film from director Doug Liman, developed by 30 Ninjas, using Gemini for live conversational AI. It will be free for all XREAL AURA owners.
• Cubism, Oh My Galaxy! and Chess Club: puzzle and strategy games. According to XREAL, Oh My Galaxy! and Chess Club arrive on an optical see-through headset for the first time.
• CHZZK: Naver's livestreaming platform, including spatialized 180- and 360-degree videos.

The release also mentions that indie studio DB Creations is developing three XR games for the glasses.

What it means for buyers

XREAL AURA targets people who want spatial computing without a closed-off headset. Access to Google Play apps from the start, a USB-C connection to existing computers and consoles, and a sub-95-gram design are the main selling points the company stresses. The launch pricing is described as a limited time offer, and shipping is not expected until mid-November.