Xreal Launches Beam Pro: An Android Device for AR Glasses

Xreal, renowned for its sleek augmented reality (AR) glasses, has unveiled its latest innovation: the Beam Pro. This new device is designed to enhance the AR experience by acting as a dedicated companion to Xreal’s glasses, bridging the gap left by its previous models.

A New Approach to AR

The Beam Pro is more than just a tablet; it’s a touchpad, spatial camera, and a robust battery pack all in one. While it resembles a standard smartphone, it is distinctly tailored for AR functionality, making it an ideal remote control for your “faceputer.” Running a customized version of Android 14, dubbed NebulaOS, it supports a wide range of apps, delivering them directly to your AR glasses.

Specs and Features

The Beam Pro is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 6GB or 8GB of RAM, and storage options of 128GB or 256GB, expandable via a microSD slot. The 6.5-inch, 2400 x 1800 LCD screen doubles as a touch interface when connected to AR glasses. Notably, it features dual 50-megapixel cameras capable of capturing spatial and 3D videos, enhancing the immersive experience when viewed through the glasses.

Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6, with an optional 5G model available for seamless streaming on the go. Dual USB-C ports allow simultaneous charging and connection to the glasses, supporting 27W fast charging.

Integration with Xreal Glasses

The Beam Pro is designed to work seamlessly with Xreal’s AR glasses, including the Air, Air 2, and Air 2 Pro models, which offer 3 degrees of freedom (DoF). The Air 2 Ultra glasses provide an even more immersive 6 DoF experience. This integration ensures that users can fully leverage the capabilities of their AR glasses without compatibility issues often encountered with regular smartphones.

Enhanced User Experience

One of the standout features of the Beam Pro is its ability to run two apps side by side in the user’s field of view, thanks to NebulaOS’s multitasking capabilities. This feature, along with access to the Google Play Store, ensures compatibility with millions of apps and games, making the Beam Pro a versatile device for both entertainment and productivity.

For streaming enthusiasts, the Beam Pro supports popular services like Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video, allowing users to enjoy content on a virtual 130-inch screen. It also supports gaming applications such as Steam Link, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Amazon Luna, with Nvidia’s CloudXR providing additional capabilities for users with GeForce RTX GPUs.

Market Position and Pricing

Priced at $200 for the base model, the Beam Pro is surprisingly affordable, especially when considering its advanced features. It offers a more integrated and reliable solution compared to its predecessor, the Beam, which faced criticism for its fiddly and unreliable performance.

Xreal’s Beam Pro represents a significant upgrade, transforming the way users interact with their AR glasses. By leveraging a mature device category, Xreal provides a smart and user-friendly approach to augmented reality. This device not only enhances the AR experience but also offers a practical and affordable solution for tech enthusiasts.

With the Beam Pro, Xreal continues to push the boundaries of AR technology, ensuring their glasses can connect seamlessly to a dedicated device, thus elevating the overall user experience.