Published on November 2, 2023, 7:22 pm
Image source: Fox News
- The iPhone 15 now supports USB-C, allowing users to connect their iPhones to displays using a single cable. This has also led to the introduction of augmented reality glasses like the Xreal Air, which project a display onto the lenses. The glasses function seamlessly with the iPhone 15 and can be used for video streaming, gaming, web browsing, and more. Optional accessories like the Xreal Beam are also available. While not Apple's Vision Pro, the Xreal Air offers similar features at a lower cost.
iPhone 15 has received a major upgrade with the inclusion of USB-C, offering improved cable management. This upgrade not only brings convenience but also introduces support for native video output. Now, users can easily connect their iPhones to displays using a single cable and enjoy features like streaming Netflix videos on a hotel TV. Additionally, this development has given rise to an exciting accessory category: augmented reality glasses.
Priced between $300 and $500, these so-called ‘augmented reality’ glasses are more accurately described as glasses with built-in projector screens. One popular option is the Xreal Air, which features a 120Hz, 0.68-inch MicrOLED display that projects onto the lenses through a mirror. This allows users to view both the display and the surrounding environment simultaneously. For those seeking an even more immersive experience with true blacks, simply attach the included physical hood to block out external light.
The Xreal Air glasses do not have their own power supply but rely on the connected devices, similar to many portable monitors in the market today. When used with the iPhone 15 line, they function seamlessly out of the box with the provided USB-C to USB-C cable. Upon connection, users will see their screen mirrored on the Air’s display. By default, it mirrors the phone’s homescreen and apps; however, video streaming apps that support video output will provide landscape orientation videos for a more enjoyable viewing experience.
These glasses are also great for gaming when paired with devices like the Backbone USB-C controller, offering a larger and more immersive gameplay display. They are equally suitable for browsing the web with a minimalist setup complemented by a paired Bluetooth keyboard. For those who require prescription lenses, they can easily be added using an included insert or ordered separately from HONSVR.
To enhance the Xreal Air experience further, optional accessories like Xreal Beam are available. The Xreal Beam allows users to fix the virtual display in space relative to their head position, reducing any potential seasickness caused by inner ear-related issues. Furthermore, the Xreal Beam has its own app platform and serves as a backup battery bank for augmented reality tasks. It can also connect to various devices, including game consoles like the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5, enabling a large virtual display of up to 300 inches.
While these glasses offer impressive features, it’s important to note that they are not Apple’s Vision Pro but rather an alternative at a fraction of the cost. The Vision Pro is still a highly anticipated release for next year. However, the Xreal Air provides an accessible option for most people with everyday features of a spatial computer that can be carried everywhere. Its lightweight and discreet form factor makes it an attractive choice until the Vision Pro becomes available.
Original article posted by Fox News
