The article presents a firsthand review of XREAL’s a01 smart glasses, positioned as an external monitor rather than a sophisticated AR device. Priced at around $300, the a01 connects via USB-C to a power source such as a laptop or gaming console, offering a 1080p resolution with vibrant colors through dual mini OLED panels. While the reviewer found the visual quality satisfactory for movie watching, the experience raised questions about the device’s practicality, particularly the redundancy of viewing content simultaneously on a nearby screen and on the glasses.
The reviewer highlights several limitations of the a01 for movie watching. The need to keep a connected device’s screen active while using the glasses creates a redundant and potentially cumbersome setup. Additionally, the glasses can become warm during use, causing discomfort. From a cinephile’s perspective, the a01’s small screens positioned close to the eyes offer a distinct sense of immersion but fall short of the optimal experience provided by larger home theater setups or actual cinemas. The article concludes by noting XREAL’s ongoing product development, with the upcoming Project Aura promising improved immersion and convenience through features like native hand tracking and a detachable compute node.