Apple aims to develop a pair of glasses that can display text and augmented reality (AR) content, marking the long-term goal for its Vision Pro initiative.
Competitors have begun to explore this space as well, with the RayNeo X3 Pro AR glasses emerging as one of the most advanced products we’ve seen so far …
The journey to Apple Glasses
Reportedly, Apple envisions a glasses-based format as its ultimate objective, with Vision Pro serving as an initial milestone. In 2019, it was suggested that Apple anticipates AR glasses will eventually replace the iPhone.
Last summer, Meta unveiled an early model of its Orion AR glasses, showcasing a promising glimpse of future products that might resemble the current smart glasses. However, the prototype was notably bulky and purportedly cost around $10,000 to make.
Meanwhile, there are rumors that an updated version of the RayBan Meta smart glasses will get a display feature next year.
RayNeo X3 Pro AR
Engadget’s Karissa Bell tested RayNeo’s latest AR glasses at CES.
RayNeo incorporates microLED projectors and waveguides to create a vibrant full-color AR display. Although the field of view is limited to 25 degrees, it’s strikingly bright. Even in the well-lit environment of a Las Vegas casino ballroom, I had no trouble viewing menus and reading text (as the display reportedly outputs 2,500 nits).
The most impressive feature was their weight. Weighing under 3 ounces, the RayNeo X3 Pro glasses are remarkably light. While they differ slightly from conventional eyewear, they don’t stray too far from it either.
The glasses also include a ChatGPT-powered AI assistant and offer real-time speech-to-text translation, which Bell noted functions effectively, even amidst CES’s hustle and bustle.
However, there are some drawbacks. The battery life is said to be a mere 30 minutes with intense use, and the anticipated price is around $1500. Although no specific launch date has been provided, a release is expected “later this year.”
While RayNeo’s promotional image may not clearly depict the actual design, more accurate real-world visuals are available in the photos featured on Engadget.
Image: RayNeo
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