As a passionate film enthusiast, my quest for new ways to enjoy movies never ceases. Recently, I received the a01 smart glasses from XREAL, a model launched earlier this year, and I was enthusiastic about testing these glasses as a fresh medium for viewing films.
The a01 smart glasses are not overly complex. Unlike more advanced augmented reality (AR) glasses, they primarily serve as an external display. They lack an internal power source and rely on a USB-C connection to draw power from another device. With a price tag around $300, they are relatively affordable.
These glasses are aimed at gamers, allowing connections to handheld devices like the Steam Deck. However, since I prefer watching films, I connected them to my laptop and jumped into Criterion Channel to watch “Wild at Heart” by David Lynch, enjoying a memorable scene with Nicolas Cage.
The visual quality is impressive, thanks to dual mini OLED panels that deliver vibrant colors at 1080p resolution and up to 1,600 nits of brightness. If pointed at a wall, they create a vibe similar to a home projector or a drive-in movie theater. In dim lighting, the experience feels quite cinematic.
Yet, I found myself pondering the practicality of watching a film on the glasses while my laptop is just a foot away. XREAL claims the visuals mimic a 147-inch display, enhancing immersion, but it raises questions about the necessity of this technology in such proximity.
XREAL markets the glasses as a “second monitor” or “wearable display,” but this claim is somewhat dubious. The glasses make it hard to see anything else, complicating tasks like multitasking on a laptop while wearing them.
The a01 can also connect to smartphones. However, my older iPhone lacks compatibility with its cable, necessitating an adapter to link the two.
That said, connecting the glasses to a phone allows for a more mobile experience, letting users watch films while traveling on planes or trains. Though I wouldn’t recommend trying to watch while walking outside — that could lead to accidents.
However, limitations persist. The glasses still rely on mirroring the phone, meaning that the phone’s screen has to remain active. This reiterates the redundancy issue, as you’re essentially watching the same content on two adjacent screens. While you could keep the phone in your pocket, any movement might disrupt playback.
There’s also an option to pair the device with a mini-tablet called the Beam Pro, which can serve as an independent streaming hub. This, however, comes at an extra cost of $200.
Another consideration is the heat. The a01 tends to warm up quickly, which can lead to an uncomfortable tingling sensation across the bridge of your nose and around your eyes—this is not unique to XREAL, as many XR glasses face similar overheating issues. It’s a concern when wearing something on your face.
Despite the heat, the a01 is relatively lightweight and comfortable compared to other smart glasses I’ve tried, which can feel bulky.
XREAL continues to develop its product line, with each iteration appearing to enhance user experience. The upcoming Project Aura aims to address some of the flaws present in the a01, promising a more immersive experience.
Powered by Android XR, Project Aura will offer hand tracking and access to Google Play Store, expanding its interactive capabilities. It also includes a detachable puck that serves both as a charging unit and processing component, enabling greater mobility compared to the a01.
Returning to the a01, it’s important to note that for cinephiles, the experience of watching films on these glasses leaves much to be desired. Movie lovers generally prefer larger screens for optimal enjoyment, and with 4K TVs becoming commonplace, the appeal of watching on small screens close to your eyes diminishes. Home viewing provides a much more comfortable experience, second only to theater visits. While the a01 offers a unique immersive feel, it’s not the most ideal way to watch films.
In summary, the a01 smart glasses offer an intriguing glimpse into a rapidly evolving tech landscape, and I look forward to how XREAL’s upcoming products may change the way we view films.
