Apple’s vision for Vision Pro is thought to ultimately lead to the development of Apple Glasses, which would display both text and augmented reality content within a pair of seemingly ordinary glasses.
Competitors are already making strides in this area, with the RayNeo X3 Pro AR glasses resembling the most advanced real-world product we’ve seen so far.
The Long Journey Toward Apple Glasses
Apple’s ambitions include a glasses design, viewing Vision Pro as merely a preliminary step. Reports from 2019 suggested that Apple envisions AR glasses eventually replacing the iPhone.
Last summer, Meta unveiled an early concept model of its Orion AR glasses, hinting at future devices that may resemble its current smart glasses. However, this prototype was notably large and expensive to manufacture at around $10,000 each.
Meanwhile, a new version of Meta’s existing RayBan smart glasses is expected to include a display next year.
RayNeo X3 Pro AR
Engadget’s Karissa Bell had the opportunity to test out RayNeo’s latest AR glasses at CES.
RayNeo employs microLED projectors and waveguides to create a vibrant AR display. While the field of view is a limited 25 degrees, the brightness is impressive. Even in the well-lit atmosphere of a Las Vegas casino ballroom, menus and text were easily readable (the display boasts a luminosity of 2,500 nits, according to the company).
The light weight of the glasses, at under 3 ounces, is another highlight. Although they don’t perfectly mimic standard eyewear, they come close in terms of comfort and appearance.
These glasses also feature an AI assistant powered by ChatGPT, along with capabilities for real-time speech-to-text translation, which Bell noted functioned effectively even amidst the noise at CES.
However, there are two significant drawbacks: heavy usage reportedly results in a mere 30 minutes of battery life, and the anticipated price tag is around $1,500. While exact launch details remain unclear, it has been promised for “later this year.”
Although the promo image from RayNeo doesn’t showcase the exact design, you can see a more realistic perspective in the photos provided by Engadget.
Image: RayNeo
: . More.
