Mixed-reality technology has long been hampered by high costs and bulky hardware. Now, Xreal – a forward-thinking Chinese start-up – is changing that narrative with a fresh take on augmented reality. Developed in partnership with Google and set for a market debut in early 2026, these lightweight AR glasses, part of Project Aura, were unveiled at Google’s I/O developer conference in May. This collaboration sees Google positioning itself alongside competitors like Apple and Meta, tapping into its Android XR platform much like it does with smartphones.
Xreal’s glasses are designed to offer a more immersive experience, boasting a field of view that exceeds 70 degrees – the largest the company has ever achieved. Powering this innovative device is a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor paired with Xreal’s proprietary XR-optimised X1S chip. Co-founder Wu Kejian attributes this leap forward to the company’s solid background in optical engineering, which has enabled them to craft thinner lenses with broader views. If you’ve ever struggled with cumbersome mixed-reality setups, this approach might just offer the refreshment needed.
