Chinese XR tech company XREAL has introduced its new sub-brand xbx (X by XREAL) and unveiled its first product, the xbx a01 AR smart glasses. The company aims to make augmented reality technology accessible to a wider audience by focusing on lightweight, easy-to-use, and budget-friendly wearable devices. The product was launched in Beijing on May 26 and is considered part of XREAL’s broader strategy to bring AR technology into the mainstream.
The new xbx a01 has been specifically designed with entertainment and media experiences in mind. Instead of focusing on complex mixed-reality technologies, XREAL is targeting users who want a large-screen viewing experience in a compact and portable device.
One of the biggest highlights of the device is its advanced display system. The xbx a01 features a 1600-nit HDR10 display combined with dual-layer MicroOLED technology. It also supports real-time AI-powered SDR-to-HDR conversion, which enhances colors and contrast during gaming and video playback. XREAL claims that the smart glasses can create the experience of a 147-inch virtual screen viewed from around four meters away with a 50-degree field of view, delivering a theater-like experience.
The company has also prioritized comfort and portability in the design. Weighing just 62 grams, the xbx a01 is significantly lighter than traditional VR and XR headsets. To achieve this lightweight build, XREAL has used an ultra-light nylon frame, thinner lenses, redesigned hinges, and slim temple arms. Users can also personalize the glasses using interchangeable front frames and custom 3D-printed accessories.
To improve the travel experience, XREAL has integrated a spatial anti-shake technology that helps maintain visual stability during movement. Whether used on trains, flights, or public transportation, the feature aims to reduce motion-related disturbances and provide a smoother viewing experience.
While many modern mixed-reality headsets focus entirely on immersive experiences, the xbx a01 has been designed around a simpler entertainment and gaming-focused approach. XREAL describes it as a portable “pocket cinema” that offers immersive viewing without the bulk of traditional headsets.
The xbx a01 is currently available for sale in China and is expected to launch in the US market in July. With a starting price of $299, it positions itself as an affordable option in the rapidly growing AR wearables segment.