Xreal Introduces Beam Pro: A Unique Approach to Augmented Reality Control

Xreal Unveils Beam Pro: A Unique Android Tablet Designed for AR Headsets

Xreal, a company focused on consumer augmented reality (AR) technology, made waves at the recent Augmented World Expo (AWE) with the announcement of its latest product, the Beam Pro. Unlike other tech giants in the AR space, Xreal is attempting to sell mass-market AR headsets without the backing of a big tech empire.

The Beam Pro is not your typical AR accessory. Instead of a pair of glasses, it is a phone-sized Android tablet designed to enhance the user experience with Xreal’s AR headsets. Priced at $199, the Beam Pro serves as a combination battery, app repository, and 3D video recorder, offering a pragmatic solution to the common problem of draining your phone’s battery while using AR glasses.

One of the standout features of the Beam Pro is its unique hardware elements, including a pair of cameras for recording stereoscopic 3D video. This sets it apart from other Android devices and showcases Xreal’s commitment to innovation in the consumer AR space.

When holding the Beam Pro, users will notice its resemblance to a 6.5-inch Android phone, albeit with a chunkier design. The device features a black and white color scheme with red accents, giving it a sleek and modern look. With two USB-C ports on the bottom and two large cameras on the back, the Beam Pro stands out as a versatile and functional accessory for AR enthusiasts.

The main purpose of the Beam Pro is to serve as a dedicated controller for Xreal’s AR headsets, such as the Air 2 and Air 2 Ultra. By connecting the device to the headset, users can access a monochrome screen with supplementary buttons for controlling their AR experience. The Beam Pro’s interface allows users to interact with virtual icons in space, providing a seamless and intuitive way to navigate AR content.

While the Beam Pro offers a practical solution for controlling AR experiences, some aspects of the device feel half-baked. For example, the default Android keyboard can be cumbersome to use, and switching between hand gestures and tapping the tablet requires navigating through menus. Additionally, the limited market for sharing stereoscopic videos may hinder the widespread adoption of this feature.

Despite these challenges, Xreal CEO Chi Xu remains optimistic about the company’s future in the AR space. By focusing on partnerships with larger platforms and developing innovative software like NebulaOS, Xreal aims to establish itself as more than just a hardware manufacturer. While the road ahead may be uncertain, Xreal’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of consumer AR technology sets it apart in a competitive market.

As Xreal continues to evolve its product offerings and expand its presence in the AR industry, the Beam Pro stands as a testament to the company’s dedication to innovation and user experience in the world of augmented reality.