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THE FUTURE OF AUGMENTED REALITY
Augmented reality devices have two possible paths for development. One path involves an all-in-one approach, similar to smartphones or the Vision Pro Path. This approach entails purchasing a single device with all necessary features, and when an upgrade is needed, a new device must be purchased. The other path is the unbundled approach, where the AR system consists of multiple devices instead of just one, allowing for upgrades and customization as needed. This approach is akin to building a home theater system rather than simply buying a new iPhone.
INTRODUCING THE XREAL BEAM PRO
Recently, the Xreal Beam Pro has entered the market, representing a significant step towards the unbundled approach to AR devices. Priced at $199, this Android device serves as a companion to Xreal’s AR glasses, offering users a range of cool AR experiences without compromising the core functionality of the glasses. The Beam Pro aims to enhance the AR capabilities of Xreal’s devices and provide users with a richer AR experience.
A UNIQUE COMPANION DEVICE
The Beam Pro operates as an enhancer for Xreal glasses, providing users with access to various apps, streaming services, and games through its compatibility with the Play Store. With 128GB of storage and 6GB of RAM, the device caters to users’ multimedia needs. For an additional $50, users can upgrade to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, offering a more robust experience. However, despite its content capabilities, the Beam Pro falls short in other areas, limiting its overall performance.
ENHANCING THE AR EXPERIENCE
One of the Beam Pro’s primary functions is to act as a content hub for Xreal glasses, enabling users to enjoy a wide range of multimedia content on a virtual screen. Additionally, the device features a dual camera rig for capturing high-quality 3D videos and photos, enhancing the overall AR experience. With a second USB-C port for simultaneous charging and device connection, the Beam Pro offers added convenience for users.
NEBULAOS: THE SOFTWARE EXPERIENCE
Running on NebulaOS, Xreal’s customized Android interface, the Beam Pro provides users with a unique AR software experience. The platform incorporates an app launcher, control center, and spatial layout tools to enhance the user interface and improve functionality. While NebulaOS offers innovative features, it still has room for improvement in terms of performance and usability.
ADDRESSING CHALLENGES AND LIMITATIONS
Despite its innovative features, the Beam Pro faces challenges in terms of performance and hardware limitations. The device’s 6.5-inch screen size makes it cumbersome for one-handed use, impacting user experience. Additionally, the Qualcomm chip inside the device struggles to deliver smooth and crisp AR experiences, highlighting the difficulty of balancing performance with affordability in AR devices.
LOOKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE
While the Beam Pro shows promise as a 3D camera and content hub, its AR capabilities still require refinement. Software updates have addressed some issues, but Xreal’s track record with previous devices raises concerns about future improvements. Ultimately, the Beam Pro offers a fun and affordable 3D camera experience, but its AR features may not meet user expectations.
IN CONCLUSION
The Xreal Beam Pro represents a step towards the unbundled approach to AR devices, offering users a versatile and affordable companion device for their AR glasses. Despite its innovative features, the Beam Pro faces challenges in performance and hardware limitations, highlighting the complexities of developing AR technology. As technology continues to evolve, the future of augmented reality devices remains promising, with the Beam Pro paving the way for new possibilities in AR experiences.
