The Google xreal glasses just hit the market with a surprise price drop to $1,099, down from earlier preorder costs. According to The Verge, the lightweight 95-gram headset runs on a tethered Android XR compute puck and offers multiple virtual screens for buyers in the US, Canada, South Korea, and Japan.
Key takeaways
- The Google / Xreal Aura headset features a 70-degree diagonal field of view.
- Buyers can choose between a 12GB RAM model with 256GB storage or a 16GB model with 512GB storage.
- Early customers who paid higher preorder prices will automatically receive a refund for the price difference.
- The hardware supports over 150 made-for-XR experiences and integration with Google's Gemini AI.
How much do the Google xreal glasses cost?
Xreal and Google dropped the price to $1,099 through the end of the year for the base model, shifting away from the $1,279 tag charged for early preorders last month. The Verge reports that buyers can also get the 16GB RAM and 512GB storage version for a discounted price of $1,299.
Shipping for US, Canadian, and South Korean orders is expected to begin in mid-November, while the device goes on sale November 2nd in Japan. Alongside the Android XR headset launch, Xreal is teaming up with GameSir for a wireless gamepad featuring a dedicated Gemini key and a folding portable wireless keyboard.
What features come with the Android XR headset?
Users can plug computers or handheld game consoles directly into the USB-C compute puck to mirror displays alongside virtual windows. The system includes Gemini AI integration so wearers can ask questions about what they see through the lenses. Google Photos is also receiving an update this year to add a spatial gallery wrapping libraries around the user in three dimensions.
Why it matters for buyers
The price reduction helps the hardware compete directly against Meta VR glasses. Xreal GM and spokesperson Ralph Jodice told The Verge that anyone who preordered at the higher rate will get an instant, automatic refund of the difference. Customers can now bypass complex reservation systems and purchase the hardware directly in launch countries, with wider availability planned for next year.
Frequently asked questions
The glasses cost $1,099 through the end of the year for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage model. The 16GB RAM and 512GB storage model is available for a discounted price of $1,299.
Units are expected to begin shipping in mid-November in the US, Canada, and South Korea, and the device goes on sale on November 2nd in Japan.
The glasses run on a tethered Android XR compute puck and launch with over 150 made-for-XR experiences, including Google Photos spatial gallery updates and Gemini AI integration.
Yes. Xreal GM and spokesperson Ralph Jodice stated that the company will automatically and instantly refund the difference to anyone who preordered at the original higher price.
The Xreal Aura features a 70-degree diagonal field of view, which is noted as one of the widest fields of view for transparent glasses yet.
Based on reporting by The Verge. Read the original article
