Xreal’s ambitions with its Android XR glasses, known as Project Aura, reveal some intriguing insights following their presentation at the Augmented World Expo (AWE). The company disclosed that the smart glasses will rely on a “tethered puck” to handle the necessary computing and processing tasks. This means that the glasses themselves won’t be capable of processing all the data internally, which is a significant point for potential users to consider. At the core of this puck is expected to be a Qualcomm Snapdragon system-on-a-chip, although Xreal has yet to specify exactly which Qualcomm model will be utilized.
Additionally, the glasses will feature a modified X1S chip, which is an upgraded component based on the technology used in the Xreal One frames. One noteworthy aspect of the visuals includes a flat prism lens technology that enhances the user’s field of view to approximately 70 degrees. Interestingly, Xreal’s approach mirrors that of Meta’s Orion AR glasses, which also required a similar puck for additional computing power. However, Meta’s solution allowed for remote data access via the Quest Air Link, while Xreal’s design appears to necessitate a more direct tethered connection.
Xreal first unveiled Project Aura during I/O 2025, showcasing features designed to improve user experience, such as three front-facing cameras that capture spatial data to enhance tracking capabilities. This means users can see their surroundings while receiving virtual notifications and navigational information simultaneously, thanks to the device’s optical see-through (OST) technology. As Xreal prepares for the official launch of Project Aura later this year, the tech community is eager to see how these features will perform in real-world settings. In a related update, the company has also made the Xreal Eye, a $99 add-on for its existing smart glasses, available for pre-order.