On January 4, 2023, TCL, a recognized leader in display technology and smart solutions, introduced its latest innovation at CES 2023: the TCL RayNeo X2 augmented reality (AR) smart glasses. These advanced glasses boast the first-ever binocular full-color Micro-LED optical waveguide displays, combined with innovative interactive features, offering users a groundbreaking AR experience.
According to a Statista report, augmented reality (AR) glasses sales hit 2.11 million units in 2023. Projections indicate that by the end of 2024, this figure could exceed 3.9 million units.
Building on the achievements of earlier models, such as the Air 2, the RayNeo X2 promises a truly immersive augmented reality experience. First revealed in 2023, these glasses are gearing up for mass release. However, before their retail debut, RayNeo offers an exclusive launch of the RayNeo XR glasses on Indiegogo.
Designed for everyday use, the RayNeo AR glasses are equipped with smart features such as navigation, real-time translation, and first-person content creation, making them practical tools for professionals, travelers, and tech enthusiasts. Let’s explore the features that set the TCL RayNeo X2 apart from the competition.
Key Summary
The TCL RayNeo X2 are augmented reality (AR) smart glasses that use MicroLED waveguide technology to project visual overlays in front of the user’s eyes. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2 and equipped with SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) capabilities, these glasses aim to offer a scaled-down version of what the Vision Pro does, but at a more accessible level.
Pros:
Effective multimodal AI assistant
Solid camera performance with good image and video quality
Lightweight, comfortable for extended wear
Cons:
Short battery life
It’s pricey, especially considering it’s a crowdfunded product.
RayNeo X2 Pricing and Availability
The RayNeo X2 will first be available on Indiegogo at an early bird price of $699. According to RayNeo representatives, the retail price may increase after the crowdfunding campaign ends. These glasses will be offered in a single configuration, featuring 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
Software and Performance
The RayNeo X2 runs on custom software with an intuitive user interface. Users can scroll through a horizontal app row that includes pre-installed apps such as Camera, Maps, Translate, AI Assistant, and Scan. Additionally, more apps—including basic AR games like Snake—can be downloaded via RayNeo’s companion app, which is required for pairing with the glasses.
Display Quality and Limitations
Although the RayNeo X2 does not offer native screen capture or recording, the display is designed for human eyes, and visuals are sharper and more vibrant in person. With a brightness level of 1,000 nits, the display is visible even in bright sunlight, and its image quality remains excellent indoors or outdoors. Text readability is improved when placed against darker backgrounds.
Basic Functionality and Notifications
The RayNeo X2 lets users capture photos and videos hands-free while displaying notifications, such as incoming messages. These features help minimize smartphone usage for basic tasks. The camera app works well, although image and video quality may need to match those of competitors like Ray-Ban Meta.
Video Quality and Stabilization
Despite head movements during recording, the RayNeo X2 offers strong dynamic range and stabilization, making it a good choice for capturing casual videos without additional stabilization tools.
Advanced AI-Powered Features
Powered by the Snapdragon XR2 platform and advanced AI technology, the RayNeo X2 can perform real-time language translation and object recognition tasks. The built-in AI assistant, “Grace,” powered by multimodal LLM, can handle complex queries and provide descriptions of scenes or objects you view. For instance, “Grace” can recognize a white iPhone or identify video editing software on a laptop. The scene recognition feature takes around 10-15 seconds to deliver responses.
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Real-World Usefulness of Scene Recognition
While the scene recognition feature is impressive, its practical application is currently limited. Since users can already see the scene themselves, the AI descriptions serve more as a demonstration of potential rather than a necessity. Future updates are expected to enhance this feature by enabling the glasses to identify specific objects, such as a car’s make and model.
Live Translation and Navigation
The RayNeo X2 supports live translation and turn-by-turn navigation. However, translation can take 10-20 seconds, and navigation works best for walking or biking. The delay in real-time features like navigation makes it less suited for faster activities such as driving.
Phone Calls and Bluetooth Speakers
The glasses also enable phone calls when connected to a smartphone and function as Bluetooth speakers. While the speakers perform adequately, those who prioritize high-quality audio may prefer using dedicated wireless earbuds for music.
Battery Life
One downside of the RayNeo X2 is its limited battery life. When using intensive AI features like scene scanning or video recording, the battery lasts approximately 70-80 minutes. However, the battery can last throughout the day with lighter usage, such as checking notifications or taking occasional photos.
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Should You Consider the RayNeo X2?
The RayNeo X2 might be a good choice if:
If you are interested in the latest augmented reality glasses and want to invest in new technology,
You seek smart glasses that help reduce reliance on your smartphone.
However, it may not be the best option if:
You expect these glasses to replace your smartphone entirely.
You need a product with visual quality comparable to premium devices like the Vision Pro or Meta Quest.
You want a product that is readily available for purchase.
The RayNeo X2 is an exciting step forward in consumer AR technology. While some improvements are needed—such as better battery life and faster real-time features—the glasses offer a glimpse into the future of wearable tech. Although $699 may seem steep for a first-generation product, the RayNeo X2 marks an important development in AI-driven wearables, hinting at a bright future.