[DigitalToday reporter Jinju Hong (홍진주)] Xreal, a key partner of Google and a major player in the global augmented reality (AR) hardware market, will launch its entry-level AR glasses a01 in the U.S. market in July, starting at $299.

On May 27, local time, IT outlet The Verge reported that Xreal launched a new sub-brand, X by Xreal, and unveiled the lightweight smart glasses a01 as its first product.

The product’s focus is on optimizing features for how it is used, rather than a simple low-price strategy. The a01 is designed so the front frame can be replaced, and Xreal explained it applied a “very stable anti-shake mode” to it. Though it is an entry-level product, it is positioned not as a model that only lowers the price, but as part of a strategy to differentiate the on-the-go content viewing experience and wearability.

Xreal in particular stressed it applied an “industry-first spatial anti-shake algorithm” to the a01. The feature focuses on reducing screen jitter in highly shaky environments such as subways or airplanes, easing situations where video can appear blurry or as if colors have faded. It is seen as a feature aimed at raising perceived quality as demand for watching video on the move increases.

However, it excludes the degrees of freedom (DoF) tracking offered in premium AR glasses. The a01 does not support precise tracking of the user’s head movements or changes in gaze. Instead, Xreal focused on shake suppression and a lightweight design rather than complex spatial awareness functions. It is interpreted as a strategy that prioritizes improving the experience in specific usage environments rather than broadening the feature set.

Its design highlights the replaceable frames. Users can swap among three frame designs — sport, stealth and classic — depending on situation or style. Xreal has not yet disclosed whether additional frames will be sold separately or their prices.

Hardware specifications also focus on portability and screen brightness. The a01 weighs about 62 grams, and the display supports HDR10 with brightness of up to 1,600 nits. It has been assessed as a configuration intended to reduce the burden of long wear while ensuring sufficient visibility indoors and outdoors.

Its usage still comes with constraints. Like other Xreal products, the a01 does not have a built-in battery. Content can therefore be used only when it is connected by wire to a smartphone or laptop. It retains the character of display-type smart glasses that expand the screen of an external device rather than a standalone device.

The industry is paying attention to the possibility that this product could be the starting point for Xreal’s strategy to expand the entry-level market. The AR glasses market has been slow to reach the mass market due to high prices and limited usability. Xreal appears to be seeking to improve consumer accessibility by strengthening price, fit and on-the-go usability in exchange for removing some premium functions.

Whether the a01, the first product under the new sub-brand, succeeds in the market is expected to depend on the perceived performance of its shake correction function and consumer reaction to its wired connection method.