XREAL recently released the a01 smart glasses in May 2026, a relatively affordable device priced around $300 that functions mainly as an external screen rather than a fully autonomous augmented reality headset. This model requires connection via USB-C to an external device such as a laptop, gaming console, or smartphone to operate, lacking an internal battery or processing power. Although optimized for gaming setups like the Steam Deck, XREAL also markets the a01 as a novel way to watch movies and TV, offering dual OLED displays with bright, vivid 1080p visuals meant to simulate a large, immersive screen experience.

Despite the interesting concept, the user experience raises some doubts, especially when watching movies at home. The glasses create an effect akin to viewing a 147-inch display, but for cinephiles accustomed to traditional large screens or home theaters, the tiny screens mere inches from the eyes fall short of an ideal cinema experience. The author of the review notes the redundancy of watching content on the glasses while simultaneously playing it on a close laptop screen, questioning the practicality of this setup for everyday viewing. The device also suffers from usability issues, such as heat buildup around the nose and eye area and limited mobility since it must remain tethered to another device.

Mobile viewing presents slightly better opportunities by allowing users to watch media while traveling or on the go, so long as the paired phone screen remains active, which can be inconvenient and redundant. For improved portability and a standalone experience, XREAL offers the Beam Pro streaming device for an additional $200, enabling downloads and wireless viewing without tying up the phone or laptop. Nevertheless, even this solution adds extra cost and complexity to the ecosystem.

Looking ahead, XREAL is developing a next-generation smart glasses model, Project Aura, which aims to address many of the a01’s limitations. Scheduled for future release, Aura features the Android XR operating system from Google and Samsung, native hand-tracking, and access to the Google Play Store, enabling much richer interactivity. Its design includes a tethered puck for power and processing, offering greater mobility without being physically connected to a host device. While the a01 provides an intriguing glimpse into the evolving XR hardware space, it may fall short as the preferred way for home movie watching, leaving the door open for Aura to redefine the experience.