I Wore Smart Glasses with a MacBook for 3 Weeks

I Wore AR Glasses for 3 Weeks (with my iPhone & MacBook) | XREAL Air Review
XREAL Air glasses: amzn.to/3OHMlNZ
I've been using the XREAL Air AR glasses for over 3 weeks and they have essentially replaced the screen of my 15-inch M2 MacBook Air. I now work exclusively on this laptop with the XREAL Air glasses and the 3-display setup it offers via the Nebula app.
Aside from using these glasses for productivity on my MacBook, I have also been using these to watch KZbin videos while I eat lunch, to game on the Steam Deck while in bed, and even to watch 3D videos! But there are a couple of drawbacks, and while I have to send these back after review, stay tuned to the end of the video where I discuss whether or not I'll be buying the XREAL Air glasses with my own money.
Nebula for Mac app: www.xreal.com/app
Spatial Cinema app: www.xreal.com/arlab
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MacBook AIR 15" vs MacBook PRO 14" - Why Pay More?: • MacBook AIR 15" vs Mac...
iOS 17 Public Beta Released - How to Install: • iOS 17 Public Beta Rel...
iOS 17 - 140+ New Features & Changes: • iOS 17 - 140+ New Feat...
Chapters:
0:00 What can these Glasses do?
1:18 Design & Display Quality
2:17 Using with my iPhone!
2:52 How the XREAL Air replaced my MacBook Air
3:43 But is it a Gimmick?
4:42 Using the Nebula app on Mac
5:34 ...But They're NOT Perfect (Bugs & Design Flaw)
6:45 Comfortable for long work/gaming sessions?
7:37 Design Adjustments
8:14 These AR Glasses Expose This..
9:00 Motion Sickness & Spatial Cinema
9:58 My Guilty Pleasure: GAMING! (incredible)
10:57 Will I Buy The XREAL Air with MY OWN $$?
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Video sponsored by XREAL, all opinions are my own.
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[@BrandonButch]

You buying these, or waiting for Apple Vision Pro? 🤔

[@Massoudfaquiryan]

I’m not buying these or the vision Pro

[@RaghavVijay]

Waiting for the  glasses-Hopefully they come-But these seem pretty cool for now!

[@BrandonButch]

@@RaghavVijay definitely, and a lot cheaper

[@BrandonButch]

@@Massoudfaquiryan why not the vision pro? or is it just because of the cost

[@DatDude923]

Definitely VisionPro🥽, because you could actually replace your MacBook Pro with Apple’s headset. Whereas with this headset, you still need the MacBook Pro.

[@Owen-Rich]

I really enjoyed this! I was a little standoffish when I kept seeing ads suddenly, conveniently after vision pro was announced. But I’m pretty much completely sold on these now. Thanks Brandon for this great review! 🙏🏾

[@BrandonButch]

Thanks Owen, glad you enjoyed it! Lmk how you like them after using them for a week or 2 (since they do take getting used to!)

[@dalecaldwell]

I have a pair and after less than two weeks, there have already been improvements in the software. I choose them over the Rocids, for instance, because of Chi Xu's and PJ's emphasis on improving the software. I didn't think Iwould use them for 'productivity', but just bought a bluetooth keyboard to do just that.

[@user-ki5tg2cj8c]

Decky Loader and the XR Gaming plugin add another level to these together with a Steam Deck, providing some of the features the XReal Beam does!

[@truedesireelements2040]

Great Review!!!

[@luistx16]

I’m glad to hear you say you can see text very sharp. But what about when editing visual content? How would you compare editing in Final Cut on your MacBook’s screen vs. these glasses? I’m not a big video editor. But when I do, I need it to be as good picture quality as a monitor. And in Photoshop.

[@davidg2927]

These look great. Would like more of an in depth look. And other vr glasses too

[@BrandonButch]

I might do another video on these after using them longer + after getting the Beam

[@davidg2927]

@@BrandonButch much apreesh!

[@jaribuaruba6949]

Thanks for the great review Brandon! I would consider buying this product. Could they be used for Zoom meetings? I don't play games, but watch movies & TV shows. Might give them a try and see if they work for my use. 😊

[@georgebarron7429]

Great video. Would this provide a multi-screen display for iPad Pro?

[@BrandonButch]

Nope, I haven’t found a way to do that. It just mirrors the screen

[@kristinaveirum]

Very impressive 👌🏼

[@JacobDrozh]

I like your new channel pfp 🔥🔥

[@Logan.Ninefingers]

A 201" screen for movies? That right there makes them worth it to me.

[@gompsie]

Great review,i would like the know how the 3D movie watching experience is on those glasses........

[@AngusLou]

I want to use it for coding, so the characters must be sharp enough. About 2 years ago I used Oculus 2 for a few months, 3 big screens were a big pro but the resolution was not good enough for reading and writing as a 4K device, so I just wonder if it would be better for a 1080p device?

[@yourDecisi0n]

8:24 I could imagine this just being a distortion from the angled glass, making the screen blurry around the bottom edges as the light has to travel the longest and might be spread too much to provide a clear picture

[@BrandonButch]

True, could be that. It just got annoying a times when I'd be multitasking and have to position my eyes at the bottom of a screen to get a clear look at the text

[@DannyVdesign]

@@BrandonButch not sure this is the same effect but people on reddit say you can fix with the “masking tape mod” that masks the lenses

[@akitadakid6326]

Dope tech

[@mmssus]

Is the text fuzzy in the corners because of eyes weakness, or because the displays on the glasses aren't sharp at the edges? I wonder if those glasses are a good choice for programmers, staring at text on the terminal.

[@valentinemayaki7126]

Do you need the x-beam to make use of the multiple screen feature?

[@mattjamesss1]

Brandon looking good in the glasses though! 😎😎😎

[@iaincampbell4422]

When I do this I can have three screens but only one of them is easily visible at a time unless I put them quite far away. Am I missing something with getting more peripheral vision. I'm using the glasses insert...perhaps some adjustment or other I need to make? I do have a relatively small head, wonder if the glasses are sitting further from my face than they are for other people or something? Perhaps this is just the experience everyone gets??? Mine are the xreal air 2 pro

[@jorisjm007]

are you gonna get the xreal air 2? and then do a comparison?

[@fotoamgamgfoto3695]

Hi! What MAC is the lowerst which meets the spec? I never used MAC as I have gamer windows laptops and I am a software developer, but Nebula for Windows is in beta and buggy, I need it for work, so looking for some MAC which has low price and good for Air 2 Pro and working on it as a SW developer....

[@MatrixRoland]

These look so much better on a person than VR Goggles. I would actually consider getting these.

[@BrandonButch]

Lol anything looks better than those goggles 🤣

[@raul.avadanei1987]

I already bought the Xreal Air 2 Pro + beam and it's absolutely amazing!! I've had no problem with them whatsoever 😎👌

[@18yearsoldnot]

Would you say the beam is an essential component?

[@HudsonDoodle]

I would like to know this too. I just got these glasses yesterday for use with my MacBook while traveling. I do like them with the nebula (to get up to three screens), but I still feel like it’s three small-ish screens. I’m wondering if the Beam will enable me to have a bigger, higher resolution screen.

[@ramidaoud3776]

Switching to cinema node with nebula on?

[@mazenkheder3309]

How can you watch movies offline from XREAL Air 2 Pro AR Glasses on the plane?

[@GeckoGaming3610]

2:28 I HAVE THOSE SAME CHICKEN FRIES EVERY DAY

[@BrandonButch]

the GOAT quick lunch meal

[@GeckoGaming3610]

@@BrandonButch ikr

[@Athithan_2000]

I’ll wait for the Apple Vision SE

[@klaaskay2685]

Can the glass be connected to M1 Macbook Air directly?

[@MegaKorben]

Do you get 201 inch on the Mac? I only have 139 on the iPhone

[@RaghavVijay]

Compared to other headsets and things this is actually a pretty good alternative-Especially for the price since it does mostly the same things In a way better design and also as you said it replaced many screens for you which is definitely a benefit considering the price!!-Lets see what apple does for there glasses but for now I am definitely intrigued by these! Great review Brandon-I appreciate your efforts!

[@BrandonButch]

Thank you!

[@RichDucat]

I've been using mine for a few weeks. It's alright but it gets really hot.

[@BrandonButch]

I've noticed this as well but thankfully it's on the top so you don't feel it much unless you touch the top of the glasses

[@plamenganchev9278]

Do you know cool but I would have no idea how to use them or for what to use them

[@BrianCrink]

Apple needs to release a mechanical keyboard with Mac Mini internals to replace the traditional MacBook form factor, separating the display and keyboard.

[@wantedbhullar]

9:55 Can anyone help me find the name of the movie playing after Avatar??

[@user-qj4um2wj6i]

I have a pair here in Australia there great for KZbin.

[@luis51785]

Bro has a steam deck ❤❤❤

[@internetjalurlebar]

can we dim the screen on MacBook and having bright AR screens at the same time?

[@insparks782]

Yes he does that in the video at 4:19

[@oncrei]

I have the cursor problem with the mac with extended screen onto a 2nd monitor. I think it's a MacOS thing. Hahah

[@MegaKorben]

But what if you have windows?

[@KeyJayHD]

Been using them for a while now. Best tech purchase Ive made in a very long time after my Steam Deck ❤. Its also going to get better in a few days since the xReal Beam will finally be shipping which adds 3-DOF to everything you can plug into it now, plus acting as a battery and wireless stream-to device. Yes some things can be improved, but compared to the much more expensive and somewhat inconvenient alternatives, this device is amazing. Use it for travel, use it to play in my car during lunch or watch a movie while working on monitors at work (dont tell my boss lol). Great video.

[@jjtrejo4125]

ur mean

[@aurasion7763]

W Brandon for watching carwow 😎

[@samuraishortboy7849]

The iphone 15 has been reported to have a delayed release date of October, is that accurate?

[@BrandonButch]

I touched on that in my latest Apple Den newsletter issue

[@tammyjosephyu]

could you use this glasses to watch youtube from your iphone？

[@HudsonDoodle]

Yes if your iPhone is 15 (ie has USB C). I got these glasses yesterday and plugged them into my iPhone to watch YT. Seamless and a great experience.

[@c4CHIN]

does this connect to mac mini via usb-c or hdmi?

[@HudsonDoodle]

I just got the air pro 2 yesterday and connected it to my M1 Mac mini via USB C. If you need to connect to HDMI I think you need the Beam.

[@SinisterSaneW]

oo

[@likely-out]

2023 e o óculos precisa de cabo para funcionar

[@Ianncarlox.]

when is the ios 17 beta 4 releasing? been waiting for it desperately 😂

[@BrandonButch]

next week

[@grahamevans8567]

Living in the real world as long as i can…. and saving my $$ to paying off my house. Quite happy with my iphone & mac.

[@stephenf8840]

Yeah just what we need people watching movies while they drive. 🤦🏻 This is nothing against you Brandon please don’t take it that way I love your videos. I can just see in a few years down the road how these glasses will have an impact on people vision in a negative way.

[@jjtrejo4125]

how do you only have 1.07 million subs? 😂 you ✨deserve✨ 15 million++++!!!

[@BrandonButch]

haha thanks! one day!

[@jjtrejo4125]

😊

[@MylesTech]

when 17 beta 4?

[@BrandonButch]

next week most likely

[@gool54]

I’ve watched dozens of reviews on YT which were all sponsored by a manufacturer. The reality is very very different! I have a Quest 2 so I’m very familiar with wearing a display on your face. But the truth is - it’s just a 45° viewing angle and the text is very very blurry. Unless you have 110% clear vision you’re going to regret them. Especially compared with Apple’s Retina displays - the clarity of text is abysmal. As for 3 displays while working on Mac/PC - it’s all fake - you’re only ever going to see 1 display and turn your head left or right every single time you need to see another display. I’ve waited for them to arrive for 2 weeks and another 3-4 weeks for a full refund. My biggest tech disappointment of last few years.

[@TrevorFosterTheFosterDojo]

ur bad git gud

[@Stefan-wg5vr]

U saved me from going in the same experience, thank you!

[@wp8762]

You need to get it with the xreal beam

[@joslop9448]

Y

[@anhnguyenngoc1254]

No, not at all. Tried with my M1 pro. The screen jittering and not static!

[@anhnguyenngoc1254]

It seems looking static but the jittering make the text unreadable

[@TrevorFosterTheFosterDojo]

not the air 2? just the airs? garb

[@sailorbrite]

I need to hear reviews by fellow migraine sufferers. If these glasses trigger their migraines or not and if there’s an equivalent of f.lux for the software display.

[@nst1nct]

I did experience migraines when using these with a Macbook a few months ago, which I attributed to a very slight constant jitter of the image that seemed to be in lockstep with my pulse, as if the slight vibration of my heartbeat was enough to disturb the tracking. I don't have that experience with my Quest 2 headset. Xreal was aware of the issue and working on a fix, which may already be available, but I ended up returning the Xreal glasses to Amazon before any updates were available. If they haven't fixed the problem in the software, I believe the motion smoothing of the Xreal Beam device may take care of it. I've actually now ordered another pair, along with the Beam, to give it another try. I really liked them a lot apart from the migraines, so if I can wear them jitter-free they'll be great.

[@thomashartmann5037]

Beware: MacOS Sonoma will not allow more than one virtual screen with any third party product, according to xReal developer support.

[@northpaal]

Shit seriously? Because of Vision Pro? Are they allowed to do that in the EU?

[@YaLikeBaz]

Did this get fixed?

[@thomashartmann5037]

@@northpaalI don’t believe this is a question of legality in EU, more of a strategic decision made by Apple.

[@miguelkennedy9520]

I like watching videos by Brandon Butch :)

[@BrandonButch]

🙌

[@miguelkennedy9520]

@@BrandonButch You’re welcome Brandon 😊

[@yesla4tesla]

I tried this.. they sucked.. I sent them back after 2 days.

[@BrandonButch]

Why didn't you like them?

[@yesla4tesla]

@@BrandonButch First reason was how they sit on your head. You have to have them half way down your nose. If they are higher, you cant see the bottom of the display. I tried them on my macbook pro. I did not try them on iphone as that might be better. I think they are a good initial build and will try the v2 when/if they release. I just felt like it was more of a kickstarter type quality.

[@BrandonButch]

⁠@@yesla4teslaI believe that’s by design so you can see your keyboard, etc. I think a lot of these AR companies will just wait for Apple’s headset to release so they can copy some of the software capabilities 😅

[@yesla4tesla]

@@BrandonButch ahh if its by design, then it makes sense but I couldn't see my taskbar on the mac. Just found it a little annoying. Could be my freakish face design too :)

[@tarakwagle2583]

I have them they are horrible, so much light bleed & jello effect

[@Casonplayz]

He said they take used to

[@Scratch-BOT]

MKBHD reference 😂

[@BrandonButch]

had to reference the iOS 17 video specifically 😅

[@Scratch-BOT]

@@BrandonButch 🤣

[@Scratch-BOT]

@@BrandonButch 🤣

[@iCodyonline]

I really enjoy your videos but one of my pet peeves is when someone says sub $400 or sub $200 and it’s literally a few bucks below. It’s going to be $400, it’s going to be $200. More excitement would Insoo if you would have said sub $500. Oh wow $375! Awesome.

[@AviYTV]

6:19 Just put on normal headphones and not huge banana headphones, these headphones are also not comfortable even with normal glasses because they are big

[@Kebra1]

6:24 you'll get the same problem with any other glasses

[@ugwuanyiemmanuellawrence460]

Who else saw MKBHD in 13:15

[@Death__machine]

Nice review but somehow not impressed with the product

[@BrandonButch]

Thanks! They’re not for everybody! I’m curious to see how these companies pivot after Apple releases their headset

[@PankajKara]

@@BrandonButch yeah fair enough. Let’s see what chaos breaks loose when vision pro comes out 😂

[@BrandonButch]

@@PankajKara it's gonna be insane lol. Knockoffs will drop on aliexpress the next day

[@realkoko-loco]

Whatchoo mean, “I don’t watch movies”? How can you not watch movies?

[@BrandonButch]

I just don't unless in theaters lol. I don't even watch tv aside from Black Mirror and a few other select shows a couple times a year

[@RealJoseph123]

Who else is eating while watching this video (like me lol)? 👀

[@BrandonButch]

Ah so I’m not alone in having to watch a video while eating 😂

[@MatthewSpurr]

Your content game is great, but your lunch game is...not great lol.

[@diannealonzo6183]

Hello Mr. Brandon Butch, can i ask for a New Phone from you sir? 🙏🙏🙏🤗🤗🤗 Godbless

[@olif.2154]

Sorry, way too much advertising!

[@realkoko-loco]

I feel like you should do a give away-like to people who’ve been loyally following you for a decade-hint, hint. 😊

[@gsaplayz3942]

No one cares lol