Xreal CEO Says Smart Glasses Industry Has Reached Turning Point

Xreal's Market Outlook

Chi Xu, the founder and CEO of XREAL, has stated that the smart glasses business has finally reached a turning point. The company, which has partnered with Google, believes it has mastered the complexities of an industry that has historically been difficult for hardware manufacturers to navigate.

This perspective comes as Xreal shifts its focus toward more immersive augmented reality (AR) experiences. Rather than producing traditional glasses with minimal smart features, Xreal is pursuing a maximalist approach designed specifically for entertainment and high-fidelity visuals.

Project Aura and Google I/O 2026

Xreal recently showcased "Project Aura" at Google I/O 2026. These hybrid smart glasses are designed to deliver a virtual reality (VR) experience within a smart glasses form factor. According to reports from the event, the device is built to utilize the full power of the Android XR platform.

Hands-on reports from the event describe Project Aura as a maximalist take on Android XR. The device aims to cram the capabilities of a full VR headset into a pair of glasses, providing a more immersive experience than standard AR wearables,.

Integration with Android XR

Project Aura is specifically designed for the Android XR platform. This platform is part of a broader ecosystem of wearables that Google is developing. While Xreal's Project Aura represents a high-end immersive approach, other devices running on the Android XR platform—developed in collaboration with Samsung—are expected to arrive as early as July.

Availability and Shipping

Project Aura is expected to ship later this year. The device's arrival coincides with a period of increased competition in the wearable space, as multiple smart glasses projects are slated for release in a short window.