Google Glasses Price Slashed Before Launch

The Xreal Aura, a new lightweight XR headset developed by Xreal in collaboration with Google, has announced a notable price decrease prior to its official launch. Originally priced at $1,279 for early preorders last month, the headset will now be available for $1,099 through the end of the current year. This $180 reduction is intended to position the device more favorably against competitors like Meta's VR headsets.

The new pricing structure applies to the 12GB RAM + 256GB storage model available for purchase in the US, Canada, and South Korea, with units expected to ship in mid-November. A 16GB RAM + 512GB configuration will be offered at a discounted price of $1,299. For those who preordered at the original $1,279 price, Xreal has confirmed that customers will automatically receive a refund for the price difference.

This XR headset boasts a 70-degree diagonal field of view and integrates with Google's Gemini AI. It will launch with over 150 XR experiences, including new immersive films and the ability to connect to computers or game consoles via its USB-C compute puck. Google Photos is also receiving an update with a new spatial gallery feature.

Further accessories are planned, including a wireless gamepad with a dedicated Gemini key and a portable wireless keyboard. While pricing and release dates for these accessories are not yet available, their announcement signals continued development in the XR accessory market.