Tag Steam

AR sunglasses represent a growing market, offering alternatives to VR headsets equipped with mixed-reality pass-through (like the Meta Quest 2 and 3). One of the selling points is style; since they’re smaller and lighter, and since they look like actual sunglasses, you can theoretically wear them outside of your house without catching weird looks. And they usually have at least a few unique features and applications that make them worth using out in public, for instance, blowing up your handheld gaming device into a virtual home theatre while sitting on the bus.

Xreal, formerly Nreal, just announced its newest pair of XR glasses, the Air 2 and Air 2 Pro. They’re not scheduled to officially release until next month; they ship out in the United States, Britain, and key parts of Europe in late November at $399 and $449, respectively. But reviews are already rolling in, with interesting insights about the Xreal Air 2’s usability and cost performance.

Designer: Ranxin Zhou (via Xreal)

TechRadar seemed to love the Air 2’s “comfortable, lightweight design” while warning potential buyers to steer clear if they don’t travel around with one of the few compatible devices, like a gaming PC, due to its lack of standalone functionality. But it sounds like the real use case for the Xreal glasses is taking mixed-reality passthrough with you on the go, meaning it’s best-designed for owners of the Steam Deck or the ASUS ROG Ally.

Both glasses come with 1080p Sony Micro OLED displays capable of displaying 500 nits of brightness through a 46-degree field of view, which is optimal for playing “flat” games on a static screen rather than engaging in full 6DoF VR or MR gameplay. They also seem to run fast – up to 120 Hz, which is also great for gaming. Its built-in “cinematic audio” speakers are also getting a bump from the original Air glasses as well, and are advertised as being specially designed to reduce audio leakage.

The Air Pro 2 seems like the real star of the show, using its exclusive dimming control feature to reduce outside light sources down to 0%, making for a far more immersive experience while playing games and watching movies in home theatre mode. Though it does indeed work with PCs, it seems to underwhelm (according to reviewers) when compared to far more versatile VR headsets like the Quest 2/3 and Valve Index, but strangely enough, the hype cycle surrounding the vastly superior Apple Vision Pro still drove sales for Xreal in July 2023.

Xreal Air 2 and Air 2 Pro are set to officially release for $399 and $449 in late November 2023.

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is key, and innovation often stems from addressing everyday challenges. One such innovation is Steamur, a remarkable product that optimizes the ironing experience with its unique clip-on mechanism. Gone are the days of struggling with bulky irons or risking damage to your clothing. Steamur is designed to make your life easier, offering a portable, efficient, and versatile solution for keeping your clothes crisp and bacteria-free. Let’s delve into the features and design philosophy behind this game-changing product.

Designer: Shelly Tsai

The existing portable travel iron, while convenient to carry, has long been associated with the risk of causing significant damage to delicate fabrics during use. On the other hand, steam-hanging irons, with their single-sided steam outlet mechanism, may not always provide the desired results when it comes to properly flattening clothing. Recognizing these limitations, Steamur introduces a revolutionary clip-on mechanism that optimizes the steam ironing experience.

This innovative feature allows users to securely clamp their clothing between the heated panels, ensuring even heat distribution and minimizing the risk of accidental damage. The clip-on mechanism not only speeds up the ironing process but also provides an effective solution for garments that require gentle handling.

In a post-epidemic society, our daily habits and priorities have evolved. One emerging trend is a heightened focus on daily antibacterial disinfection at home. With frequent interactions in public places and crowded transportation, our clothing can become breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses. Steamur recognizes the need for convenient clothing disinfection and addresses it with its garment ironing machine.

Unlike traditional irons that may damage delicate fabrics, Steamur utilizes a high-temperature steam ironing process that minimizes direct fabric contact while efficiently ironing clothes. This not only ensures the longevity of your garments but also provides a quick and convenient method for disinfecting clothing, promoting better hygiene practices.

Steamur’s thoughtful design extends to its charging mechanism. The main body of the device connects to a charging stand via a magnetic connector located in the middle. This design element allows users to charge the device fully in advance, ensuring that it’s ready to use whenever needed. With a focus on portability, you can carry only the lightweight body of the Steamur, leaving the charging stand behind. This is perfect for those on the go, whether for business trips or leisure travel.

Versatility is a key selling point of Steamur. The reversible ceramic panel adds a unique dimension to the product. Users can switch between two modes: ironing and hanging. The ironing mode enables precise garment care, while the hanging mode allows for easy disinfection without the need for direct contact between the iron and clothing. This dual functionality makes Steamur a versatile tool that can cater to various clothing care needs.

Steamur is a game-changing product that reimagines the ironing experience. Its clip-on mechanism, designed to optimize the steam-ironing process, addresses the shortcomings of traditional irons. Additionally, it caters to the evolving needs of a post-epidemic society by offering an efficient and hygienic solution for disinfecting clothing.

With a separate charging base for ultimate portability and a reversible ceramic panel for added versatility, Steamur is set to become an indispensable tool for those who demand convenience, efficiency, and the highest level of garment care. Say goodbye to the hassles of traditional ironing and embrace the future of clothing care with Steamur.