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The original was posted on /r/xreal by /u/FieldArtistic9034 on 2023-09-06 23:21:56.
After several months of usage, I can confidently say that my experience with these glasses has equipped me with some insight to affirm their potential to meet your intended purposes. However, it is crucial to manage your expectations, a notion I will delve into shortly.
The journey of these glasses began with the intention of enabling me to enjoy YouTube and Netflix from the comfort of my bed and providing a means to access my work computer remotely while traveling. Have they fulfilled this initial vision?
The answer lies somewhere between Yes and No.
USE CASES
These glasses have accompanied me on various travels, particularly those where I know I will have reliable internet access, such as certain work-related trips. Initially, I was excited about utilizing remote desktop functionality to accomplish work tasks. However, the challenge arose from the screen following my head movements, rendering it almost impractical for work and annoying to watch movies with.
To complete my tasks, I found myself always straining my eyes. Ultimately, I discovered that I preferred connecting Samsung Dex to a hotel’s TV when available. Nonetheless, my glasses did deliver a significant advantage in another use case: watching videos during flights or while waiting around. The combination of the built-in Nebula app and YouTube provided a remarkable experience, akin to projecting a massive fixed movie screen, exceeding 300 inches, above the heads of fellow travelers.
GingerXR
The next surprising discovery came with the app GingerXR, which allowed me to use multiple browsers within the Nebula app as a virtual monitor. This setup recreated my three-screen office environment at work. By remotely connecting to my PC and using a script to generate virtual monitors, I could cast them wirelessly via a QR code scanned with my phone’s camera or entering a URL address provided. While this necessitated bringing my laptop along, it offered access to my office workstation on all three virtual monitors.
Windows PC Nebula Support
Several months ago, a significant development occurred when the beta version with Windows support became available for Xreal’s Nebula app. This update allowed me to utilize three screens seamlessly, eliminating the more complex process of setting up URLs through GingerXR. At that point in time, this accomplishment perfectly aligned with my primary work-related objective for the device, and I continued to use it in this capacity for several months.
Xreal Beam
This remained my preferred setup until the arrival of the Xreal Beam. While I appreciate its capabilities, I also acknowledge its significant limitations. Wireless casting through Samsung Dex is impressive when the connection is strong and stable, boasting a more stable 3DoF experience than the Nebula app.
So, where do I stand now? The experience has been an evolution and regression simultaneously.
Now, with the Xreal Beam, the total experience has improved significantly, offering 3DoF functionality across all devices. It complements Samsung Dex superbly in its single-screen use case, marking a game-changing addition for travel.
The singular fixed screen of the Beam is remarkably smooth, clear, and stable. Returning to the Windows Nebula App and its three-screen setup is noticeably inferior in performance and efficiency. I now prefer the Xreal Beam + Samsung Dex combination over the heavier virtual three-monitor and laptop configuration.
Although I no longer require my laptop, my work efficiency has diminished because I favor the elegant simplicity of the Beam’s body anchor mode that provides the magic three degrees of freedom.
Short Comings
Nevertheless, it falls short in several areas. Carrying and charging an additional device detracts from travel efficiency. Also there currently are no native apps for the Xreal Beam, and less important but a still a point of discussion is it’s aesthetic appeal which definitely lags behind that of the glasses. Moreover, certain apps, including Netflix, employ encrypted DRM systems that preclude wireless casting to the Beam.
Features Needed
To achieve its full potential, the Xreal Beam should function similarly to the Nebula app, supporting YouTube and browsers, along with other video streaming services, effectively replacing the need for Android phone pairing. Each opened app should be treated as a monitor, complete with mouse and keyboard support, allowing seamless navigation across multiple apps, akin to a standard multi-monitor setup.
Summary
In summary, I am thoroughly happy with my purchase and believe that the limitations were well within my understanding, as I had thoroughly researched them before making the purchase. However, I do caution others to carefully consider the drawbacks I’ve mentioned before committing to the investment.
On the subreddit, numerous posters express disappointment, with a majority failing to grasp the primary purpose of the Xreal Beam and that is to have 3DoF on all connected devices. Conversely, individuals like myself wish for certain features that are currently unavailable but already exist within the ecosystem, such as the Nebula App.
I no longer use it on a daily basis, as the initial novelty has faded; nevertheless, it remains a preferred device for me to replace my laptop during travels. It comes to my rescue when my wife decides the TV is hers for the evening, as I would much rather enjoy her company than watch alone in a separate room or on my phone.