A new extended reality glasses product called NXTWEAR S is about to be launched by TCL Electronics Holdings Limited (Hong Kong). A video introducing the NXTWEAR S is appended to the end of this article. The glasses are pictured in the figure below.
TCL is a subsidiary of TCL Industries Holdings which itself is a subsidiary of TCL Technology. The company is engaged in display and internet businesses. Focusing on the mid-to-high-end markets around the world, the company strives to “consolidate the intelligent IoT ecosystem strategy.”
The features and specifications of the NXTWEAR S include the following:
- Dimensions
Unfolded: 175 mm x 166 mm x 51 mm
Folded: 56 mm x 154 mm x 51 mm
- Weight: 93 g
- Display
Type: dual microOLED
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Refresh rate: 60 Hz
Resolution: 1920 x 1080 in 2D, 3840 x 1080 in 3D
- Display optics
Type: Birdbath
FOV: 47 degrees
PPD: 47
Image size: 140 inch at 4 meters
- Headset: Can be connected to the user’s personal earphones. Connection is by Bluetooth to the user’s smartphone.
- Sensors: Gyroscope, accelerometer and pressure sensor
- Connectivity: UBC Type C with Display Port
- Operation: 3 DOF
- Battery: No built in battery – the glasses are directly powered by connected devices.
NXTWEAR S supports play of both 2D and 3D videos, games and other streaming applications. The user can switch between 2D and 3D modes and adjust the image brightness through a dial on the right temple.
With dual built-in speakers, the NXTWEAR S offers dynamic stereo sound. The “ultra linear” unit delivers what is described as a better bass sound. A volume wheel is located near the left temple. Utilizing a phase cancellation design, the NXTWEAR S reduces high frequency noise as well as offering a privacy mode.
NXTWEAR S is compatible with a wide range of smartphones, tablets and PCs. The glasses also connect to gaming consoles such as Xbox, Switch and PlayStation. A customized adaptor is available for devices that do not support Display Port, such as iPhone.
NXTWEAR S can accommodate nearsighted users by the addition of an eyeglasses type lens that magnetically attaches to the back of the NXTWEAR S optics. It is intended that the user take the frame, provided along with the NXTWEAR S, to their local eyeglass store and obtain custom prescription eyeglass lenses.
A sunglass like front lens is also provided with the NXTWEAR S. The sunglass lens magnetically attaches to the front of the NXTWEAR S optics and serves to provide different levels of light transmission from the outside environment.
The company notes that the NXTWEAR S has obtained a low blue light level and a no stroboscopic certification from the German TÜV Rheinland Group.
The curved surface of the NXTWEAR S has a “soft, skin friendly finish.” The glasses have adjustable nose pads allowing the NXTWEAR S to fit different face shapes.
A magnetic pogo pin connector is located at the rear of the right temple and allows easy connection of the glasses to smart devices and computers.
Part of the fundraising/advertising effort undertaken by the company relating to the NXTWEAR S includes a Kickstarter campaign. The campaign can be found here. This all or nothing project was funded as expected at the time of writing this.
The early bird price for the NXTWEAR S glasses, as listed on the Kickstarter website, is $329. The expected MSRP is posted as $449. The company reports that the NXTWEAR S glasses are already in production and guarantees delivery to all backers. The goal is to ship the glasses starting in December, 2022. – Arthur Berman
