Cell World Congress is perhaps recognized for showcasing the most recent smartphones and tablets, however RayNeo’s new Air 3S XR glasses had been one of the compelling merchandise I trialled on the present ground.
Direct successor to the Air 2S, which the corporate launched final August, the 3S look to enhance on its predecessor in virtually each method, whereas additionally hitting the market at a considerably lower cost level; a trait that ought to really render it top-of-the-line worth XR glasses in its class. Samsung’s Mission Moohan XR glasses look fairly completely different.
Head-on, the Air 3S seems like a pair of up to date sun shades, however off-angle, you’ll discover the outside tinted lenses sit somewhat methods off the face. That’s with a purpose to accommodate a pair of Sony micro-OLED panels behind them, that work with a beam splitter and a concave mirror (collectively known as ‘birdbath’ optics) to direct a picture on the wearer.
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Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd
Within the case of the 3S particularly, RayNeo’s use of latest HueView tandem micro-OLED panels helps with two of the expertise’s typical weaknesses: brightness and distinction. As such, the RayNeo 3S serve up the equal of a 201-inch show (as if seen from six metres away), with an improved 200,000:1 distinction ratio (that’s twice pretty much as good because the earlier mannequin) and new increased 650-nit most brightness (up from 600nits).
The corporate’s additionally labored to enhance one of many largest criticisms of the 2S’ viewing expertise – border blur – with an elevated eye field and an expanded FoV (area of view) of 47-degrees, whereas the you as soon as once more get the choice of 60- or 120Hz fluidity, paired to Full HD decision.
In apply, the picture high quality does genuinely astound, particularly contemplating how light-weight the Air 3S felt (they’re two grams lighter than the 2S, at 76g). You’re conscious you’re carrying one thing, if just for the mild tug that generally occurs from the cable connected to the again of the suitable arm of the glasses. The 3S can connect with nearly something that enables for USB-C DisplayPort performance, together with HDMI connectivity.
I trialled the RayNeo 3S with a Nintendo Change working Tears of the Kingdom, hooked as much as RayNeo’s present JoyDock. This permits superior docked efficiency from the Change, whereas preserving the console moveable; helped in-part by twin 5000mAh batteries, alongside the connectivity wanted to plug within the Air 3S glasses over USB-C.
Latency was equally undetectable when taking part in Astro Bot and Ultimate Fantasy on a PlayStation 5. What struck me probably the most was how effectively extra nuanced visible parts like dynamic vary and distinction come by. RayNeo has expanded the color area to 154% of SRGB (and 98% color accuracy of DCI-P3), up from 108% on the earlier 2S.
It’s vital to keep in mind that the shows and the outer cowl of the Air 3S are technically clear, which needs to be at odds when pursuing a excessive distinction picture, however even in opposition to the brilliant lights of the conference centre, it labored extraordinarily effectively; all of the whereas permitting for consciousness of what was happening round me, particularly on the periphery.
Glasses just like the Air 3S supply a level of immersion under that of say, absolutely enclosed VR headsets (just like the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S) however that’s by design. I’d really feel much more snug donning the 3S on a flight, in comparison with a full face-covering digital actuality system, with passthrough cameras et al, too.
In distinction, even with the shows off, I don’t know the way a lot I’d readily stroll down the road carrying a pair of XR specs of their present type. It might be one thing I attempt come full evaluation time.
Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd
Not simply an enormous display
The opposite key facet of the Air 3S expertise is sound. Whereas I didn’t actually get the possibility to check out their promised improved audio on the sales space, RayNeo has made strides right here too.
The 3S’ quad-speaker setup (two in every glasses’ arm) is alleged to ship a 200% uptick in audio constancy, in comparison with stereo audio system. They promise higher bass and higher excessive frequency response with larger readability, while additionally providing decreased sound leakage.
The corporate’s Whisper Mode 2.0 tech is designed to render the Air 3S inaudible to anybody greater than 0.6 metres away.
Alex Walker-Todd / Foundry
Past the identical spectacular design allowances because the 2S for elevated consolation in comparison with rivals, the cherry on high is the Air 3S’ worth. Regardless of the improved shows, weight and audio talents, the RayNeo Air 3S are slates to price $259, after they go on sale in April.
Which means they’re cheaper than their predecessors even after the Air 2S has already acquired one main worth drop (on the time of writing, priced at $319, down from $399).
Additionally take a look at all of the idea gadgets we noticed at MWC 2025 (there have been so much).