Google and Xreal Launch Aura Glasses at Lower Price

The Google and Xreal Aura smart glasses are now on sale with a price tag of $1,099, which is $180 lower than the cost announced during early preorders last month. This introductory price will remain in place through the end of the year. Buyers who already preordered at the higher price will receive an automatic and instant refund for the difference, according to Xreal general manager and spokesperson Ralph Jodice.

Device Features and Availability

The lightweight 95-gram headset comes with a tethered Android XR compute puck and offers multiple virtual screens alongside a 70-degree diagonal field of view. Customers can order the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage model for $1,099 in the United States, Canada, and South Korea, or choose the 16GB RAM and 512GB storage model for $1,299. Shipping for these units is expected to begin in mid-November. The glasses will launch in Japan on November 2nd, followed by wider availability next year. Users can also plug a computer or handheld game console directly into the USB-C compute puck to mirror displays.

Software and Accessories

The headset debuts with more than 150 made-for-XR experiences, including immersive films such as Andy Serkis's Nevatars and Galapagos: the Last Eden. Google Photos is also receiving an XR update this year to add a spatial gallery feature that wraps photo libraries around the user in 3D. Additionally, Xreal is partnering with GameSir to release a wireless gamepad that includes a dedicated Gemini key, a charging dock, and swappable D-pads, alongside a folding portable wireless keyboard.

Context

Smart glasses and mixed-reality headsets represent a growing hardware category where companies compete heavily on pricing and software features to attract early adopters. Google and Xreal are positioning their product against established tech giants in the wearable display market. Preorder adjustments and launch discounts are common tools used by hardware makers to build momentum during initial product rollouts.