Spacetop AR Laptop: Hands-On Review

In this video, CNET provides a hands-on review of Spacetop, an innovative AR laptop showcased at the Augmented World Expo (AWE) 2024 in Long Beach. Spacetop is a unique laptop that uses AR glasses instead of a traditional screen, aiming to redefine the computing experience by integrating augmented reality.

Spacetop is priced at $1900, positioning it firmly in the early adopter market. It comes with Xreal’s top-of-the-line AR glasses, the Xreal Air 2 Ultra, which include position tracking and are permanently connected to the device. The concept is similar to using a Chromebook but with a virtual 100-inch screen that floats around the user. This setup allows users to open multiple browser windows, check emails, and work on various tasks in a virtual environment.

The AR glasses, however, have a narrow field of view, which can feel limiting compared to VR headsets. Despite this, the head tracking feature of Spacetop allows users to look around and interact with different elements on the virtual screen without the display moving with them. The base of Spacetop also tracks in space, enabling the display to move with the user, making it practical for use in various environments like on a plane or in a room.

The video highlights the potential of Spacetop in paving the way for future AR glasses and computing devices. While the current setup might not appeal to everyone as a dedicated computer, it represents a significant step towards integrating AR into everyday computing. The presenter envisions a future where display glasses become as common as headphones, connecting seamlessly with various devices.

Additionally, the video mentions Xreal’s Beam Pro, a device similar to a phone for AR glasses, also showcased at the expo. Both Spacetop and Beam Pro are seen as early steps in the evolution of AR and VR devices, hinting at a future where operating systems are designed specifically for augmented and virtual reality.

Overall, the video provides an insightful look into Spacetop’s capabilities and its role in the future of spatial computing, emphasizing the innovative approach to integrating AR into the computing experience.