Global smart glasses firm Nreal opened pre-orders for a new iPhone-compatible smart glasses adaptor on Amazon for $59. The firm also opened sales of its Air smart glasses on the digital storefront for $379.
24 hours later, both products sold out on the marketplace, highlighting massive augmented reality (AR) interest across the iOS user base, the company said in a LinkedIn post at the time.
The move comes as part of an exclusive partnership between Nreal and Amazon, enabling the smart glasses firm to sell the two devices on Prime.
Nreal announced the dongle to coincide with the launch of Apple’s iPhone 14 last month by teasing the product in a social media post.
The product is only available to Amazon users in the US, but British AR enthusiasts can pick up the Nreal Air via partners EE.
Apple Compatibility
The news comes after the Chinese firm debuted iOS compatibility for its product portfolio, including the recently announced iPhone 14 and 14 Pro.
Apple iPhone users can use their devices for screen mirroring. The update lets Apple iPhone users watch content from streaming services and video-based social media platforms on AR screens.
Nreal also updated its hardware to support MacBook Pro and Air laptops, powered by Apple M1 chips, and introduced the AR Desktop tool, which creates a virtual external monitor for a connected Macbook.
Where is Apple’s XR Device?
Despite clear internal and audience interest, Apple has yet to make any clear announcements regarding a potential XR device.
The firm’s iOS devices have long had AR integration. Apple’s devices enable applications like Snapchat and Instagram to run immersive AR filters and provide an advertising avenue for brands.
Last year, the CEO of Apple, Tim Cook, expressed interest in AR. Despite this, only insider rumours, leaks, and patent requests indicate Apple’s potential immersive device.
