TCL NXTWEAR AIR makes wearable displays look cool

One of the biggest trends that we’ve seen over the course of the last few years is that more and more companies are getting into the wearable space. But instead of just releasing fitness trackers, the real battle is in the wearable display space.

In 2021, TCL released its first iteration of smart glasses with the TCL NXTWEAR G. These were a set of unique-looking glasses that plug right into your phone, emulating a 140-inch display. To kick off 2022, TCL is back with its latest iteration on the wearable display with the TCL NXTWEAR AIR.

TCL NXTWEAR AIR Specs

• Display:
  • Dual 1080p Displays w/ 16:9 aspect ratio
  • 47-degree Field Of View
  • 60Hz Refresh Rate
  • 140-inch viewing size at 4 meters (about 13 feet)
• Audio:
  • Dual Speakers
  • Compatible with select earphones
• Sensors:
  • Accelerometer
  • Gyro
  • P Sensor
• Connectivity:
  • USB Type-C with DisplayPort
• Dimensions: 171.4 x 162 x 50mm (unfolded) / 52 x 154 x 50mm (folded)
• Weight: 75g w/ standard lens

The big selling point with the NXTWEAR AIR is that TCL managed to make this 30% lighter than its predecessor. But this is done using the same dual 1080p displays that emulate a 140-inch screen from a distance of about 13 feet. TCL claims that this is about the same experience that you get if you were to head into your local movie theater, which is pretty impressive.

Weighing in at 75g with the included lens, the NXTWEAR AIR aims to be much more comfortable to wear, especially for long periods of time. These can also be customized by swapping out the front lens, ensuring that you can match up your glasses with the rest of your outfit.

Instead of trying to build a battery into the smart glasses, TCL continues to rely on the users’ smartphones to provide the power. This is done using a USB-C cable, complete with DisplayPort compatibility. Speaking of which, TCL claims the NXTWEAR AIR is compatible with more than 100 different smartphones, which is key when it comes to releasing a product such as this.

But you can also transform the NXTWEAR AIR into a second display for your laptop or tablet, provided that you use the USB-C cable. And TCL even thought about gamers this time around, as you will enjoy an arcade experience simply by pairing a Bluetooth controller to your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

As expected, we’ll have to wait and see what pricing and availability look like for the TCL NXTWEAR AIR. But it definitely seems like the company is getting closer and closer to providing the ultimate smart glass experience to pair with your favorite smartphone.