Augmented Reality (AR) is playing an increasingly important role in accessibility, offering new ways to support people with hearing challenges. One example of this progress is the XRAI AR2, an AR smart-glasses model created by XRAI, a company focused on developing tools that enhance communication through AI-driven captioning and translation.
While not a replacement for hearing aids, devices like the XRAI AR2 show how emerging technology can work alongside traditional hearing solutions to make conversations clearer and more accessible in daily environments.
What are XRAI AR2 glasses?
XRAI AR2 glasses are live-caption glasses that use augmented reality to display real-time subtitles directly in front of the wearer’s eyes. They act as speech to text glasses, providing visual support in situations where following conversations can be more challenging.
Technology behind XRAI AR2 glasses
The technology behind XRAI AR2 glasses combines advanced speech recognition, directional microphones, and lightweight augmented reality displays. Their microphones capture spoken sound, which is then processed through XRAI’s AI system to generate real-time captions that appear on the lenses. The AR display projects text within the wearer’s natural field of view without blocking their surroundings, allowing them to follow conversations more comfortably. This setup creates a seamless mix of digital information and the physical world, offering an additional layer of support for users who benefit from visual access to speech.
XRAI glass app
The XRAI Glass app is the central platform that powers how the AR2 glasses function. It captures spoken audio, processes it through AI, and converts it into text that can be viewed either on the phone screen or directly through the glasses. Within the app, users can customize how captions appear, choose languages, and manage settings that adapt the experience to different environments. By serving as the control center for transcription and display features, the XRAI Glass app ensures that the glasses operate smoothly and remain flexible for everyday communication needs.
XRAI AR2 glasses features
- Real-time captioning
The glasses display spoken words as text on the lenses, helping users follow conversations in various environments. This feature is particularly useful in noisy settings or for individuals who prefer visual support.
- Live translation
With support for over 200 languages, the glasses can translate speech in real time, making multilingual interactions easier during travel or international meetings.
- Full-lens AR display
The MicroOLED display offers high brightness (up to 2,500 nits), ensuring captions remain visible even in bright outdoor conditions.
- Extended battery life
The AR2 model includes a charging case and improved battery performance, supporting up to eight hours of continuous use.
Use cases
- Accessibility: for deaf / hard-of-hearing users
XRAI AR2 glasses offer visual support by displaying speech as text, helping users follow conversations more easily.
- Multilingual communication: travelers, business, conferences
Their real-time transcription and translation features assist users in understanding discussions across different languages.
- Work & education: meetings, lectures
In professional and academic settings, the glasses provide captions for presentations, group discussions, and lectures.
- Events & public venues: theaters, live performances
They can offer helpful visual support during films, performances, and public announcements.
- Everyday life: social conversations, commuting
In daily situations, the glasses offer an extra layer of clarity during conversations, especially in busy or noisy environments.
XRAI AR2 glasses price and availability
The XRAI AR2 glasses are positioned in the premium segment of assistive technology, with prices generally ranging from $750 to $900 depending on the retailer and shipping options. Availability can vary, with pre-orders or limited stock common due to high demand, and optional accessories.
XRAI AR2 glasses review: pros and cons
The XRAI AR2 glasses represent a significant step forward in assistive communication technology. Reviewers often highlight their accurate real-time captioning, low weight, and smart integration with a companion app. They provide visual support to make conversations more accessible, but they do not substitute hearing aids and are intended to complement them. Some users note that wearing them for extended periods may feel slightly fatiguing, and advanced features like language translation require a stable connection to function fully.
Closed caption device vs closed caption glasses
Traditional closed caption devices, such as tabletop screens or wearable captioning units, display speech as text in a fixed location, requiring users to look at a separate screen to follow conversations.
In contrast, closed caption glasses like the XRAI AR2 project text directly into the wearer’s field of vision, allowing captions to move with them and remain visible during natural interactions.
Comparison with competitors
Compared to other smart glasses with captioning features, the XRAI AR2 focuses more directly on accessibility and everyday communication support. Meta’s smart glasses include captioning but are built primarily for broader AR functions like media and hands-free controls. HearView glasses also offer speech-to-text, yet they place stronger emphasis on environmental awareness. In contrast, XRAI AR2 prioritizes clear, real-time captions and translation, making them a straightforward complementary tool for people who already use hearing aids.
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