AutoVehicle TechI tried BMW’s Augmented Reality glasses and they’re the future of in-car navigationUsing XReal Air 2 AR glasses, the concept projects directions, info and games onto the road aheadWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
AutoVehicle TechI tried BMW’s Augmented Reality glasses and they’re the future of in-car navigationUsing XReal Air 2 AR glasses, the concept projects directions, info and games onto the road aheadWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Using XReal Air 2 AR glasses, the concept projects directions, info and games onto the road ahead
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: BMW)
(Image credit: BMW)
BMW’s idea of an augmented reality windscreen just got a bit closer to reality. The concept was part of theiVision Deecar that is paving the way for the company’s Neue Klasse vehicles that will launch from 2025. AtCES 2024, however, we got a bit of a preview of how this will work.
The enhanced driving experience uses XREAL Air 2 augmented reality glasses for the passenger or driver (where regulations allow). Once wearing the glasses you get a small circular panel that sits virtually on your dashboard, which allows you to switch between modes.
In navigation mode, directional arrows and warnings appear on the road in front of you, like an expanded head-up display. There are virtual speed signs, roadworks warnings and stop signs that show up clearly and animate on the road in front of you. These are far easier to follow than even the best head-up displays, as they really follow the road positioning. You also get an overview of your journey on the dash.
When driving or reversing, blocks appear in the road to highlight obstacles, such as curbs and barriers close to the car. There’s also a virtual charging icon, which could be used to find a future charging pad for electric cars, that simply requires you to park over the charger – like a giant wireless charging pad.
(Image credit: BMW)
(Image credit: BMW)
For the passenger, the glasses also offer a game mode. I tried one where you had to move a circle around to swallow up poker chips. The circle moves based on where you are looking, so after a little practice, it was easy enough to play, and far more fun than I expected. It also provided a rain shower of dice and poker chips – we were in Vegas after all.
The final mode available opens up the potential to watch films on a big screen in the car, so again ideal for the passenger – at least until level 3 automation (eyes-off driving) takes hold. You can fold down the sun visor to provide a darker background and the screen appears in your vision, much larger than any physical display screen could.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
(Image credit: BMW)
(Image credit: BMW)
The one downside at the moment is that the projected area in the glasses is fairly small, so doesn’t cover the full field of vision. This means that you sometimes have to physically turn your head to see some features. That’s something that will change as the glasses improve though. The glasses also need to be plugged in, as there’s no onboard processing. This isn’t the biggest problem, as you are stationary inside the car, but a wireless connection would be more convenient.
Augmented reality is definitely in its infancy, and will get better as the glasses get smaller and easier to wear. The ideal of course would be to make the whole windscreen into one big augmented reality lens, but that could be a few years away yet.
While these glasses are still a concept, the system is entirely possible. The Xreel Air 2 glasses are available to buy already and while the demo I experienced was prerecorded, the system is close to being ready. BMW already offers itsMotorrad Smart Glassesfor its motorcycles, which provide speed and navigation information for bikers. However, these aren’t locked to the road position in the same way as this AR concept. I’d love these to make their way into the market, even just for the passenger. It’s a fun addition to what is becoming a wide range of entertainment options forelectric vehicles.
(Image credit: BMW)
(Image credit: BMW)
Samsung Galaxy S25: every leak, rumour and spec we’ve heard before the launch eventThis is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets
This is everything we’ve heard about the new handsets
This case turns your iPhone or Android phone into an e-reader, but there’s a catchActually, there are a couple…
Actually, there are a couple…
BMW unveils the next-generation iDrive, and it’s wildBMW’s brand new operating system the iDrive OS X will feature in the upcoming Neue Klasse models and is its biggest change in 25 years
BMW’s brand new operating system the iDrive OS X will feature in the upcoming Neue Klasse models and is its biggest change in 25 years
Your BMW or Mini car gets a great Christmas gift from the BBCThis update for BMW and Mini cars sounds great
This update for BMW and Mini cars sounds great
BMW’s next-gen electric SUV is must-see concept with amazing on-board techThe BMW Vision Neue Klasse X sets the path for the marque’s next generation of X-class SUV models
The BMW Vision Neue Klasse X sets the path for the marque’s next generation of X-class SUV models
I parked a BMW remotely using a Sim Racing Rig and it was as bizarre as it soundsTeleoperated valet parking could spell the end of multi-storey mishaps
Teleoperated valet parking could spell the end of multi-storey mishaps
BMW iX2 full-electric sports activity coupé joins the rangeThe new BMW iX2 and second generation X2 launch providing a sportier crossover vehicle
The new BMW iX2 and second generation X2 launch providing a sportier crossover vehicle
BMW Vision Neue Klasse concept teases a new breed of EVsThe latest BMW EV concept is its vision for the future, and it looks incredible
The latest BMW EV concept is its vision for the future, and it looks incredible
Driving a BMW wearing a VR headset is the most fun I’ve had on a trackI tried the M series mixed reality racing at BMW’s Future Mobility Development Centre in the Czech Republic
I tried the M series mixed reality racing at BMW’s Future Mobility Development Centre in the Czech Republic
BMW’s smart glasses are a gamer-changer for bikers and I want themThe BMW Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses bring a head-up display to two-wheeled riders
The BMW Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses bring a head-up display to two-wheeled riders
