ASUS AirVision M1 Glasses: A Travel-Friendly Alternative to Portable Monitors

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024, ASUS unveiled its latest innovation, the AirVision M1 glasses, which has been generating buzz as a potential competitor to Apple’s Vision Pro headset. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that the AirVision M1 glasses serve a different purpose than Apple’s offering. In this article, we will explore the features, functionality, and potential use cases of the ASUS AirVision M1 glasses, positioning it as a travel-friendly alternative to portable monitors.

The ASUS AirVision M1 glasses are not designed for interactive Augmented Reality (AR) experiences. Unlike the Vision Pro or even Xreal’s Air 2 Ultras, the AirVision M1 glasses do not support hand gestures or virtual objects recognition. Instead, they focus on providing users with additional screen space, eliminating the need to carry around bulky portable monitors.

The AirVision M1 glasses feature built-in microLED displays with a full HD resolution, capable of displaying up to six or seven virtual windows or desktops. Users can choose from a variety of aspect ratios, including 16:9, 21:9, and 32:9, to suit their preferences. The glasses’ three degrees of freedom allow users to pin those screens in virtual space or track their head movement as they navigate around.

During the first demo, the AirVision M1 glasses were tethered to a laptop, creating a floating desktop that appeared six feet in front of the user. The virtual displays were initially a bit blurry but improved significantly after adjusting the Interpupillary Distance (IPD) and allowing some time for the user to acclimate. Compared to devices like Sightful Spacetop, which is marketed as the world’s first AR laptop, the AirVision M1 glasses offer a much larger vertical field of view (up to 57 degrees) and do not require any additional special equipment.

The AirVision M1 glasses come with nose pads to ensure a comfortable fit and a prescription insert for users with glasses. Setting up additional virtual workspaces is a straightforward process, requiring only a small command menu and a plus sign to create a new window. Users can also freely adjust the overall size of the virtual display by zooming in or out.

One of the most impressive use cases for the AirVision M1 glasses is gaming. When connected to a device like the ROG Ally, the glasses provide a massive virtual screen for non-VR games, offering an experience similar to wearing a headset like the Meta Quest 3. This makes the AirVision M1 glasses an ideal solution for users who require a large screen while traveling or in situations where space is limited.

The AirVision M1 glasses are expected to be priced around $700, making them a more affordable alternative to portable monitors, which often range between $250 and $400 for similar screen sizes. While the price point may seem high for some, it is essential to consider the benefits of having an additional screen without the need to carry around a bulky monitor.

In conclusion, the ASUS AirVision M1 glasses offer a unique solution for users seeking additional screen space while on the go. By focusing on providing a travel-friendly alternative to portable monitors, the AirVision M1 glasses fill a gap in the market, offering a more convenient and space-saving solution for users who require a large screen for work or entertainment.

As we continue to report live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas, stay tuned for more updates on the latest innovations and technologies shaping the future of consumer electronics.