Asus made a notable impact at CES 2024 by unveiling the AirVision M1, a pair of augmented reality (AR) glasses that are now available for purchase. Designed to offer an immersive multimedia and work experience, these glasses integrate advanced display and audio technologies.

While often referred to as smart glasses, the AirVision M1 is more accurately a “wearable display.” It features two Full HD micro-OLED screens, one for each eye, that create the illusion of a 100-inch screen floating in front of us. Connecting the AirVision M1 to a compatible device brings this virtual screen to life, visible only to the user for a private and immersive experience.

Design and Build

The Asus AirVision M1 adopts a traditional glasses form factor with separate lenses for each eye, resembling a pair of high-tech sunglasses. Despite their relatively standard appearance, these glasses house cutting-edge Micro OLED FHD displays, ensuring exceptional image quality.

The lenses feature 60% transparency, allowing users to see their surroundings while engaging with virtual content. The frame is constructed from matte black rigid plastic, offering durability and a premium feel. A transparent lower arch adds a distinctive design element. Small bright squares in the corners serve as magnetic attachment points for the included light protector.

The frame also houses dual microphones with noise cancellation, an ambient light sensor for automatic brightness adjustment, and a proximity sensor to detect usage. The temples are slightly thicker than regular glasses, incorporating a USB-C port with DisplayPort support on the left side, along with a touch panel for display control. Integrated speakers are positioned near the ears, enhancing the AR experience with spatial audio.

The package includes:

Asus AirVision M1 glasses
Carrying case
USB-C to USB-C cable
Prescription lens
Light protector
Two sets of nasal cushions
Cleaning cloth
Quick start guide and warranty

Comfort and Fit

Weighing only 80g, the AirVision M1 is relatively lightweight. However, the fit may not be universally comfortable. The curved temples do not provide a secure grip for all users, which may lead to discomfort. It is advisable to try the glasses before purchasing to ensure a proper fit.

The nasal cushions are essential for comfort, while the prescription lens adapter allows users to equip their own custom lenses. The light protector, which attaches magnetically, reduces external light interference, though it does not completely block out ambient light.

How the Asus AirVision M1 Works

The micro-OLED technology delivers vibrant colors and sharp visuals, with a brightness of up to 1100 nits ensuring clarity even in bright environments. An ambient light sensor automatically adjusts brightness, while a built-in touch controller allows for manual fine-tuning. The low response time minimizes motion blur, making it suitable for gaming and video playback, and the 95% DCI-P3 color coverage ensures rich and dynamic colors.

With a total power consumption of just 2W, the AirVision M1 draws power via a USB-C connection, reducing strain on connected devices. Additionally, a built-in sensor detects when the glasses are not in use and automatically turns off the display to conserve energy.

Display and Features

The AirVision M1 is equipped with two 0.49-inch Micro OLED FHD displays, offering a resolution of 1920×1080 per eye. The high pixel density results in a sharp, grid-free image with true blacks and exceptional contrast.

Key display specifications include:

95% DCI-P3 color accuracy
1100 nits peak brightness
38° field of view
72Hz refresh rate
Asus Eye Care and TÜV Rheinland blue light certification

The glasses support 3DoF (Three Degrees of Freedom) head tracking, which allows virtual screens to move naturally with the user’s head position. Additional sensors include ambient light, movement, and proximity sensors, further enhancing the immersive experience.

Software and User Experience

Setting up the AirVision M1 is straightforward. The glasses come in a durable travel case with a dedicated compartment for the USB-C cable. Connecting them to a device with a USB-C port that supports video output, such as Thunderbolt 4 or 5, is all it takes to get started.

On Windows 11 devices, the system automatically recognizes the AirVision M1 as an external display, mirroring the primary screen. The glasses provide a 57-degree field of view, allowing us to glance at our keyboard while typing. With 60% optical transparency, they maintain situational awareness, avoiding the isolating effect often associated with VR headsets. For more immersive viewing, the included magnetic dimming attachments can be used.

The software allows users to configure:

Screen distance and pupil distance: Adjusting these settings ensures optimal clarity and focus.
Display modes: Includes multiple predefined color profiles.
Motion timing mode: Improves natural head movement tracking.
Brightness levels: Customizable for different environments.

Virtual screen configurations include:

Workspace mode: Adds two virtual screens alongside the main screen.
Gaming mode: Keeps a single virtual screen fixed in front of the user.
Infinite mode: An expanded screen experience with limited practical use.
Custom modes: Allows users to define screen placement and size.

Additionally, the glasses feature different augmented reality screen modes:

Positioning/multi-screen mode: Virtual screens remain fixed in front of the user.
Floating mode: The virtual screen moves with the user’s line of sight, similar to VR headsets.

Touch Controls

The left temple features a touch-sensitive control panel with the following functions:

Swipe up/down: Adjust brightness.
Single tap: Multimedia playback control.
Two-finger tap: Change display mode.
Hold for 1.5 seconds: Open the context menu.
Enable/disable 3D mode: Press and hold with two fingers.

Performance and Compatibility

Designed primarily for Windows PCs, the AirVision M1 pairs seamlessly with Asus’ ROG Ally gaming handhelds. However, during testing on other Windows-based devices, we encountered issues with text clarity. Despite adjusting the interpupillary distance, the central display remained slightly blurry.

The Asus AirVision M1 offers a promising first-generation AR experience. The Micro OLED displays deliver stunning visuals, and the virtual screen implementation enhances productivity. However, comfort remains a key concern, as the fit may not be suitable for all users.

Gaming experiences varied. Fast-paced titles like Forza Horizon 5 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 masked the blurriness, but menu screens and static text revealed its shortcomings. The default refresh rate is 60Hz, with an optional 72Hz mode available through the AirVision app. This is lower than the 120Hz refresh rates offered by similarly priced competitors.

Verdict

The Asus AirVision M1 offers the experience of a large virtual screen in a lightweight and portable design, making it convenient to use anywhere. However, its capabilities extend beyond entertainment. These AR glasses also enhance productivity by adding multiple virtual screens to our mobile setup while ensuring privacy when working in public spaces.

If you’re looking for a lightweight AR solution for work and entertainment, the Asus AirVision M1 is a solid option. However, we recommend testing them for comfort before making a purchase.

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