INMO Air3 Review: Standalone Android AR Glasses with Full Google App Support, 1080P Display & Ring Controller

ミスターVR

Summary:

The INMO Air3 are advanced AR glasses offering a comprehensive standalone experience with full Google app support and versatile control methods.

1. INMO Air3: The All-in-One AR Glasses [0:00]

The INMO Air3 is introduced as a highly capable and practical pair of AR glasses, described as the "strongest AR glasses available right now."

• Key Features Highlights:
  • Full-color binocular display.
  • Integrated camera and speakers.
  • Includes a dedicated controller.
  • Runs on Android, making it a standalone device.
  • Retains a conventional glasses shape.
  • Supports Google Play and Google applications.
  • Offers a refined and usable experience, setting it apart from other emerging glasses-type devices.

2. Unpacking the Impressive Specifications [1:10]

The INMO Air3 boasts significant technological advancements over its predecessors.

• Display Technology:

  • Dual 1080P full-color MicroOLED displays, one for each eye.
  • Achieves a retina-level resolution of 62 PPD (Pixels Per Degree).
  • Features a 36-degree field of view (FOV), an improvement of about 1.4 times over the previous Air2's 26 degrees.
  • Provides a brightness of 600 nits, making it "barely usable outdoors."

• Core Hardware & Performance:

  • Equipped with a 120-degree wide-angle camera for both capture and AR features like translation.
  • Integrated speakers allow for audio enjoyment without earphones.
  • Significant CPU performance improvement, officially stated as 8 times faster than the Air2.
  • Comes with 8GB of RAM, an increase from the Air2's 6GB, contributing to smooth operation.

• Standalone & Software Capabilities:

  • Operates completely standalone, requiring no cables or external devices; it runs Android independently with a built-in battery.
  • Runs on INMO's custom Android-based OS, IMOS 3.0, with full official support for Google Play and Google services.
  • Compatibility extends to most Android apps, allowing users to run phone applications directly on the glasses.

• Control Mechanisms:

  • Offers versatile control options: a touchpad on the right temple, a compact remote, and a distinctive ring-type controller for one-handed operation.
  • The display is a 0DoF (Degrees of Freedom) type, meaning the screen is fixed directly in front of the user's view and follows head movements.

• Series Comparison:

  • The INMO Air3 marks a substantial upgrade, evolving from the original INMO Air's monocular monochrome display and the Air2's binocular full-color display to 1080P high resolution and full feature integration.

    

3. Unboxing and the Ring Controller [3:28]

The video details the contents of the INMO Air3 package and the design of the ring controller.

• Package Contents:

  • INMO Air3 main unit.
  • USB Type-C charging cable.
  • A dedicated foldable case for easy portability.
  • A magnetic sunglasses cover.
  • The ring controller and a standard remote.
  • A dedicated charging cable for the ring controller.
  • A manual. (Prescription lens correction is sold separately.)

• Ring Controller Overview:

  • The ring controller is described as compact, very light, and comfortable to hold.
  • It has an inner diameter of approximately 2.3cm, designed for operability rather than constant wear.
  • Charges via magnetic terminals and connects to the glasses via Bluetooth.

4. Design and Wearability [3:58]

The INMO Air3's design prioritizes functionality, making it thicker than regular glasses.

• Physical Design:

  • The temples are thicker to accommodate the battery and processor, giving the glasses a "gadget-like" appearance rather than blending in as ordinary eyewear.
  • The camera is centrally located on the front, initially covered.
  • The right temple features the power button, touchpad, and a Type-C charging port.
  • The left temple houses volume buttons, and speakers are integrated into both temples.
  • Designed to attach magnetic prescription lenses.

    

  • From the outside, faint vertical lines are visible in the display area, but they are not significantly noticeable.

    

• Comfort and Vision:

  • The glasses have good front-to-back weight balance, preventing them from slipping down when looking straight ahead.
  • However, prolonged wear can cause discomfort around the nose and behind the ears; using glasses cushion tape is recommended to mitigate this.

    

  • When not displaying content, the faint vertical lines do not obstruct vision, though overall vision may be slightly (about 5%) darker.
  • The thick temples create blind spots, giving a feeling of slightly narrowed vision, and there's a minor reflection in the lenses.
  • Despite these minor visual impedances, they are not severe enough to make the glasses unwearable.

5. Display Quality: The 62PPD Experience [5:28]

The display's image quality and visual characteristics are thoroughly reviewed.

• Image Clarity and Brightness:

  • The 62 PPD display offers good image quality, sufficient brightness, and excellent color expression and saturation.
  • Increasing brightness enhances visibility but also increases battery consumption.
  • While the display is difficult to see in direct sunlight outdoors, this is an inherent limitation of see-through AR glasses. It performs well on cloudy days, indoors, and in darker environments.
  • For optimal video viewing in brighter conditions, attaching the magnetic sunglasses cover is recommended.

    

• Privacy:

  • Despite the internal display, the video content is completely invisible to external observers, ensuring user privacy.

    

• Optical Challenges:

  • A common optical issue in AR/VR is present: text appears clear in the center but becomes blurrier towards the edges due to lens aberrations.

    

  • However, the "sweet spot" (area of clear vision) is relatively large, minimizing the need for constant fine adjustments while wearing.
  • This peripheral quality loss is most noticeable when reading small text but is not an issue for video viewing.

6. 36-Degree Field of View Usage [7:21]

The practical implications of the 36-degree FOV are discussed.

• Real-world View Integration:

  • When used as regular glasses without display content, faint vertical lines are present but do not significantly obstruct vision.
  • The display appears to float 2-3 meters ahead, officially equivalent to a 150-inch screen at 3m distance.

    

  • In practice, it feels like a 100-inch monitor at 2m, or a tablet when focusing closer, allowing for versatile use depending on the application.

• FOV Ergonomics:

  • While 36 degrees might seem narrow, the presenter argues it's "just right" for a fixed screen experience. A wider FOV would necessitate more eye movement to see the edges, which is not ideal for this type of display.

7. Practical Battery Performance and Heat [8:40]

Battery life and thermal management are key considerations for wearable devices.

• Battery Life:

  • Battery duration varies significantly with screen brightness: approximately 2 hours at 100% brightness and 3-4 hours at 50% brightness.

    

  • The device is not designed for all-day use on a single charge.

• Thermal Management:

  • The battery section at the tip of the left temple can become quite hot during use, leading to a warm sensation behind the ear.
  • Continuous use can be achieved by charging while in use, possibly with a neck-mounted mobile battery.

8. The Significance of Full Android OS [9:11]

The INMO Air3's Android operating system allows for a highly independent and customizable user experience.

• Standalone Setup:

  • The initial setup can be completed entirely on the glasses without requiring a phone or PC, though initial language options are limited to English and Chinese (Japanese can be set post-setup).

    

• User Interface and Navigation:

  • Features a unique home screen with a 0DoF display, where the screen follows the user's head movement.
  • The home screen displays battery/Bluetooth status (top right) and date/time (top left).
  • An app bar at the bottom allows for quick access to favorite apps, with an icon to view all installed applications.
  • Notifications are accessed from the top left, and a control center from the top right.
  • Swiping up from the bottom reveals a list of running apps.

• Input Methods:

  • Japanese input is possible but may require installing a third-party app like Gboard.
  • Voice input is also available via the built-in microphone.

    

9. Exploring the 3 Control Methods [10:20]

The INMO Air3 offers multiple ways to interact with its interface.

• 1. Touchpad on Main Unit:

  • Located on the right temple, it allows for simple operations like tapping and sliding.
  • Sufficient for basic interactions but some complex operations require the remote or ring controller.

    

• 2. Remote Control:

  • A small, pocket-friendly remote that charges via Type-C.
  • Displays a pointer on the screen when connected, controlled by its trackpad.
  • Includes various buttons: camera, home, back, volume, and power.

    

  • Offers stable operation even when moving, such as walking or in vehicles.
  • However, it needs to be stored when not in use.

• 3. Ring Controller:

  • Expected to be the primary daily control method.
  • Compact and lightweight, designed for one-handed operation using the thumb on its pad.
  • Its large finger hole (approx. 2.3cm inner diameter) is designed for better operability but might be too large for constant wear; adjuster tape is suggested.

    

  • Charges via magnetic terminals.

    

  • Connects automatically via Bluetooth and provides stable, intuitive pointer movement without lag.
  • Offers precise control for tapping and sliding, with adjustable sensitivity.

    

  • Allows for discreet operation in public, as it doesn't involve broad hand gestures like hand tracking. It can even be operated while in a pocket.

    

  • However, gyro-based movement can be unstable while walking or in vehicles due to body movements transferring to the pointer.
  • Pointer reset is possible by long-pressing the function key.
  • Typing on the virtual keyboard is possible but not fast, though accurate once accustomed.

10. The Era of Glasses as PCs [13:27]

The INMO Air3's Android compatibility extends to supporting external peripherals for enhanced productivity.

• External Peripherals:

  • Bluetooth mouse and keyboard can be connected, greatly improving the ease of settings, app installation, logins, and text input.

    

  • This transforms the glasses into a PC-like interface for comfortable operation.

• Spatial Computing Experience:

  • The see-through nature of the glasses ensures full visibility of the real world, allowing for an "open operation experience" where users gain a "sixth sense" (digital display) while maintaining their five senses.
  • This blend of digital information with physical reality is considered a step towards "true spatial computing," distinct from VR passthrough or sunglasses-type AR glasses which limit real-world vision.

11. Full Google App Support [14:13]

The INMO Air3's IMOS 3.0 (Android-based OS) fully integrates with the Google ecosystem.

• Google Service Integration:

  • Google Play is pre-installed, along with essential Google apps like Chrome and Google Drive.

    

  • Users can log in with their existing Google accounts, syncing bookmarks, history, and other data, effectively extending their phone experience to the glasses.

• Practical App Experiences:

  • Chrome: Functions in a tablet-optimized display mode with a convenient, always-visible tab bar.
  • Google Maps: Fully functional with GPS support for navigation, displaying maps as a floating overlay in the user's vision. This hands-free approach is particularly useful for travel and new environments.

    

  • Google Lens: Offers a highly futuristic experience.
    • Real-time Translation: Translates text from the physical world into Japanese (or other chosen languages) instantly, superimposing the translated text over the original image. This is ideal for foreign product packages or signs.

      

    • Search Functionality: Allows users to search for information about objects or scenes they are looking at, with AI (Gemini) capable of providing detailed explanations. This "information about what you see instantly displayed" is a significant step towards sci-fi visions of AR.

      

  • Camera App: Pre-installed for taking photos and videos, though current settings (like zoom) are limited but expected in future updates.

    

  • Launcher Apps: Users can install third-party launcher apps to customize the home screen with widgets for calendar, news, weather, etc., creating a personalized Android environment.

    

  • Communication & Entertainment: Supports calling apps like LINE and Discord (without a SIM card), as well as games, social media, and video streaming apps.

    

12. Verifying Dedicated AR Apps [18:11]

The glasses also come with dedicated AR applications, though they are still in early stages.

• INMO LAB App:
  • Serves as a hub for various features, including "Discovery" and "Multi-Space" AR functionalities, and a "Voice Assistant."
  • Discovery: An AR feature app, but its practical use cases are currently unclear.
  • Multi-Space: Enables 3DoF app usage, fixing screens in space. It allows arranging up to three screens for multitasking, though FOV limitations become noticeable when screens are at the periphery.

    

  • Voice Assistant: Supports AI-powered conversations with optimized large text display, currently limited to text chat but expected to integrate with advanced AI like ChatGPT or Gemini.

    

• App Store & Development:
  • An INMO-exclusive App Store exists but is not yet accessible from Japan or might require an update.
  • An SDK (Software Development Kit) is publicly available, encouraging developers to create their own AR applications, potentially leveraging AI.

    

13. Practical Daily Life Applications [19:15]

The INMO Air3 demonstrates its utility in various everyday scenarios.

• Convenient Use Cases:

  • Multitasking: Watching YouTube videos while working or performing household chores (e.g., brushing teeth).

    

  • Entertainment on the Go: Comfortable for watching videos during light walks or indoor workouts, though not suitable for intense activities due to sweat and device safety.

    

  • Public Spaces: Useful during long waits (dentist, salon, government offices) or on crowded trains where pulling out a phone is inconvenient. Users can privately check news or videos.

    

• Optimal Usage:

  • Best suited for video viewing, information checking, translation, and navigation—tasks that do not require frequent or precise operation.
  • Less suitable for tasks demanding fine motor skills or extensive text input, like writing or video editing.

    

• Social Considerations:

  • The see-through design allows users to remain aware of their real-world surroundings, minimizing interference with daily life.
  • The camera cover is recommended for public use to prevent others from thinking they are being recorded, though some users might feel self-conscious regardless.
  • Compared to sunglasses-type AR glasses which can look out of place indoors or bulky VR/MR headsets, the INMO Air3's design offers a more socially acceptable form factor.

    

    

14. A Level of Completion Beyond Expectation [21:15]

The reviewer highlights the key strengths of the INMO Air3.

• Strengths:
  • Unobstructed Vision: Complete see-through design secures nearly full vision while simultaneously displaying digital content, a significant advantage over passthrough VR/MR headsets.
  • High Customizability: Android OS provides extensive customization options.
  • Full Google Integration: Seamless access to and utilization of all Google apps and services (e.g., Google Maps, Google Lens) is a decisive advantage over many other AR glasses.
  • Software Stability: High software stability ensures smooth and reliable operation.
  • All-in-One Features: Consolidates a range of functions into a single, practical device.

15. Evolution Towards the Next Generation [22:01]

While impressive, the INMO Air3 still faces challenges common to the nascent AR glasses category.

• Areas for Improvement:

  • Size and Comfort: The "device-like" size and thicker temples make it noticeably larger than regular glasses, and can cause discomfort (pain behind ears/nose) after long periods of wear.

    

  • Fixed Home Screen: The 0DoF home screen limits the ability to bring the display closer or change its position freely.
  • Battery Life: Remains a limiting factor, requiring frequent charging.
  • Android Barrier for iPhone Users: Users unfamiliar with Android's ecosystem and settings might face a higher learning curve.
  • AR App Maturity: Dedicated AR apps are still in early development, with some use cases yet to be fully defined. More third-party app enrichment and future updates are anticipated.

• Industry-Wide Challenges:

  • These challenges (input efficiency, controller usability, long-term comfort, battery life) are not unique to INMO Air3 but are fundamental issues for all AR glasses, preventing them from fully replacing smartphones.

16. Who Should Buy, Who Should Wait [23:08]

The reviewer provides a conclusive recommendation for potential buyers.

• Pricing and Certification:

  • The INMO Air3 is priced at $899 (Kickstarter early bird) or $1099 (regular price), positioned as a high-end device but considered reasonable given its features.
  • It has obtained Japanese technical certification, ensuring legal and safe use in Japan.

• Overall Verdict:

  • The INMO Air3 cannot completely replace a smartphone but is highly recommended as a "phone companion" or an "extension" of the phone.
  • It particularly excels in tasks like video viewing, information checking, real-time translation, and navigation—scenarios where hands-free operation and discreet access to information are advantageous, often surpassing phone convenience.

    

  • The device offers a genuinely futuristic experience within a socially acceptable glasses form factor, distinguishing it from bulkier VR/MR headsets or sunglasses-type AR glasses that might be socially awkward or impractical in public.
  • Despite minor imperfections, the INMO Air3's combination of features and practicality is considered unprecedented, signaling that AR glasses have reached a practical level and indicating the imminent arrival of the AR glasses era.