Workplace Examination: Extended Use of Augmented Reality Caused Eye Strain for Employee at SpaceTech
In a groundbreaking move, Sightful has launched the Spacetop G1, the world's first commercially available AR laptop. This innovative device, released mid-2025, replaces the traditional laptop screen with a pair of custom Xreal AR glasses that project a private 100-inch virtual display for the user [1][2][4].
The Spacetop G1 is powered by a Snapdragon QCS8550 processor, boasts 16 GB RAM, 128 GB storage, and operates on an AR-optimized Chromium-based OS called SpaceOS. The system supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and 5G connectivity, offering up to about 8 hours of battery life [1].
However, the Spacetop G1's hardware compatibility is limited to the dedicated Xreal AR glasses designed specifically for it. These glasses provide a 1920×1080 resolution per eye at 90 Hz with a 50° field of view. While prescription lenses can be inserted, the AR glasses are fixed and do not support other AR headset brands, which limits flexibility in terms of hardware choice [1].
The Spacetop G1 is positioned as a spatial computing tool aimed at professionals, particularly architects and engineers. It supports multitasking across a large virtual environment and enables spatial-first workflows anywhere—on site, in offices, or while traveling. However, it is not designed to replace powerful desktop workstations for heavy 3D modeling or CAD/GIS rendering but rather complements web-based tools and document editing workflows [1][2][5].
Despite its advantages, the Spacetop G1 is not without its challenges. The Xreal Air 2 Ultra glasses' 52-degree field of view forces users to turn their head to look at different apps, making it difficult to multitask. Eyestrain is a significant issue with this AR solution, especially after prolonged use [3].
The Spacetop software, which is part of the $900 package that includes a 12-month subscription, can cause glitches such as randomly appearing windows and the mouse cursor disappearing. The experience is occasionally marred by these glitches [2].
Despite these issues, the Xreal Air 2 Ultra glasses are high quality enough for reading text and watching streaming content [3]. The glasses have single-click image dimming, but it does not fully eliminate eye strain [3].
In summary, the Spacetop G1 offers a unique AR laptop experience, catering to professionals in design fields. With its custom Xreal AR glasses and powerful hardware, it provides a portable, multitasking-friendly AR environment. However, its limited hardware compatibility and occasional glitches are areas for improvement [1][2][3][4][5].
[1] Sightful. (n.d.). Spacetop G1. Retrieved from https://www.sightful.com/spacetop-g1 [2] The Verge. (2025, May 15). Spacetop G1: Sightful's AR laptop launches with Snapdragon chip and Xreal glasses. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2025/5/15/23076280/sightful-spacetop-g1-ar-laptop-launches-snapdragon-xreal-glasses [3] Engadget. (2025, June 1). Spacetop G1 review: A promising AR laptop but not perfect. Retrieved from https://www.engadget.com/spacetop-g1-review-a-promising-ar-laptop-but-not-perfect-032739640.html [4] TechRadar. (2025, May 20). Spacetop G1: The first AR laptop is here, but is it any good? Retrieved from https://www.techradar.com/reviews/spacetop-g1-the-first-ar-laptop-is-here-but-is-it-any-good [5] Wired. (2025, June 5). The Spacetop G1 AR Laptop Could Change the Way We Work. Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/story/spacetop-g1-ar-laptop-could-change-the-way-we-work/
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- Gizmodo published a review of the Spacetop G1, praising its innovative AR technology and potential for revolutionizing professional workflows in design fields, but also pointing out challenges such as limited hardware compatibility and occasional software glitches.
- In future technology reviews, wearables such as the Xreal Air 2 Ultra glasses used with the Spacetop G1 will be closely examined for their quality and impact on user experience, particularly in terms of field of view, eyestrain, and overall multitasking capabilities.
- Despite certain drawbacks, the Spacetop G1 and its accompanying Xreal Air 2 Ultra glasses have paved the way for significant advancements in technology, opening the door for further improvements in AR laptop design and wearable devices.