Core Summary
Compared to the older Air 2s, the Raybird Air 4 Pro has seen significant improvements in brightness, image quality, and sound quality (which can be described as “going all out”). However, is it capable of completely replacing TVs and monitors? After using it, it turns out that the answer is not so simple. While there are scenarios where it works well, it also has several major drawbacks that prevent it from fully taking over traditional large-screen devices for now.
1. Upgrades in the New Glasses: What Improvements Have Been Made in Brightness, Image Quality, and Sound?
The most noticeable improvements include three key aspects:
- Higher brightness: In previous versions, the display might appear dull or hard to see in bright daylight or rooms with strong lighting. With the increased brightness, you can view content clearly without needing to draw curtains, similar to switching from a standard phone screen to a high-brightness one.
- Better image quality: The resolution and color reproduction may have improved, making details such as actors’ facial expressions and textures in movies more realistic, with no blurring or color distortion.
- More immersive sound: The sound quality has likely been enhanced through better speakers or the addition of spatial effects. For example, when watching an action movie, you can clearly hear the sound of a bullet approaching from the left, creating a sense of immersion without the need for headphones.
These improvements make the viewing experience closer to that of some small TVs, but it’s still a long way from being able to replace large televisions.
2. Situations Where It Can Replace TVs/Monitors: When Is It More Useful?
There are several scenarios where AR glasses are more convenient than traditional screens:
- Mobile use: For example, when traveling and staying in a hotel or on a train, you can use the glasses to watch movies on a “virtual large screen” (it’s like having a 60-inch TV with you).
- Small spaces: If you rent an apartment with limited space and can’t fit a large TV or monitor, the glasses can meet your need for a large display without taking up extra room.
- Immersive experiences: Games and science fiction movies can provide a more immersive experience as if the screen is surrounding you, enhancing the sense of presence (like in a racing game where you feel like you’re actually sitting in the driver’s seat).
3. Hindrances That Prevent It From Replacing TVs: Why Can’t It Take Over Yet?
There are several challenges that need to be overcome:
- Wearing comfort: The glasses can be uncomfortable after prolonged use due to their weight, which presses on the nose and ears. While they’re tolerable for short periods, wearing them for extended hours can be uncomfortable (unlike a TV, where you can watch while lying down or sitting in any position).
- Sharing: TVs are meant for family use, while AR glasses are designed for individual use. It’s not practical to have everyone wear a pair to watch movies together on weekends.
- Battery life and connectivity: AR glasses typically need to be connected to a phone or computer, and their battery life is limited (you might need to charge them every 2-3 hours). There may also be latency issues during use, such as delayed video playback while playing games.
- Productivity: Monitors allow for multiple tasks simultaneously (e.g., writing a document while researching), whereas AR glasses currently struggle with multitasking, making monitors more suitable for work.
4. The Role of AR Glasses: Supplement or Replacement?
At present, AR glasses are more of a complement to traditional large screens rather than a direct replacement:
- They address the need for a large screen in mobile and small-space scenarios but cannot replace the family-friendly aspect of TVs or the productivity benefits of monitors.
- If technology progresses (e.g., making the glasses lighter, with longer battery life, and supporting multiple users), they might gradually gain market share. However, it’s still far from being able to completely eliminate TVs.
In summary, if you need a large screen to take with you while traveling, the Air 4 Pro is a good option. For family viewing or office use, traditional TVs and monitors are still the best choices.
Conclusion
The Raybird Air 4 Pro has made significant improvements over its predecessor, but it’s positioned as a solution for specific, niche scenarios rather than a universal alternative to large screens. For most users, it can serve as a supplement to TVs and monitors, though it’s not yet capable of completely replacing them. After all, no one wants to watch TV while wearing glasses every day!