Magic Leap 2: old-school AR glasses

Technology: bright displays with limitations

The Magic Leap 2 relies on transparent displays that project digital content directly into the real world. Although this technology offers seamless integration of virtual objects into the environment, it has clear weaknesses. In addition to the limited light intensity, which makes content difficult to see in strong sunlight, there is another limitation: the field of vision of these transparent displays is significantly smaller than that of VR-compatible glasses such as the Apple Vision Pro or the Meta Quest 3.

While the Meta Quest 3 a field of vision of about 100° horizontal and vertical the Magic Leap 2 only offers about 70°. Virtual objects therefore only appear in a comparatively narrow area of the field of view, which leads to a kind of "tunnel vision". This restriction can significantly reduce immersion, as the user is constantly reminded of the technical limitation. Modern mixed reality headsets, on the other hand, offer a wider and more natural field of vision, which significantly improves the user experience.

Market position: niche with uncertainties

Although the Magic Leap 2 continues to be used in the industrial environment, its market share remains low. Developers who produce for this platform face a challenge: European distribution of Magic Leap 2 is sporadic and developer support is limited, especially outside the USA. It is also questionable how sustainable Magic Leap's business model is, as it is an isolated solution that is only supported by a few developers.

Quality and design: one step ahead of the HoloLens 2

In terms of technology, the Magic Leap 2 is superior to the HoloLens 2 in many areas. The projection and anchoring of objects in the real world is more precise, and the approach of removing the computing unit from the glasses shows parallels to the Apple Vision Pro. This design decision reduces the weight of the glasses and makes them more comfortable for longer sessions of use.

However, the technology used - especially the transparent displays - drives up production costs considerably. This is reflected in the price, which is around 3,300 Euro is located. This can be a sensible investment for companies with special requirements, but for many applications there are more cost-effective alternatives.

Conclusion: Outdated technology at a high price

The Magic Leap 2, which was launched in 2022 offers a high level of precision and quality and is suitable for special industrial applications, but the technology behind the glasses now seems outdated. While the AR industry is evolving rapidly, the Magic Leap 2 has lost the technological edge in some areas, especially when compared to more modern mixed reality glasses such as the Apple Vision Pro or the Meta Quest 3.

In view of this development, the price of over 3,000 euros no longer up to date. Companies considering these glasses should take into account the limited further development and the growing alternatives on the market. Nevertheless, they remain a viable option for niche applications in certain industries.