TCL Nxtwear G: Home theatre for one is in the frame

The TCL Nxtwear G is a pair of frames that house two micro OLED screens, which simulate a huge 140-inch cinema screen right before your eyes

TCL Nxtwear G delivers 140-inch home theatre.

In today’s world of online streaming services, you have the choice of more content than anyone could watch in a lifetime. You can consume it on computers, televisions, phones and tablets.

Alternatively, you might try watching a movie using TCL’s latest innovation. It’s not a virtual reality headset, nor is it a pair of sunglasses. It’s a pair of frames that house two micro OLED screens, which simulate a huge 140-inch cinema screen right before your eyes – the TCL Nxtwear G.

The frames not only display video, the arms have small speakers. There’s also a single cable with USB-C for connecting to your content source. The movie content might come from a device made by Samsung, ASUS, LG, Huawei or even Apple, as long as it supports USB-C display output.

TCL Nxtwear G is ready to go immediately. There’s no power button, no battery to charge and no software required. Plugging the TCL Nxtwear G into your supported device is simple and within seconds, you are seeing the device’s content inside your glasses. You can launch your favourite streaming service and you’re able to move around, lay down and enjoy the content in your home theatre for one.

The glasses weigh 130 grams and don‘t feel heavy. They also remain balanced when worn. This is thanks to an absence of a battery or complicated connectivity. The arms are thicker to accommodate wiring and the speakers, and while they open easily, the glasses do feel tight when worn. They feel more comfortable once you start wearing them. The nose pad can be adjusted to find the right placement so that the screen image is sharp.

The TCL Nxtwear G is unlike ab virtual reality headset in that there is plenty of peripheral vision. You’re very aware of your surroundings and you can glance at a keyboard while wearing them as a PC screen. If someone came to talk to you, you’d be well aware of their presence. You are not oblivious to the rest of the world as with a VR headset. Unfortunately the audio coming from the frames lacks depth, so a movie night alone is best with bluetooth headphones.

TCL Nxtwear G

I tested connecting the frames to various devices you might use as a content source. The Google Pixel 5 did not support the technology and the iPhone lacks a USB-C port. A Samsung Galaxy S10 worked in seconds. When connecting to the Samsung phone, the glasses launched the Samsung DeX (desktop experience) software in the glasses meaning I could use the phone as a touchpad and navigate an Android desktop in the glasses. I could mirror an iPad Pro display which was great for streaming content. Connected to a Lenovo laptop, I was working on Excel spreadsheets in secret. In all cases, the response rate and colours were exceptional.

The TCL Nxtwear G glasses feels slightly uncomfortable to adjust to in the beginning. You clearly see the display in the glasses but also have a strong sense of what is in your peripheral vision. After a few minutes, your eyes and mind do adjust to focus on the displays and you feel more immersed over time.

If you turn the lights off, the experience is instantly lifted and you experience the simulated 140-inch TV in front of you. The freedom to move, change position and lay down is something you can’t normally do with such a sized television and you quickly appreciate that.

The use cases for the TCL Nxtwear G are limited by your imagination. While at home they’re great for watching whatever you like, in your own space. You can watch content in bed without sitting up or disturbing your partner. You can be wearing them on a train without missing your next stop. On an aeroplane you can create your own home theatre, but never miss the flight attendant when needing a drink. On a plane you can work on a confidential document or presentation without your neighbour glancing at your screen.

I felt the product could benefit from some design changes to bring more comfort to the experience. In the end, this is a great example where display innovation has progressed.

The $899 recommended retail price is lower than I expected for a first generation product with no competitor in sight. It is however a luxury item and won‘t be for everyone. If you are in the market for a big-screen TV, this might be the best way to spoil yourself.

Geoff Quattromani (@GQuattromani) is the host of the Technology Uncorked podcast and contributor to The Australian. Continue the conversation with Geoff on Twitter at @GQuattromani.