- Spacetop for Windows transforms the Xreal Air 2 Ultra into a spatial computing workspace, letting users anchor multiple Windows apps in augmented reality.
- Requires Intel Core Ultra laptops with built-in NPUs for efficient real-time positional tracking; AMD and Qualcomm support is planned for future updates.
- Spacetop Bundle now available in the US and Germany for $900, including AR glasses and a one-year subscription; standalone software access requires direct contact with Sightful.
Sightful has officially launched Spacetop for Windows, a $200-per-year software platform designed to bring true spatial computing to users of the Xreal Air 2 Ultra augmented reality glasses. Unlike the basic mirroring currently supported by the glasses, Spacetop allows users to anchor individual Windows apps in virtual space, creating a customizable multi-window workspace that stays fixed in the environment thanks to positional tracking.
This breakthrough is made possible by leveraging Intel’s latest Core Ultra laptop processors, which feature a neural processing unit (NPU). The NPU handles the real-time tracking of the glasses’ built-in cameras, enabling seamless anchoring of digital windows without impacting system performance or draining battery life. While other NPU-enabled chips from AMD and Qualcomm also meet the technical requirements, Intel is currently the exclusive partner, with broader support expected in future updates.
Originally envisioned as a screenless laptop powered by Snapdragon chips and bundled with AR glasses, Spacetop was first announced in 2023 with a $1900 price tag. However, Sightful shifted gears in late 2023, canceling preorders and opting instead for a software-first approach compatible with Windows laptops. This pivot has widened the potential user base dramatically, removing the need for a purpose-built device and instead enabling spatial computing on existing or upcoming laptops.
Despite the excitement, limitations remain. A key challenge is the narrow field of view inherent to transparent AR displays like those in the Xreal Air 2 Ultra. While promotional media depicts an expansive virtual workspace, the reality is that users will often only see one or two virtual windows at a time at readable distances. This requires more frequent head movement and memory of window placement, in contrast to traditional multi-monitor setups or mixed reality headsets with full passthrough capabilities like the Apple Vision Pro or Meta Quest 3.
The Spacetop Bundle, which includes the glasses and a one-year software license, is currently available in the US and Germany for $900. Although the software isn’t yet publicly sold on its own, existing Xreal Air 2 Ultra owners can contact Sightful directly for access. Development is also underway for a macOS version, but no release date has been announced. As spatial computing continues to evolve, Spacetop for Windows represents a key step toward making AR productivity more accessible to everyday users.
