Spacetop AR Evolves: From Laptop to Windows App with a Hefty Price Tag

04/24/2025 AR/VR

Remember the Spacetop AR laptop? It promised a screen-free future, utilizing augmented reality glasses to create a portable workstation. The initial concept, while innovative, faced criticism for its high price tag and somewhat underwhelming user experience. Now, Sightful, the company behind Spacetop, is pivoting. They're ditching the dedicated hardware and focusing on AR software for Windows PCs.

Spacetop's New Direction

The new Spacetop experience consists of software designed for Intel-powered Windows AI PCs. For $899, users get a pair of XREAL Air Ultra 2 glasses and a one-year subscription to the Spacetop software. After the first year, a $200 annual subscription is required. The software replicates the original Spacetop concept, providing a large, 100-inch AR interface for productivity tasks. The key difference? You can use your own preferred keyboard and existing hardware.

Who is Spacetop For?

Spacetop is primarily aimed at AR enthusiasts who already own compatible Intel AI PCs, such as the Surface Laptop Pro for Business or a Dell XPS with a Core Ultra 7 chip. This requirement significantly narrows its appeal. The cost can quickly escalate if you need to purchase a compatible PC, not to mention the additional expense of prescription lenses for the glasses ($50 for single-vision, $150 for progressive).

Hardware and Compatibility

Spacetop's reliance on Intel chips with NPUs (Neural Processing Units) is a crucial limitation. The AR interface demands continuous AI processing, and the software is currently optimized for Intel's platform. Sightful partnered with Intel to leverage their NPU architecture and fine-tune their chips for optimal AR performance. The company has hinted at potential support for other chip platforms in the future, contingent on receiving similar levels of attention and collaboration.

Mac Support on the Horizon?

Many have been wondering about MacOS support. Sightful's CEO, Tamir Berliner, stated that a version of Spacetop for Mac is planned, but the timeline remains uncertain. The decision depends on various factors, including laptop capabilities, silicon advancements, processing power, and the evolution of AR glasses.

The Pros and Cons

While Spacetop's high price and specific hardware requirements limit its mass appeal, it offers potential benefits for early adopters. The large AR screen could enhance multitasking and improve focus by simplifying the Windows 11 interface. Privacy is also a key advantage, as the AR display is only visible to the user. However, users must be comfortable wearing XREAL's Air 2 Ultra glasses, which, while improved, are still relatively bulky.

Final Thoughts

Turning Spacetop into software compatible with existing laptops makes it a more feasible product. The original Spacetop laptop, while innovative, was a hard sell. This new approach allows users to experience Spacetop's AR interface without being tied to proprietary hardware.