NEWS: XREAL’s One Series and Beam Pro: The Future of AR Lands in Everyday Life

By Jon Donnis

Augmented reality has spent years hovering on the edge of mainstream use, waiting for the hardware to catch up to the promise. That moment might finally have arrived. XREAL, one of the most ambitious names in AR, has pushed the technology forward with its new One Series glasses and Beam Pro companion device. They don't just showcase clever engineering. They show how AR can slip quietly into daily life, changing how we work, play and connect.

The XREAL One and One Pro are, at a glance, sleek and wearable, nothing like the bulky headsets that gave early AR a bad name. The One Pro offers a wide 57° field of view, effectively giving you the experience of sitting in front of a 17-foot screen. The visuals are bright too, hitting 700 nits of perceived brightness, with the added bonus of adjustable lens transparency so you can fade the real world in and out as needed. It's a touch of cinematic immersion wherever you are, and at 87 grams, they feel surprisingly light.

Inside, XREAL's own X1 spatial processor drives the experience, handling real-time rendering without relying on a phone or laptop. It also delivers true 3-degree-of-freedom tracking, meaning your head movements are tracked naturally and without lag. Sound has been tuned by Bose, which makes a noticeable difference when you're watching films, gaming, or taking video calls. The design also includes modular options like the XREAL Eye first-person camera and Kaleido Frame snap-on finishes, letting users customise both look and function.

While the One Series glasses offer the showpiece experience, the XREAL Beam Pro quietly anchors the system. It's a handheld spatial computing device, designed to unlock the full potential of the glasses. Think of it as a compact, AR-ready smartphone that runs NebulaOS (based on Android 14) and can project millions of apps straight into your field of view. The Beam Pro houses a Snapdragon spatial companion processor, dual 50-megapixel 3D cameras for capturing depth and motion, and an impressive 6.497-inch LCD display with 1080 x 2400 resolution.

Connectivity is solid, with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and USB-C for charging and connecting your glasses. The 4300mAh battery supports up to 27W charging, and with up to 1TB of external storage, there's room for everything from films to design files. It's water and dust resistant (IP54 rated), and the cameras offer electronic image stabilisation and wide-angle correction. Basically, it's built to handle both your daily commute and your next creative project.

What's exciting about XREAL's current line is how it finally brings AR into practical use. You can browse the web, watch films, play games, or use it for productivity on a plane, train or sofa, without needing a screen in sight. It's the kind of tech that feels futuristic, yet instantly usable.

And with XREAL cutting prices from 20 November through 1 December, it's an easy time to get in on it. The One starts at $399 (down from $499), the One Pro drops to $599, and the Beam Pro now starts at $159 for the Wi-Fi 128GB model. It's rare to see innovation that's this accessible.

AR has been chasing its breakout moment for years, but XREAL might have finally nailed the formula. The One Series and Beam Pro don't just promise the future, they make it look effortless.

Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Up to $100 Off XREAL AR Glasses, remember to wait for the offers to go live from 20 November through 1 December to get the best prices.

You can purchase from Amazon UK at https://amzn.to/4i6KfUR (aff)

And from Amazon US at https://amzn.to/47LPxAe (aff)

REVIEW: Racer Overdrive (2026 Video Game) - A Flashy Throwback That Needs Fine-Tuning

Review by Jon Donnis

Racer Overdrive, the upcoming 2026 arcade racer from IntActive, is a game that wears its influences on its sleeve. It's loud, brash and packed with enough colour and chaos to keep adrenaline junkies glued to the screen. Beneath the noise, though, it's a familiar experience that struggles to balance its nostalgic energy with modern polish.

The premise is pure arcade fantasy. You start as a rookie desperate to prove yourself, climbing the ranks of a global racing tournament that hops between Japan, China, America, Europe and Africa. There's a storyline too, which is rare for this kind of game. It adds a layer of intrigue with talk of rogue AIs, mysterious conspiracies and cyber-races that take you beyond traditional circuits. It's over-the-top but enjoyable, giving the endless tournaments a clearer sense of purpose.

Where Racer Overdrive shines is in its sense of speed. The drift system, once mastered, can deliver some genuinely satisfying moments. Pulling off a clean corner before blasting past rivals with a nitro boost feels great, and the catch-up system means races never feel decided too early. Even when you're behind, the game gives you just enough power to keep hope alive. The variety of modes also helps. Standard races, eliminations, and duels keep the pace fresh, while quirky side missions, like assisting police chases or starring in a sci-fi movie, add personality.

The problem is that everything looks and feels dated. Visually, it's more 2010 than 2026. Lighting effects and particle bursts do their best to liven things up, but most environments look flat and lack detail. For a game built around spectacle, it needs sharper edges and more style. The controls also leave something to be desired. There's almost no point braking during corners, as the drift mechanic dominates everything. Unfortunately, it's far too sensitive, turning every bend into a gamble. That lack of control can quickly sap the fun, especially for players who prefer precision over chaos.

Despite its flaws, Racer Overdrive has heart. It's rough, sure, but there's promise beneath the surface. The developers have shown they're open to feedback, and with a little refinement, it could evolve into a solid budget racer. At £9.99, it doesn't need to reinvent the wheel, but it does need a smoother ride before launch.

Racer Overdrive is fast, flashy and full of potential. It just needs a bit more grip on the corners.

Wishlist now

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3756020/Racer_Overdrive/

REVIEW: Lumo 2 (2025 Video Game) - A Bright, Brutal Love Letter to Retro Platforming

Review by Jon Donnis

Lumo 2 from "Triple Eh? Ltd" is a bold throwback to the home computer era, the kind of game that proudly wears its love for the Amiga and Commodore 64 on its sleeve. It's charming, colourful, and often clever. It's also infuriatingly tough. This is a sequel that remembers exactly what made old-school puzzle-platformers so rewarding, and at times, so punishing.

The world of Lumo 2 unfolds as a labyrinth of interconnected rooms, each a self-contained challenge that blends careful timing with sharp puzzle-solving. One moment you're dodging collapsing floors and moving platforms, the next you're scratching your head over switches, keys, and obscure routes. The satisfaction of finally cracking a tricky setup never gets old, and the controls, while not perfect, are crisp enough to make success feel earned.

Visually, it's a delight. Bright, detailed environments shimmer with nostalgic flair, and the soundtrack nails that balance between retro charm and modern polish. You'll find sly nods to the '80s and '90s tucked into the design, from the mini-games inspired by arcade classics to the hunt for hidden cassette tapes and collectible ducks. It's a game that clearly wants you to slow down and explore every corner, rewarding curiosity with tiny bursts of joy.

Still, Lumo 2 doesn't always play fair. Some jumps feel just slightly off, and a few of the puzzles cross the line from challenging to outright cruel. The collision detection can be a little too precise, leaving you cursing at falls that never felt like your fault. And while that might be the point for those craving an authentic retro challenge, even seasoned players will find themselves grinding their teeth now and then.

Despite its flaws, there's something deeply satisfying about Lumo 2. It's an unapologetic nod to an era when patience, timing, and a little stubbornness were part of the fun. For players raised on Amigas, Spectrums, or the early PC scene, it's a heartfelt return to form. For everyone else, it's a reminder of why those old games mattered in the first place.

Lumo 2 is tough, nostalgic, and full of heart. It's not for everyone, but those who stick with it will find plenty to love. A solid 7 out of 10 for old-school fans who like their puzzles punishing and their platforming pure.

Out Now on Xbox

https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/lumo-2/9NP986C45P27

REVIEW: Chickenhare and the Treasure of Spiking-Beard (2025 Video Game) - On Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

There's something refreshingly old-school about Chickenhare and the Treasure of Spiking-Beard. Developed and published by N-Zone, this bright, energetic adventure takes its cues from classic platformers while building on the whimsical world of the Chickenhare film and comics. The result is a cheerful romp across colourful kingdoms, packed with puzzles, light combat and the kind of charm that only a talking chicken-rabbit hybrid can deliver.

The story follows Chickenhare and his trusty companions, Abe and Meg, as they race to find seven mystical crystals before the dastardly Spiking-Beard plunges the kingdoms into chaos. It's a familiar "save the world" setup, but the game's warmth and humour keep it from feeling stale. From the lively dialogue to the wonderfully animated cutscenes, everything here feels designed with younger players in mind, yet polished enough that parents won't mind joining in.

What makes the game shine is its trio-based gameplay. You'll constantly swap between Chickenhare, Abe and Meg, each with unique abilities that keep things varied. Chickenhare can glide using his ears, Abe smashes obstacles with his shell, and Meg brings a burst of martial arts flair. The swapping system works beautifully, creating a smooth rhythm between exploration, puzzle-solving and combat. It's surprisingly satisfying to master, and the controls are responsive enough to make even tricky sections feel fair.

Visually, this is one of the better-looking family titles on Xbox this year. Each world bursts with colour and personality, from the golden glow of Featherbeard's Castle to the eerie depths of Demon's Hole. The blend of 2D side-scrolling and full 3D exploration gives the game a playful cinematic flair. The camera transitions are handled neatly, with the shifts in perspective adding depth rather than confusion.

The puzzles, too, deserve credit. They strike a nice balance, challenging enough to make young players think without ever tipping into frustration.

Still, while Chickenhare and the Treasure of Spiking-Beard is brimming with heart, it's not without its limits. Older players might find the challenge level a bit too gentle, as combat and platforming rarely punish mistakes. This is very much a game for children and early teens, and while there's enough polish to keep grown-ups entertained, veterans of the genre will breeze through it.

Despite that, it's hard to hold a grudge against something so cheerful. The combination of character-switching, smart level design and light humour makes for a thoroughly enjoyable experience. It's a perfect introduction to the action-adventure genre for younger gamers and a charming nostalgia trip for anyone who grew up on platforming classics.

Chickenhare and the Treasure of Spiking-Beard may not reinvent the genre, but it delivers exactly what it promises: fun, family-friendly adventure with style and heart. Fans of the 2022 film or Chris Grine's original graphic novels will find plenty to love here.

Verdict: 7.5/10 – A delightful, easy-going adventure that soars on charm and colour, even if it plays things a little too safe for older players.

REVIEW: Simon the Sorcerer Origins (2025 Video Game) - On Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Three decades after Simon first insulted a goblin and bumbled through a magical world of sarcasm and spells, Simon the Sorcerer Origins proves that a classic can find new life without losing its soul. Developed by Smallthing Studios and published by ININ Games, this prequel takes us back to the weeks before the 1993 Amiga adventure, showing how the world's most reluctant sorcerer began his journey.

From the opening scene, it feels like coming home. The humour is unmistakably Simon, dry, biting, and perfectly British. Chris Barrie returns as Simon's voice, and hearing him slip effortlessly back into character is a joy. His timing is spot-on, and every line lands with the kind of warmth and wit that made the original such a cult hit.

The hand-drawn art style is gorgeous. It's full of detail and personality, with lush backdrops and expressive characters that look straight out of a storybook. There's something lovely about seeing a modern game embrace traditional animation in this way, and it gives every frame a touch of charm. The world feels alive, packed with odd wizards, talking beasts, and peculiar devices that constantly draw your eye.

In terms of gameplay, this is pure point-and-click comfort. The puzzles are cleverly designed, often testing both your logic and your patience. Some of them are tricky enough to make you question your intelligence for a while, but the sense of reward when you finally figure things out is exactly what you want from this kind of game. The dialogue and item combinations keep things light, and you can tell the team had fun writing all the absurd scenarios Simon finds himself in.

That said, playing on Xbox takes a bit of getting used to. The controls work fine, but it's hard to shake the feeling that this sort of game still feels best with a mouse. Navigating menus or interacting with smaller items can be fiddly with a gamepad, though switching between control options is quick enough. On the positive side, playing on a big TV really shows off the artwork and helps you get lost in the world.

If there's one thing that might test your patience, it's the puzzle difficulty. A few of them border on obscure, and the temptation to reach for an online guide is always lurking. But if you can resist that urge, the satisfaction of solving everything on your own is worth the effort.

Simon the Sorcerer Origins is a fine example of how to revive a classic properly. It doesn't try to reinvent what made the original special. Instead, it leans into its roots with care, delivering a funny, clever, and beautifully drawn adventure that feels both nostalgic and fresh. For fans of the series, it's everything you'd hope for. For newcomers, it's a charming introduction to one of gaming's great comic heroes.

A well-earned 9 out of 10. Here's hoping Simon's next spell isn't too far away.

Out Now on Xbox - https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/simon-the-sorcerer-origins/9nnm6qrczx76