This setup lets you work in bed and use the exact same workflows (e.g., applications, programs, websites) you use on your desktop computer or laptop.

The setup is also portable in a 15" briefcase, so you can use it in coffee shops or at work without a hassle.

Here is the breakdown of this XR Glasses setup.

Disclosure: I don't recommend any product or service I have not used. I chose to use the following products on my own and love them so much that I became an affiliate. This section contains affiliate links which may earn a commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you, so I can spend time providing you with more guides.

How To Build Your XR Glasses Setup

You will learn how to build your own XR glasses setup.

Stack's XR Glasses Bed Setup

Here is XR glasses bed setup featured in the Stack - Can’t Stack Enough music video. You can use these items as an example for the concepts discussed in this guide.

How do I choose which XREAL glasses to use?

You are recommended to choose the XREAL Air 2 Pro or XREAL Air 2 unless you are both a developer and expect to spend time using the XREAL Air 2 Ultra SDK.

The difference between the Air 2 and Air 2 Pro is that the XREAL Air 2 Pro has a convenient dimming feature and a higher-quality screen.

The XREAL Air 2 Ultra is the latest release in the series and features a screen with 6 degrees of freedom (similar to the Nreal Light or “Stack - Can’t Stack Enough” video screen presentation). However, the XREAL Air 2 Ultra is a developer-oriented product that requires you use its SDK to develop apps that provide more features than the XREAL Air 2 Pro.

Do I need prescription inserts?

The XREAL Air 2 has a 4-meter focal distance. If you can’t see your screen from 4 meters away in real life, prescription inserts for XREAL glasses are recommended and offered by various vendors.

What phone do I need to use XREAL glasses?

You can circumvent specific phone requirements using the Beam Pro, which is a mobile device developed to work with XREAL glasses. Otherwise, here is a list of compatible mobile devices with the XREAL series: https://www.xreal.com/us/compatibility/

You can see that the iPhone15, S20, S21, S22, S23, and other devices with a USB-C DP-ALT port are supported. Certain phones (e.g., iPhone 14) that are not listed but support USB-C DP-ALT may require an additional adapter to work with XREAL Glasses.

Here is a tip: A Beam Pro is the best option. However, a refurbished phone is another cost-effective option when your device is not supported by XREAL glasses. Don’t forget to buy a phone case (aka phone insurance plan) to protect your phone from physical damage.

How do I click and type using the glasses?

Supported phones maintain applications (e..g., Nebula, Samsung DEX) that are loaded when the glasses are connected to the phone. Once connected, input (e.g., clicking, typing) operates in the same way as if the glasses weren’t connected.

How do I charge the phone and use the glasses at the same time?

You must use a powered adapter that contains a USB-C DP-ALT port to connect your XREAL glasses to your phone and a USB-C to charge your phone at the same time.

The main issue with two USB-C adapters — like the Viture USB-C to Glasses and Charging Adapter — is they only let you use the phone and glasses, but no other devices. You may be able to circumvent this limitation with Bluetooth devices, but Bluetooth devices can create other issues (e.g., charging the Bluetooth device).

You should use the USB4 Dual 4K Multi-Port Hub JCD401 Adapter because it's the only powered adapter I found with the following ports.

• USB-C DP-ALT port (for the XREAL glasses)
• USB-C port (to charge the phone).
• USB-A port (to use a wired input device or set up a Bluetooth wireless device).

You must understand that a USB-C port is NOT the same as a USB-C DP-ALT port. For example, the JCH453 adapter does not work because it doesn't contain a USB-C DP-ALT port.

Note: Please let me know if you find a powered adapter with a USB-C DP-ALT port that has more than one USB-A port. You cannot circumvent an adapter with a single USB-A port by plugging another adapter into the USB-A port.

How do I also use a physical mouse and keyboard?

The Stack XR Bed Setup uses a keyboard and mouse for productivity purposes. An adapter can contain additional ports that let you connect these devices while using your XREAL glasses.

Using a Physical Mouse

Certain phone applications (e.g., Samsung DEX) turn your phone into a touch mousepad.

I prefer to use a physical wired mouse to maintain my keybinds across multiple devices.

A wired mouse can also be stuffed in a bag without accidental misclicks that a Bluetooth (wireless) mouse may suffer from. In addition, many Bluetooth mice require a USB receiver that makes the wireless mouse function similarly to a wired mouse when used on-the-go.

JCD401 Note: You must use a wireless mouse that doesn’t require a USB-A port connection when you are also using a wired keyboard.

Using a Physical Keyboard

You can use your phone as a keyboard.

I choose to use a wireless keyboard for workflows that benefit from control-keys or higher word-per-minute typing.

I would recommend using a traditional keyboard with a platform over a flexible keyboard — such as the Adesso Waterproof Flexible Keyboard — because it is hard to type on flexible keyboards when your desk is uneven. For example, I maintain a 100 WPM typing speed on a traditional keyboard, but maxed out at 30 WPM with the Adesso Flex.

JCD401 Note: You must use a wireless keyboard that doesn’t require a USB-A port connection when you are also using a wired mouse.

How do I use my input devices on an uneven surface (like a bed)?

You can use objects that provide a platform to use your devices on uneven surfaces (e.g., bed, couch, etc).

• Use a soft surface pad (e.g., cloth) for a mouse rather than a hard surface pad because the hard surface will tilt when you move the mouse across an uneven surface.
• Use a laptop desk with adjustable desk angle to position your keyboard and other inputs in an ergonomic position. A desk with U-shaped legs is more stable than a desk with T-shaped legs.

Personal Note: Its not recommended to eat or drink anything that can cause a mess in bed (i.e anything that isn't water) so I would disregard foldable desks with cup holders unless you have a very specific use case.

How do I access the workflow on my desktop from my phone?

You are sitting in a chair working on a computer and your back is fatigued, but you are still motivated to work.

What now?

You can consider a Remote Desktop Virtual Machine setup so that you can lie down rather than sacrifice your productivity. The benefit of this virtual setup is that it doesn’t require you to restart every application you were working on when you move locations.

• A Virtual Machine is a digital computer (that runs using a physical computer's resources).
• Remote Desktop is a term used to refer to the Remote Desktop program or the method of accessing a computer's screen (e.g., virtual computer, physical computer) from another device.
• A Remote Desktop Virtual Machine setup involves the setup of a virtual machine, which you can connect to with your devices remotely.

You can already use programs such as AnyDesk to connect your phone — which can be connected to your XR glasses — to a physical computer. However, this setup has limitations.

You can use multiple virtual computers that provide you with multiple workflows  (e.g., notes, programming, blog, etc) that you can switch between instead of being confined to a physical computer and its resources (e.g., CPU, RAM).

That guide is coming soon, but you can subscribe to my email newsletter to be notified.