AstroReality Earth
$169
AstroReality Earth is a beautifully crafted 3D-printed globe combined with AR technology, providing an interactive way to explore our planet.

Our take
See our planet in stunning augmented reality.
Alright, so I took a gander at this thing called the "AstroReality Earth," and it's a little globe that's not just a globe. It's got this augmented reality magic going on, which sounds pretty rad at first. You scan it with an app, and boom, you’re exploring all sorts of info about our planet like a digital tourist. My first impression? It’s a neat blend of old-school and high-tech, which is kind of nifty if you’re into that sort of thing. But you gotta wonder—how much of this is just a gimmick?
Now, let’s talk about the physical globe itself. It’s crafted with some precision, and you can tell they didn’t cheap out on the materials. It’s got this nice heft to it, which gives it a bit of a premium feel. But here's the rub: the globe is pretty small, so if you’re hoping to show off all the intricate details of the Earth, you might be squinting a bit. Honestly, for the price, I expected it to be a little bigger. It’s like buying a tiny slice of cake when you really wanted the whole dessert.
When you fire up the app, that’s where the real action begins—or at least, that’s the idea. The app is supposed to lay down a ton of knowledge onto the globe, but I found it a bit hit-or-miss. Sometimes it worked like a charm, and other times it felt a bit like trying to tune an old radio. If you're not tech-savvy, you might find yourself wrestling with it more than you'd like. And let's be real, no one wants to spend more time troubleshooting than actually using the thing.
Despite some hiccups, the information it provides is pretty cool. It's like having a pocket-sized documentary. You can learn about geography, climate, and all sorts of nerdy stuff, which is awesome if you’re a curious soul or have kids who are. But, here's the kicker: it’s not the sort of thing you’re gonna use every day. It feels more like a novelty item you pull out when you’re bored or trying to impress someone with your funky gadget collection.
In the end, AstroReality Earth is a mixed bag. If you’re a globe collector or an AR enthusiast, you might dig it. But if you’re just looking for an educational tool or a decor piece, there are probably simpler, cheaper options out there. It’s a cool concept that’s not quite as polished as it could be. So, it’s kind of like that trendy new restaurant that’s got a cool vibe but not quite enough substance to keep you coming back for more.