In a rapidly evolving tech landscape, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered eyewear has surfaced as the latest trend, captivating Chinese tech firms eager to meld generative AI with wearable devices. This surge of interest follows the release of Meta smart glasses by Ray-Ban, which set the precedent for the integration of AI in everyday accessories.
Superhexa, a Xiaomi-backed start-up, has made its foray into the AI eyewear market with the launch of Jiehuan, its AI audio glasses, this month. Priced competitively at 699 yuan (approximately US$98), these glasses offer functionality akin to their more expensive overseas counterparts. With built-in speakers and microphones, users can seamlessly access large language models (LLMs)—the same technology behind intelligent chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
The founder and CEO of Superhexa, Xia Yongfeng, articulated the convenience of AI eyewear by saying, “It took millions of years for humans to evolve and develop two hands; it’s a waste to have one hand holding a smartphone.” This sentiment echoes the consumer demand for more hands-free, intelligent devices.
Generative AI’s recent advancements have significantly enhanced the capabilities and attractiveness of smart glasses, offering users features like real-time translation and instant information about their surroundings. Since the addition of AI capabilities, Ray-Ban and Meta’s smart glasses have seen a surge in sales, with the new versions outselling their predecessors by a notable margin, as revealed by Francesco Milleri, CEO of EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban.
Projections by Sinolink Securities place the shipments of AI smart glasses at 2 million units by year’s end. To illustrate the market potential, last year’s total shipments of augmented reality glasses were just 480,000 units.
Chinese manufacturers are keen to replicate the functionality of Ray-Ban frames at much lower costs. For instance, the Jiehuan glasses promise 11 hours of music playback and a half-month standby time, all within lightweight, 30-gram frames. Additional features include voice-guided navigation, AI chat, and audio translation. However, user feedback suggests challenges with voice recognition in loud environments, although the glasses are praised for their stylish design and good audio quality.
In recent months, other Chinese start-ups like Liweike and Sharge, and tech giants like Huawei, have also introduced AI glasses, prompting industry analysts to question whether the market can sustain such rapid growth. Ivan Lam, a senior analyst at Counterpoint, noted that the current AI glasses resemble regular spectacles with added electronic components, making them less appealing to people who don’t normally wear glasses. Further improvements in weight, user comfort, and battery life will be crucial for continued market growth.
Some companies are prioritizing these enhancements to capture market share. For example, Hong Kong-based Solos plans to launch its AirGo smart glasses with a camera this fall, targeting a similar price point to Ray-Ban but at a lighter weight. Shenzhen-based Realities, on the other hand, is focusing on style with its new G1 glasses, which feature LED microdisplays and start at US$600.
Brilliant Labs has introduced Frame smart glasses with an open-source model to drive adoption across various applications, from healthcare to assisting individuals with autism. However, their higher price points suggest a focus on international markets, where regulatory environments for AI are more relaxed.
As the market for AI-powered smart glasses continues to expand, it is clear that the blend of fashion, functionality, and competitive pricing will dictate the winners in this burgeoning industry.
This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), a leading voice in reporting on China and Asia for over a century. For more SCMP stories, explore the SCMP app or visit their Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright © 2024 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.