Could AI glasses be the next smartphone? That's the ambitious goal driving companies like Rokid, who just launched their latest AI-powered eyewear, aiming to revolutionize how we interact with technology. But can they truly replace our beloved smartphones? Let's dive in.
Hangzhou-based Rokid, a company specializing in AI and augmented reality (AR) glasses, recently unveiled their sleek new eyewear in collaboration with Bolon, a well-known Chinese eyewear brand. The goal? To position smart glasses as the next must-have gadget, dethroning the smartphone. This move highlights a growing competition in the tech world, with numerous companies vying to create the ultimate wearable device.
This new model is remarkably lightweight, weighing only 38.5 grams, and features a stylish D-shaped black frame. Designed with fashion in mind, the glasses support customized prescription lenses, allowing users to wear them just like regular sunglasses. Functionality meets style, appealing to a broader audience.
For control, the glasses incorporate both a physical button and a touchpad located on the right temple. Powered by Qualcomm’s AR1 chipset, these glasses aren't just about looks. They boast the ability to record videos, capture photos, play music, and even provide navigation assistance. Imagine walking down the street, effortlessly receiving directions overlaid onto your view! But here's where it gets controversial... some may argue that these features are already seamlessly integrated into smartphones, raising the question of whether dedicated AI glasses offer enough unique value.
Rokid's CEO and founder, Misa Zhu Mingming, boldly stated that "AI glasses are approaching their ‘iPhone moment.’" This is a powerful statement, comparing the potential impact of AI glasses to the revolutionary impact of the iPhone on the mobile phone industry. Whether they can truly achieve that level of disruption remains to be seen.
And this is the part most people miss... While the glasses lack a display, they cleverly integrate with leading Chinese AI models, including Alibaba’s Qwen, DeepSeek, ByteDance’s Doubao, and Zhipu. This integration enables a voice-activated digital assistant, allowing users to interact with the glasses hands-free. Think of it as having a personal AI assistant whispering in your ear, ready to answer questions, provide information, and execute commands. This reliance on voice control could be a game-changer, or a potential source of frustration depending on the accuracy and responsiveness of the AI.
Priced starting at 2,199 yuan (approximately US$310), the frame is relatively accessible, although prescription lenses are an additional cost. The glasses proudly carry the branding of Bolon, a domestic eyewear label now part of the EssilorLuxottica group, further solidifying their fashion credentials.
So, what do you think? Are AI glasses truly poised to become the next big thing, replacing our smartphones? Or are they just another tech fad? Will the convenience and functionality of these glasses outweigh any potential privacy concerns or social awkwardness? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
