Xiaomi Challenges Meta with Advanced AI Smart Glasses

These Smart Glasses Are Already Kicking Meta Ray-Bans' Ass

Meta clearly has more competition than ever in the world of smart glasses, and that field of competitors isn't getting any slimmer. The most recent company to join the smart glasses fray is China's Xiaomi, which just unveiled a pair of frames that, if I'm being totally honest here, puts Meta's Ray-Ban glasses to shame -- at least on paper. The first thing I noticed about Xiaomi's AI Glasses, which costs around the same price as Meta's Ray-Ban glasses at $280, is that it does something that I've been wanting for a long time as an owner of Meta's Ray-Ban glasses. According to Xiaomi, its AI Glasses can be used for mobile payments with a combination of the glasses' camera and Alipay, Alibaba's popular mobile payment system. From what I can gather from Xiaomi's press materials, the glasses can scan a QR code and then use the onboard voice assistant as confirmation that you actually want to pay for an item. On the surface, it sounds like you could end up accidentally walking around paying for things, but with a few failsafes -- voice activation and verification -- I don't think that should be an issue. I don't have the full details on how the feature works, though, so fingers crossed Xiaomi thought this one through -- if it did, then it could be incredibly convenient. Next is something I've also thought about many times while wearing Meta's Ray-Ban glasses, especially when I want to wear them inside -- electrochromic lenses. To put that phrase in layman's terms, that means the ability to electrically shift whether the lenses are shaded or transparent. Sure, Ray-Ban smart glasses can be purchased with transition lenses installed, but being able to shift between shaded and transparent manually is kind of awesome, especially if you can fine-adjust the level depending on your eyesight or preference. And the advantages don't stop there. If this last bit is true -- I have my doubts that it is -- then Xiaomi's smart glasses are frankly blowing Meta's Ray-Ban glasses out of the water. According to Xiaomi's literature, the AI Glasses have an absurd 45 minutes of continuous video recording. That would be impressive, not just for a pair of smart glasses, but for an iPhone 16 Pro even, which tends to get pretty damn hot when recording video for extended lengths of time. Meta's Ray-Bans, by the way, can record a maximum of three minutes of video in one sitting, which was recently upped from the original max recording length of 90 seconds. In addition to those three things, Xiaomi's glasses match Meta's Ray-Bans in almost every way and even push the envelope in a few more. There's a 12-megapixel camera, a voice assistant onboard, and a five-mic array for using its voice assistant and taking calls -- all three of those things match Meta's Ray-Bans punch for punch. In the battery department, Xiaomi's glasses allegedly roll the ball forward big time, though. While Meta's glasses are only rated for four hours of battery, Xiaomi says its glasses can last for 8.6 hours on a single charge. Again, this is kind of a major claim, so I'm approaching that spec with some skepticism, but if it is true, that makes Meta look silly. Oh, Xiaomi also says the glasses are capable of first-person video calls and livestreaming, too. Sure. Why not? I have my doubts about Xiaomi's AI Glasses, don't get me wrong, but if they really do what the company says they do, they might easily (on paper, at least) be the best smart glasses out there. They don't crack the code with an augmented display on the lens or anything like that, but they allegedly double the battery life, expand the continuous recording time by 15x Meta's glasses, and include more nice-to-haves like the ability to execute mobile payments or manually transition the lenses in or out of shade mode. Even if these things are total bullshit, I'm starting to think that Meta ought to really up the game here, because Xiaomi's smart glasses are now the only ones I want.

Finally! These AI smart glasses are giving me a feature I've been desperate for the Meta Ray-Bans to get since launch

Xiaomi's specs have some unique features, like electrochromic dimming Chinese tech brand Xiaomi isn't about to let Android XR, Meta, and others race ahead of it in the smart glasses world as it just announced its AI glasses - and while they're awfully similiar to Meta's specs, they offer a few upgrades including one I've been begging Meta to add since launch. Word of warning, however, while they're set to cost about as much as Meta's specs, many of us reading this won't be snagging a pair, as right now it looks like they'll be exclusive to Xiaomi's home turf: China. At a glance, they look very similar to the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses I use regularly. They offer a stylish frame in a handful of color options that's thicker than normal but still fairly sleek. They boast similar hardware, such as a 12MP camera which can apparently capture 2K video at 30FPS, built-in microphones for capturing what you're saying, and open ear speakers for audio playback. You can also use the glasses hands-free, getting its AI assistant to snap photos for you or answer your queries - and again, just like Meta's specs, these Xiaomi glasses capture an image to use as context for your questions like "identify this flower." But right away, there are some key differences. At the end of one arm, you can find a USB-C port allowing you to charge the AI glasses while wearing them - Meta's specs only charge in their case. They offer a bigger battery too, with Xiaomi promising "8.6 hours" or around eight hours, 36 minutes of use between charges. You can also use the glasses for paying vendors if they offer the ability to pay via scanning a QR code. It might not be something you see often, but it's a very common payment method in China. Crucially, however, these glasses offer electrochromic dimming. This is the feature I think is coolest. For smart glasses to be a success, they need to be something you can wear all the time. Imagine if your phone only worked in certain weather. Tech-wise, you can use smart glasses in all the same conditions, but the lenses you have will decide how practical that is. Clear lenses are perfect for cloudier days, while shaded lenses are a lot more suitable for bright sunny conditions, but a non-starter for darker weather or indoor use. Since swapping my Meta Ray-Bans, which were always shaded, for a pair with transition lenses, I use them much more frequently because I can rely on them in a broader range of weather conditions. Electrochromic dimming offers this same practicality, but instead of being determined by the weather, Xiaomi's smart glasses can be darkened or brightened manually by sliding your finger along their arm. In many ways, it's about as useful as transition lenses, but for me, electrochromic dimming wins because you have more personal control over the shading, allowing you to alter your vision at will. Though it is a close race, especially because the features look to cost about the same. While the base Xiaomi glasses cost 1999¥ - similar to the $299 / £299 / AU$449 you'd pay for the base Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses - they don't have electrochromic dimming. The cheapest pair with the feature are 2699¥, which is around the same price as the $379 / £379 / AU$539 transition lens equipped Meta Ray-Bans. So for now I'll be sticking with my transition lens smart glasses, but I'll be watching this space as color changing lens tech becomes such an essential feature, it needs to be included with even the base model - though for now both key options are inescapably pricey.

Xiaomi Unveils Smart Glasses to Rival Ray-Ban Meta

Chinese tech giant Xiaomi has officially entered the smart glasses market with the launch of its first AI-powered eyewear, positioning itself as a rival to Meta's Ray-Ban collaboration. Unveiled yesterday during Xiaomi's "Human x Car x Home" event in Beijing, the glasses are priced similarly to Ray-Ban Meta glasses at 1,999 yuan ($278) and feature a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera, Qualcomm's AR1 chip, and support for first-person video recording. According to Xiaomi, the glasses offer up to 8.6 hours of battery life, which is more than double the runtime of Meta's smart glasses and can be fully recharged in 45 minutes. The glasses are powered by Xiaomi's XiaoAI assistant, enabling users to perform a range of tasks via voice command, including capturing video and photos, recognizing objects, translating text, and scanning QR codes for mobile payments via Alipay. The company also highlighted the device's ability to handle first-person video calls and live streaming. Beyond core functionality, Xiaomi has introduced electrochromic lenses, allowing wearers to manually toggle between shaded and transparent modes. Gizmodo notes that on paper, the specs Xiaomi's glasses outperform current market leaders in several areas. The glasses reportedly support up to 45 minutes of continuous video recording, a notable contrast to Meta's three-minute limit on its latest smart glasses. "If they really do what the company says they do, they might easily (on paper, at least) be the best smart glasses out there," Gizmodo reports. Xiaomi also introduced a range of new hardware during the same launch event, including the Mix Flip 2 foldable phone, the Pad 7S Pro tablet, and updated wearable devices like the tenth-generation smart band and the Watch S4. The South China Morning Post notes that Xiaomi's entry into smart eyewear follows similar moves by other major Chinese firms. Huawei introduced its latest AI glasses in April, which feature voice and translation tools but lack a camera. Baidu is preparing to release its own camera-equipped Xiaodu AI glasses later this year, powered by its Ernie AI models. "The main strength of Xiaomi in this market is its extensive ecosystem, which includes smart home devices and electric vehicles," says He Wangcheng, an analyst at WellsennXR.

Xiaomi Launches Smart Glasses with Voice Assistant and AI Translation

Xiaomi has launched its first smart glasses, called the AI Glasses, and they are currently available only in China. These glasses combine artificial intelligence features with a built-in voice assistant, allowing users to control the device through voice commands and touch gestures on the frame. One of the key functions is real-time translation of conversations in ten languages, including English, Japanese, German, and Spanish. This feature enables users to attend meetings and engage in conversations with audio translation support. The glasses can also recognize objects and translate text using the camera and speaker system. Unlike some other smart glasses, Xiaomi's AI Glasses do not have any screens. Instead, users interact with the device primarily through voice commands and frame touch controls. The glasses are equipped with a 12-megapixel Sony IMX681 camera sensor that includes electronic image stabilization. This camera supports photo capture, video recording, and live streaming, which can be useful for sharing experiences or attending virtual meetings. Audio capabilities include five built-in microphones and two speakers embedded in the frame to facilitate clear sound input and output. Under the hood, the device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 chip, which is specifically designed for smart glasses applications. This chipset is optimized for power efficiency to extend battery life. The glasses weigh 40 grams and include a 263mAh battery that offers up to 8.6 hours of usage on a single charge. Xiaomi runs the glasses on its own Vela OS, which manages the AI functions and user interface. The AI Glasses are priced starting at 1999 yuan in China, which is roughly $280 USD. There are also higher-end models that feature electrochromic lenses. These lenses automatically adjust their tint based on sunlight exposure, improving comfort in bright environments. These advanced models cost approximately 321 euros (around $340 USD). Xiaomi mentions that the frame is specially designed to fit Asian facial contours, indicating that the current design may not suit other regions or face shapes well. As a result, global availability or adapted versions for other markets have not yet been announced. Source: Xiaomi

Xiaomi's First-ever AI Glasses are Now Official - Phandroid

With more improvements arriving for smart wearable technology, it was only a matter of time before we saw more and more brands come out with their own takes on modern wearable hardware. Released alongisde several other new Xiaomi products (including a car), the Xiaomi AI Glasses signals the brand's official foray into AI-based vision wear. In terms of build and design, the glasses weigh at just 40g and are available in either black, brown, and green, and users can also opt for electrochromic lenses that can easily change the lens shade. Xiaomi says that it's designed the glasses with titanium alloy hinges for better durability, in addition to several built-in hardware components. These include a 12MP first-person camera with a Sony IMX681 sensor, a dual-speaker setup, and a five-microphone array with bone-conduction and wind-noise resistance features. The glasses are powered by a Snapdragon AR1 chipset, which works in tandem with a secondary chip that runs Xiaomi's Vela OS platform. There's also support for features like real-time live streaming and first-person video calls. READ: Xiaomi's Newest Foldable Flagship Makes its Debut As for its AI capabilities, the glasses support object recognition, text translation, and can even function as a meeting assistant with automatic transcription, smart summaries, and real-time interpretation across ten different languages,including English, Japanese, German, and Spanish. Users can also pair the glasses with Xiaomi smartphones for integrated camera use. The glasses also use a 263mAh Xiaomi battery with up to 8.6 hours of usage on a single charge. As for pricing and availability, the Xiaomi AI Glasses start from 1,999 RMB (around $280), and are available via Xiaomi's official storefront.

Xiaomi AI Glasses With 12-Megapixel Camera Launched at This Price

Xiaomi AI Glasses were launched at an event in China on Thursday. The new wearable device from the Chinese technology firm runs on Xiaomi's Vela OS and it is powered by a Snapdragon AR1+ chip. It features a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera, and like the Meta Ray-Ban AI Glasses, it also supports first-person video recording and photography. Users can also access live object recognition, real-time text translation, and other voice-related assistance while wearing the Xiaomi AI Glasses, which are claimed to offer over 8 hours of use on a single charge. Xiaomi AI Glasses pricing starts at CNY 1,999 (roughly Rs. 23,900) for the standard model, while the single-colour electrochromic version is priced at CNY 2,699 (roughly Rs. 32,200). Meanwhile, the most expensive multicolour electrochromic edition costs CNY 2,999 (roughly Rs. 35,800). Xiaomi AI Glasses are equipped with a 12-megapixel camera Photo Credit: Xiaomi The newly unveiled Xiaomi AI Glasses are already available to purchase in China in Black, Brown, and Green colourways, via the company's website and other retail channels. Users can pair the Xiaomi AI Glasses with smartphones running on Android 10 and iOS 15 or newer models, but they must be paired with a phone with Xiaomi's HyperOS skin to access all of its features. The smart glasses feature a D-shaped TR90 nylon frame with titanium hinges. Xiaomi says that these hinges have been tested for over 18,000 usage cycles. The Xiaomi AI Glasses run on a Snapdragon AR1+ chip, along with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. It is equipped with a 12-megapixel camera with a Sony IMX681 sensor that can capture photos (4,032×3,024 pixels) and 2K/ 30fps videos. it also has five microphones with bone conduction to capture audio more effectively. Connectivity options on the Xiaomi AI Glasses include Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4. The smart glasses also offer support for the Xiao AI assistant with support for real-time translation in over 10 languages, object recognition, and identifying macros and calories of food via the built-in camera. Users can also see meeting summaries via the Xiaomi Glasses app. Xiaomi has equipped its new smart glasses with a 263mAh silicon carbon battery that is claimed to offer up to 8.6 hours of battery life with active use, or about 21 hours in standby mode. They can be charged within 45 minutes, via a USB Type-C port. They have an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance.

Xiaomi AI Glasses with Snapdragon AR1, 12MP camera, IP54 ratings announced

Xiaomi has introduced its new wearable, the Xiaomi AI Glasses, in China. Designed for daily use, they feature a stylish frame along with advanced camera, audio, and AI functions powered by a dual-chip setup and Xiaomi's Vela OS. The Xiaomi AI Glasses weigh just 40 grams and feature a classic D-shaped frame made from TR90 nylon. Available in Black, Brown, and Green, the frame includes aerospace-grade titanium alloy hinges, tested for 18,000 open-close cycles. Designed for Asian facial contours, the temples offer a 12° outward rotation and a 5° forward tilt to ensure a stable, comfortable fit. The device is IP54-rated, providing protection from sweat and water splashes. The optional electrochromic lenses can adjust to lighting conditions. With a double tap on the temple, the lenses shift shades in 0.2 seconds, offering four levels of tint between 10% and 48% light transmittance. The device includes a 263mAh silicon-carbon high-density battery, offering: Charging is via USB Type-C, and the glasses support plug-in livestreaming. The glasses run on a dual-core architecture: a Snapdragon AR1 processor handles high-load tasks like AI recognition and translation, while a low-power chip supports daily functions like music playback and voice commands. Smart load management keeps performance smooth while saving battery. Audio is delivered through dual symmetrical speakers designed to minimize leakage using a reverse sound field. A five-microphone array, including a bone-conduction mic near the nose pad, enables clear voice pickup and reduces wind noise -- effective even during cycling at 12 m/s. The glasses integrate with the Xiaomi HyperOS ecosystem, enabling smartphone pairing for camera switching, livestreaming, and voice calls from a first-person view. Through the Xiaomi Glasses App, users can manage photos, videos, recordings, translations, and device settings in one place. The app supports custom templates for meetings, interviews, and classroom settings.