Xiaomi presents its own AI glasses in the style of the Ray-Ban Meta

The new smart glasses from Xiaomi have a similarly slim design to the competitor model, but are slightly lighter at 40 grams.

There are no major differences in terms of technical features: the Xiaomi AI Glasses also have a 12-megapixel front camera, two speakers and five microphones with wind noise suppression. Like Meta's glasses, they support real-time live streaming and video telephony from a first-person perspective. Xiaomi's AI glasses have no display, just like Meta's product.

The Xiaomi AI Glasses are powered by a dual-chip system consisting of the Snapdragon AR1 processor, which is also used in Meta's AI glasses, and a second, energy-saving chip that runs Xiaomi's Vela OS operating system. The glasses are equipped with an integrated 263 mAh battery, which enables a runtime of up to 8.6 hours. This is about twice as long as the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, but on a par with the recently launched Oakley Meta glasses.

Many AI functions

As the name suggests, the Xiaomi AI Glasses offer a range of AI functions, including object recognition, text translation, transcription, intelligent summaries and calorie counting. They are also said to be suitable as a "meeting assistant", can answer everyday questions and offer live translation in ten languages, including English, Japanese, German and Spanish. The Ray-Ban Meta glasses currently only offer this function in English, Spanish, Italian and French.

Xiaomi's AI glasses are available in black, brown and green. Electrochromic lenses that change their tint in 0.2 seconds are available as an option. The frame features titanium alloy hinges for long-lasting durability and a comfortable fit that Xiaomi says is specifically designed for Asian facial contours.

Xiaomi lacks the charisma of a major eyewear brand

A market launch in the West is apparently not planned with this model. Xiaomi first wants to test how the product is received on the domestic market, where there is no competition from Meta.

The Xiaomi AI Glasses are now available in China from 1,999 RMB, which corresponds to around 250 euros. This is cheaper than Meta's Ray Ban glasses, which are available in Germany from 330 euros. However, Xiaomi's model lacks a comparably iconic design with a high recognition value. In addition, Meta now offers significantly more choice in terms of models and color and lens combinations. Both of these factors are likely to be decisive for the success of smart glasses in the mass market. Google, which is also working on AI glasses, is relying on a partnership with eyewear manufacturers Warby Parker and Gentle Monster.

Whether Xiaomi's copy of the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses can keep up with the original in terms of technology and functionality cannot be judged at present. A practical test will have to show that.

(nie)