Smart headset Motoko: Razer opts for headphones over glasses for AI
Instead of focusing on smart glasses like many competitors, Razer is launching an AI wearable that looks like conventional headphones.
Headphones instead of smart glasses: Razer relies on AI assistance via over-ear headset.
(Image: Razer)
Razer, primarily known for its gaming accessories, is currently using the CES 2026 tech show to draw attention to a new AI product line. In addition to the desk AI “Ava“, the AI headset “Project Motoko“ stands out. It has now been shown publicly for the first time and, according to Razer, is expected to be released later this year. The special feature: Two 4K cameras are positioned at eye level on the earcups, capturing the field of vision from a first-person perspective and analyzing where the gaze is directed.
The AI is thus intended to recognize not only objects but also their depth and position with high accuracy. According to Razer, the system surpasses human perception in the peripheral field of vision, for example, when recognizing symbols or texts at the edge of the image. Motoko is not limited to a specific platform. Users can choose to use models like ChatGPT, Grok, or Gemini. This makes the system open to different preferences and allows it to react flexibly to various tasks. Communication with the AI is done via voice. Several microphones record voice input and ambient sounds.
Translate, Cook, and Game with AI Assistance
In demos at the trade fair, Razer showed typical everyday functions for smart glasses and announced AR glasses like the Snap Specs or Meta Orion: When looking at a plate with various ingredients, the AI suggests possible recipes, translates menus, or answers various knowledge questions. The answers are delivered directly into the ear without outsiders being able to hear. Unlike smart glasses with open speakers, communication with Motoko is thus at least partially isolated from the surroundings. According to Razer, the device is expected to offer over 30 hours of battery life.
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Another application scenario could be particularly interesting for Razer's main target audience: when looking at the monitor, the headset AI could offer real-time assistance during gaming and, for example, solve tricky puzzles. Razer also has an application in mind for companies and research: the data captured by Motoko – including gaze history and depth perception – could be used for the development of humanoid robots. These could then act more humanly by learning how humans see and make decisions.
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Despite the public presentation at CES, Razer remains vague about technical details. The final design, specifications, and price are still open. What is clear is that the company wants to establish a headset with Project Motoko that goes far beyond classic audio technology, providing users with a new type of digital assistant. Whether an AI headset will truly turned out to be suitable for everyday use remains to be seen once Razer brings a finished product to market.
heise medien is an official media partner of CES 2026.
(joe)
