Smart glasses have tried and failed before, but Xiaomi thinks it’s cracked the code. Are these the AI specs that finally stick?
Xiaomi has officially stepped into the smart eyewear space with the launch of its new AI Glasses, unveiled this week at the company’s “Human × Car × Home” ecosystem event in China. With a sleek design, advanced camera, and on-board artificial intelligence features, the device positions Xiaomi as a serious contender in the emerging market of smart glasses.
According to gadgets360.com, the AI Glasses are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 processor and feature 4GB of RAM with 32GB of storage. The wearable runs Xiaomi’s own HyperOS, which enables functions such as real-time translation, object recognition, AI image analysis, and voice-activated commands through the company’s XiaoAI assistant.
Only in China… for now?
Although currently only available in China, Xiaomi’s new wearable could draw interest from tech-forward South African consumers who already embrace the brand’s smartphones and smart home devices.
In a market where cashless payments are growing and mobile photography is deeply embedded in daily life, Xiaomi’s fusion of visual and AI tech could strike a chord with local early adopters.
Smart camera, smart features
One of the standout features is the camera. The glasses house a 12-megapixel Sony IMX681 sensor that can shoot 4032 × 3024 photos and record 2K video at 30 frames per second.
As reported by gadgets360.com, the camera also supports electronic image stabilisation, making it suitable for vloggers or anyone wanting to capture life hands-free. There are also five microphones, bone conduction tech for audio, and two open-ear speakers built into the arms.
Privacy concerns
However, the inclusion of a discreet camera lens raises the same privacy concerns that plagued earlier smart eyewear, including Google Glass. Many people may feel uneasy about the possibility of being filmed without consent, particularly in public or semi-private settings.
According to roadtovr.com, Xiaomi has not yet clarified how the glasses will address these concerns, but the issue could impact adoption if users are seen as intrusive.
Public backlash
This echoes the controversy that surrounded Google Glass over a decade ago, which contributed to its commercial failure. Wearers were often asked to remove the device in public venues due to fears of covert recording. It remains to be seen whether Xiaomi can avoid similar backlash.
Smart lenses
According to xiaomitime.com, the AI Glasses come in several styles, including models with electrochromic lenses. These lenses can switch between clear and tinted modes with a tap, offering both fashion and function.
There’s even a version with multi-colour tinting. The glasses are also IP54 rated, meaning they can handle light dust and splashes.
QR payments
The glasses introduce another novel feature: contactless QR code payments. Xiaomitime.com notes that users can make payments using voice confirmation and the built-in camera to scan QR codes.
While QR payments are not yet dominant in South Africa, platforms like SnapScan, Zapper and Masterpass mean the infrastructure exists. A wearable like this could help nudge behaviour further toward mobile-first transactions.
Battery life and audio support
Despite weighing just 40 grams, the AI Glasses offer around 8.5 hours of typical usage and can remain on standby for more than 21 hours. As reported by roadtovr.com, charging is handled via USB-C and takes about 45 minutes, making them practical for daily use.
Audio is handled through dual open-ear speakers, which offer awareness of your surroundings. That’s a welcome safety feature for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.
Comparison with Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses
In entering this space, Xiaomi is going head-to-head with Meta’s latest generation of Ray-Ban smart glasses. While Meta’s offering focuses more on content creation, livestreaming, and seamless integration with Facebook and Instagram, Xiaomi’s AI Glasses lean into on-device intelligence. This includes features like real-time translation, food recognition, and AI-driven meeting summaries.
According to roadtovr.com, Meta’s glasses offer better integration with Western social media ecosystems, while Xiaomi seems to be targeting productivity and utility, especially in urban and commuter-heavy environments.
From a South African perspective, Meta’s focus on content sharing might appeal to influencers and digital marketers, but Xiaomi’s AI-centric feature set could find favour with students, commuters, and professionals looking for hands-free functionality.
Looking ahead
The AI Glasses are priced between ¥1 999 and ¥2 999 (roughly R5 100 to R7 600, depending on the version). While there’s no official word yet on international availability, Xiaomi’s steady expansion into global markets means South Africa could see these futuristic specs land locally in the near future – particularly if demand grows for AI-powered wearables.
For now, South Africans will have to wait and see. But if Xiaomi’s AI Glasses deliver on their promise, they could be the next big thing in personal tech – blending style, intelligence, and real-world practicality in one very smart package.
