In a bold step toward mainstream adoption of wearable AI, Hangzhou-based innovator Rokid launched its latest augmented-reality (AR) glasses on Thursday, developed in collaboration with renowned Chinese eyewear brand Bolon.
Weighing a featherlight 38.5 grams, the new device blends cutting-edge technology with everyday style, positioning smart glasses as the potential successor to the smartphone in the consumer tech market. The sleek, D-shaped black frame is designed to mimic high-end sunglasses, complete with support for customized prescription lenses.
This fashion-first approach sets it apart in a market increasingly crowded with bulky prototypes. Users interact via a physical control button and a responsive touchpad on the right temple, ensuring intuitive operation without constant reliance on voice commands.
At its core, the glasses are powered by Qualcomm’s AR1 chipset, enabling a suite of practical features: high-quality video recording, instant photo capture, seamless music playback, and real-time navigation. These capabilities transform the eyewear from a novelty into a versatile daily companion, whether for capturing memories on the go or staying oriented in unfamiliar cities.
“Rokid’s partnership with Bolon marks a pivotal fusion of AI prowess and optical expertise,” the company stated in its announcement. The collaboration leverages Bolon’s decades of experience in premium eyewear design to appeal to style-conscious consumers, while Rokid injects its AI and AR innovations honed through previous models.
Rokid CEO and founder Misa Zhu Mingming captured the excitement surrounding the launch, declaring: “AI glasses are approaching their ‘iPhone moment’.” This analogy underscores the industry’s belief that smart eyewear could replicate the smartphone’s transformative impact—shifting from niche gadget to indispensable tool for billions.
The unveiling comes amid intensifying competition in the smart glasses arena. Global players like Meta, with its Ray-Ban Stories, and Snap’s Spectacles are vying for dominance, alongside Chinese rivals such as Xreal and TCL.
Analysts predict the market could explode as battery life improves, prices drop, and AI integration deepens, potentially creating a new ecosystem of apps and services tailored to hands-free, heads-up computing.Priced for accessibility and available soon through select channels, Rokid’s Bolon co-branded glasses aim to accelerate this shift.
As AR technology matures, the question remains: Will lightweight, AI-enhanced eyewear finally glasses over the world? For now, Rokid is betting big on yes.
Naorem Mohen is the Editor of Signpost News. Explore his views and opinion on X: @laimacha.
Naorem Mohen
View More PostsNaorem Mohen is the Editor of Signpost News. Explore his views and opinion on X: @laimacha.
