I Tried Smart Glasses That Outperform Meta Ray-Bans – Here’s How
▼ Summary
– The Rokid Glasses are launching via Kickstarter at $599 and feature built-in displays that project text information like teleprompters and AI responses.
– They include a 12MP camera for hands-free photo and video capture, though its performance currently lags behind competitors like Meta Ray-Bans.
– A key innovation is the use of Micro LED waveguide displays, which provide a unique visual interface for tasks such as live translation and UI navigation.
– The design is intentionally discreet, resembling standard glasses, allowing them to blend in without drawing attention during use.
– While promising, the glasses require a stable internet connection for most functions and may have some pre-production bugs, warranting caution with crowdfunding.
The Rokid Glasses represent a significant leap in AI wearable technology, offering a compelling alternative to established players like Meta. Priced at $599 and currently available through Kickstarter, these smart glasses integrate a suite of advanced features designed to enhance daily productivity and interaction. Unlike many competitors, Rokid focuses not only on audio and camera capabilities but introduces a groundbreaking visual interface that sets a new standard for the category.
My initial skepticism about smart glasses began to fade after spending time with both the Meta Ray-Bans and the new Rokid model. While Meta’s offering is impressive, Rokid’s implementation of Micro LED waveguide displays provides a uniquely immersive experience. These built-in projections deliver textual information such as AI-generated responses, live translations, and even a functional teleprompter that scrolls in sync with your speech.
One of the most striking aspects of the Rokid Glasses is their discreet design. With glossy black frames and comfortable rubber nose pads, they look like any ordinary pair of glasses. During a commute through New York City, they attracted no unusual attention, a testament to their ability to blend seamlessly into everyday life. It’s almost surreal to experience a private digital display while appearing completely ordinary to those around you.
The user interface feels like something out of a sci-fi film. Dual monochrome green displays present a simple carousel layout for navigation, voice commands, and specialized tools. Using the built-in microphones and ChatGPT-powered assistant, the glasses can transcribe and translate speech in real time. In one demonstration, switching between Mandarin and Spanish was handled effortlessly, leaving a strong impression of the device’s linguistic capabilities.
Interaction is intuitive: users can tap or swipe on the temple arms or simply issue voice commands. A physical button allows for quick photo capture with a single press and video recording with a long press. That said, some touch inputs occasionally failed to register, a minor issue likely related to the pre-production nature of the unit tested.
When it comes to media capture, the 12MP Sony sensor offers creative flexibility with multiple aspect ratio options. Users can shoot in native 3:4 or choose cropped formats like 9:16 or 4:3, trading some resolution for better framing. Video recording supports 60fps, though only at 720p. Image quality, while decent, doesn’t yet surpass the Meta Ray-Bans. Photos and videos lack some vibrancy and contrast, though future software updates could narrow this gap.
It’s important to remember that the Rokid Glasses are still in the crowdfunding phase. While early signs are promising, especially given Rokid’s reputation in the wearables market, backers should approach with cautious optimism. The glasses require a stable internet connection for most functions, and the camera performance still has room to grow.
What’s clear is that smart glasses are evolving from novelty gadgets into practical tools. The Rokid Glasses demonstrate that the future of wearable AI isn’t just about hearing, it’s about seeing. With their lightweight design, innovative display technology, and growing suite of features, they make a strong case for being an everyday companion. As competition in this space heats up, it’s exciting to see how devices like these will continue to redefine our relationship with technology.
(Source: ZDNET)
