- Xiaomi introduced AI good glasses
- They share a number of similarities with Meta’s Ray-Bans, even priced equally
- Xiaomi’s specs have some distinctive options, like electrochromic dimming
Chinese language tech model Xiaomi isn’t about to let Android XR, Meta, and others race forward of it within the good glasses world because it simply introduced its AI glasses – and whereas they’re awfully similiar to Meta’s specs, they provide a number of upgrades together with one I’ve been begging Meta so as to add since launch.
Phrase of warning, nevertheless, whereas they’re set to value about as a lot as Meta’s specs, many people studying this received’t be snagging a pair, as proper now it seems like they’ll be unique to Xiaomi’s dwelling turf: China.
At a look, they give the impression of being similar to the Ray-Ban Meta good glasses I exploit frequently. They provide a trendy body in a handful of coloration choices that’s thicker than regular however nonetheless pretty modern.
They boast related {hardware}, similar to a 12MP digital camera which may apparently seize 2K video at 30FPS, built-in microphones for capturing what you’re saying, and open ear audio system for audio playback.
You can even use the glasses hands-free, getting its AI assistant to snap pictures for you or reply your queries – and once more, similar to Meta’s specs, these Xiaomi glasses seize a picture to make use of as context to your questions like “establish this flower.”
However instantly, there are some key variations.
On the finish of 1 arm, yow will discover a USB-C port permitting you to cost the AI glasses whereas sporting them – Meta’s specs solely cost of their case.
They provide a much bigger battery too, with Xiaomi promising “8.6 hours” or round eight hours, 36 minutes of use between costs.
You can even use the glasses for paying distributors if they provide the power to pay by way of scanning a QR code. It may not be one thing you see usually, however it’s a quite common fee methodology in China.
Crucially, nevertheless, these glasses supply electrochromic dimming. That is the characteristic I believe is coolest.
Having fun with the shades
For good glasses to be successful, they should be one thing you’ll be able to put on on a regular basis.
Think about in case your cellphone solely labored in sure climate.
Tech-wise, you should utilize good glasses in all the identical circumstances, however the lenses you will have will determine how sensible that’s.
Clear lenses are excellent for cloudier days, whereas shaded lenses are much more appropriate for vivid sunny circumstances, however a non-starter for darker climate or indoor use.
Since swapping my Meta Ray-Bans, which have been all the time shaded, for a pair with transition lenses, I exploit them rather more often as a result of I can depend on them in a broader vary of climate circumstances.
Electrochromic dimming affords this identical practicality, however as an alternative of being decided by the climate, Xiaomi’s good glasses may be darkened or brightened manually by sliding your finger alongside their arm.
In some ways, it’s about as helpful as transition lenses, however for me, electrochromic dimming wins as a result of you will have extra private management over the shading, permitting you to change your imaginative and prescient at will.
Although it’s a shut race, particularly as a result of the options look to value about the identical.
Whereas the bottom Xiaomi glasses value 1999¥ – much like the $299 / £299 / AU$449 you’d pay for the bottom Ray-Ban Meta good glasses – they don’t have electrochromic dimming. The most affordable pair with the characteristic are 2699¥, which is across the identical value because the $379 / £379 / AU$539 transition lens outfitted Meta Ray-Bans.
So for now I’ll be sticking with my transition lens good glasses, however I’ll be watching this area as coloration altering lens tech turns into such a vital characteristic, it must be included with even the bottom mannequin – although for now each key choices are inescapably expensive.
