- Xiaomi introduced AI sensible glasses
- They share quite a lot 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 sensible glasses world because it simply introduced its AI glasses – and whereas they’re awfully similiar to Meta’s specs, they provide a couple of upgrades together with one I’ve been begging Meta so as to add since launch.
Phrase of warning, nonetheless, whereas they’re set to price about as a lot as Meta’s specs, many people studying this gained’t be snagging a pair, as proper now it appears like they’ll be unique to Xiaomi’s residence turf: China.
At a look, they give the impression of being similar to the Ray-Ban Meta sensible glasses I exploit usually. They provide a classy body in a handful of shade choices that’s thicker than regular however nonetheless pretty modern.
They boast comparable {hardware}, corresponding 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 may also use the glasses hands-free, getting its AI assistant to snap photographs for you or reply your queries – and once more, identical to Meta’s specs, these Xiaomi glasses seize a picture to make use of as context to your questions like “establish this flower.”
However immediately, there are some key variations.
On the finish of 1 arm, you’ll find a USB-C port permitting you to cost the AI glasses whereas carrying them – Meta’s specs solely cost of their case.
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They provide a much bigger battery too, with Xiaomi promising “8.6 hours” or round eight hours, 36 minutes of use between costs.
You may also use the glasses for paying distributors if they provide the flexibility to pay by way of scanning a QR code. It may not be one thing you see typically, nevertheless it’s a quite common cost methodology in China.
Crucially, nonetheless, these glasses provide electrochromic dimming. That is the characteristic I feel is coolest.
Having fun with the shades
For sensible glasses to be a hit, they must be one thing you may put on on a regular basis.
Think about in case your telephone solely labored in sure climate.
Tech-wise, you should use sensible glasses in all the identical circumstances, however the lenses you may have will determine how sensible that’s.
Clear lenses are good for cloudier days, whereas shaded lenses are much more appropriate for shiny 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 way more ceaselessly as a result of I can depend on them in a broader vary of climate circumstances.
Electrochromic dimming provides this identical practicality, however as an alternative of being decided by the climate, Xiaomi’s sensible glasses will 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 may 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 price about the identical.
Whereas the bottom Xiaomi glasses price 1999¥ – just like the $299 / £299 / AU$449 you’d pay for the bottom Ray-Ban Meta sensible 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 sensible glasses, however I’ll be watching this area as shade 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 dear.
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