Industry News
Xiaomi Enters the Smart Glasses Race
Chinese consumer electronics giant Xiaomi has officially entered the smart glasses market with the launch of its new AI Glasses, marking a strategic expansion into wearable tech as competition heats up globally. This latest offering is positioned alongside recent releases from Meta and Ray-Ban but brings distinctive features aimed at both consumers and businesses.
The Xiaomi AI Glasses will be available in several configurations, with the base model featuring clear lenses retailing at RMB 1,999 (approx. AU$430). Optional upgrades include electrochromic tinted lenses for RMB 2,699 (approx. AU$580) and colour-tinted variants for RMB 2,999 (approx. AU$645). The base version is also compatible with prescription lenses, which can be fitted via Xiaomi’s authorised online and retail partners.
One of the standout innovations is the inclusion of electrochromic lenses that adjust their tint within 0.2 seconds. Users can control the shading intensity by tapping the temple arm of the glasses, offering a seamless and practical solution for changing light environments.
A headline feature for the Chinese market is Alipay integration. Through a built-in camera, users can scan QR codes and complete transactions using voice commands, eliminating the need to pull out a smartphone. This feature is expected to roll out via a software update in September 2025 and could pave the way for similar applications in other markets with compatible payment systems.
The AI Glasses are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon AR1 platform, specifically designed for smart wearables. Onboard features include:
- 12MP camera with digital image stabilisation
- Hyper XiaoAi voice assistant
- Five microphones and dual speakers
- Low-power Bluetooth audio chip
- Support for voice commands and touch interaction
While the Xiaomi AI Glasses do not include a visual display, similar to Ray-Ban’s Meta collaboration, they enable interaction via audio and touch, focusing on voice navigation, hands-free communication, and real-time translation in up to ten languages.
Xiaomi claims the AI Glasses offer industry-leading battery performance, delivering up to 8.6 hours of mixed-use on a single charge, nearly double that of competitors like Ray-Ban Meta. This includes:
- 90 minutes of voice calls
- 20 minutes of AI interactions
- 7 hours of music playback
- 45 minutes of video recording
- Up to 21 hours on standby
With major global brands intensifying their push into wearable AI, the smart glasses category is quickly evolving beyond novelty into a viable product line for enterprise, retail, and healthcare markets. For optical retailers, tech resellers, and B2B service providers in Australia, staying informed and demonstrating these products could prove crucial to future-proofing their business models.
As Xiaomi’s global expansion of its AI Glasses continues, local resellers and partners may find new revenue opportunities in smart eyewear through custom lens fitting, tech support, and integrations with productivity or payment apps. Businesses should begin evaluating how such devices might fit into workplace mobility, AR-enhanced service delivery, and assistive technology ecosystems.
