Baidu Inc., one of China’s leading tech companies and an early AI pioneer, is preparing to launch AI-powered smart glasses to compete directly with Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses. The anticipated launch is set for November 12, 2024, during the Baidu World Conference in Shanghai, showcasing Baidu’s ambition to expand its reach in the AI and augmented reality sector.
Apple is also considering entering the smart glasses segment with an own product, currently exploring options through its ‘Atlas’ project.
Rumored Features: Cameras, AI, Navigation
The glasses, developed by Baidu’s hardware division Xiaodu, are said to come equipped with cameras for photo and video capture and will include voice interaction capabilities. These functions will be driven by Baidu’s ERNIE AI foundation model, which supports various applications, such as natural language processing and real-time interactions. The glasses will also link with Baidu’s services like Baidu Maps for navigation and Baike, its digital encyclopedia, enhancing their utility for users.
Baidu aims to set its product apart by offering a lower price point than Meta’s Ray-Ban Stories glasses, which currently retail for $299. The strategy is designed to make the glasses more appealing to budget-conscious consumers and expand market reach. Early reports indicate that the glasses could become available for sale by early 2025, marking Baidu’s significant step in AR technology.
Xiaodu, Baidu’s hardware-focused division, has played a pivotal role in bringing this project to life. Known for its smart home devices like voice-activated speakers and earbuds, Xiaodu has a strong track record in integrating AI into consumer tech. The division secured significant investment in 2020 from IDG Capital, elevating its valuation to approximately $2.9 billion, a move that laid the foundation for more sophisticated devices.
Global Market Dynamics and Competitive Landscape
The smart glasses market is on a rapid growth trajectory, fueled by advancements in AI and AR. Analysts predict a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29.4% through 2030, supported by the expansion of 5G networks that enable real-time processing and high-speed data transmission.
Meta, with its Ray-Ban Stories, has found considerable success, integrating features such as real-time language translation and object recognition. However, demand has at times surpassed supply, showing a strong appetite for this category of wearable tech.
In China, Baidu faces competition from domestic and global players. ByteDance’s Doubao chatbot, which has surpassed Baidu’s ERNIE Bot in popularity, demonstrates the fierce AI rivalry in the region. Additionally, Baidu’s executives have acknowledged potential challenges with ad revenue as AI-generated results are integrated more deeply into their primary search business.
Technical Challenges in AR Wearables
Adoption of AR wearables comes with its own set of challenges. Privacy concerns remain prominent due to built-in cameras and microphones, raising questions about data handling and security.
Technical obstacles, such as battery life and comfort during extended use, also need to be addressed for smart glasses to become mainstream. Meta, for instance, has navigated similar hurdles with its own AR products, aiming to make their use more acceptable and practical for daily activities.
AI Features and User Experience
Baidu’s glasses are expected to leverage AI in a way that enhances user interactions, much like Meta’s Orion prototype, which uses holographic projection to overlay digital content on the user’s field of view. The feature supports hands-free operation through voice commands and intuitive gestures. If Baidu’s smart glasses adopt similar technology, they could provide robust competition and drive innovation in the space.
Apple, known for its methodical approach, is also positioning itself within the AR market. Its Vision Pro mixed-reality headset has demonstrated the company’s focus on high-end AR solutions. Though Apple has not officially confirmed its smart glasses, internal projects, such as Atlas, indicate ongoing efforts in this space, which could reshape consumer expectations once released.
Baidu’s move into the smart glasses market reflects a broader trend among major tech companies investing in AI-integrated hardware. With the anticipated combination of functionality, strategic pricing, and seamless connectivity, Baidu aims to position itself as a key player in the evolving AR market. The success of the product will depend on how well it balances technological capabilities with user expectations and market demands.
