Baidu Inc, the leading AI innovator in China, is gearing up to introduce its latest hardware breakthrough at the upcoming Baidu World event in Shanghai. According to an inside source, the company’s hardware division, Xiaodu, will unveil AI-powered smart glasses that aim to rival the popularity of Meta’s Ray-Bans.
Equipped with cameras for photo and video capture, Baidu’s smart glasses leverage the power of the company’s Ernie foundation model. The glasses are designed to engage users through voice interactions and offer a suite of Baidu services. This move by Baidu is part of a broader trend among global tech firms to incorporate artificial intelligence into consumer-focused hardware.
Meta Platforms’ smart glasses, developed in collaboration with Ray-Ban manufacturer EssilorLuxottica, have achieved notable success in the market. Baidu aims to replicate this success in China and beyond with its own AI-powered glasses. The demand for Meta’s product has consistently outpaced supply, indicating a growing interest in AI-embedded wearable technology.
Baidu’s smart glasses are expected to integrate with Baidu Maps and Baike, the company’s online encyclopedia, providing users with a connected experience across Baidu’s ecosystem. Priced competitively at less than Meta’s $299 Ray-Bans, these glasses are projected to be commercially available as early as 2025.
Xiaodu, Baidu’s hardware arm, has made significant strides in the AI industry since securing funding in 2020 from investors like IDG Capital. The division is currently valued at $2.9 billion and has developed key products such as smart speakers and wireless earbuds, enhancing Baidu’s offerings by connecting users to its diverse ecosystem of services.
While AI-powered wearables, including glasses with real-time translation and pathfinding capabilities, have gained popularity in China, Baidu’s new glasses aim to differentiate themselves with advanced AI capabilities and direct integration with the company’s ecosystem. This seamless blend of convenience and innovation is expected to appeal to consumers seeking a comprehensive AI experience.