- Google has completed its first AI-powered glasses, with production expected to begin in Taiwan.
- Quanta is seen as the leading manufacturer, while HTC remains a strong contender with its AR/VR expertise.
- The booming smart glasses market presents fresh opportunities for electronics manufacturing and supply chains.
Google has allegedly finished developing its first AI-powered glasses, with production expected to happen in Taiwan.
Quanta, recognized for its electronics production, managed the prototype development for manufacturing, although market rumors indicate HTC might also be a competitor.
HTC, a technology firm from Taiwan, has launched its AI glasses named Vive Eagle and has relocated certain R&D staff proficient in AR/VR, along with non-exclusive licensed patents to Google for $250 million.
HTC formerly sold its smartphone division, Powered by HTC, to Google in a one-time transaction for US$1.1 billion. Even though contract manufacturing isn’t HTC's main focus anymore, the company's background in making its own AI glasses indicates it could be a possible manufacturer for Google’s latest device.
HTC's Vive Eagle is the first branded wearable globally to offer traditional Chinese voice control and includes an open AI framework, enabling users to select from major language models such as Google Gemini and OpenAI's GPT.
HTC's senior vice-president Charles Huang stated that the company intends to enhance AI capabilities via software updates.
The development of Google’s AI glasses aligns with rapid market growth that positions smart glasses as the forthcoming key computing platform.
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Worldwide deliveries of smart glasses surged by 210% in 2024, with AI-equipped versions accounting for 78% of total shipments, an increase from just 46% the previous year. The market is expected to sustain more than 60% compound annual growth until 2029, showing persistent momentum instead of a fleeting trend.
Meta presently leads with a 73% market share thanks to its Ray-Ban collaboration, but this presents a substantial opportunity for Google to contest that dominance. The North American market is anticipated to hit $2.39 billion by 2024, increasing at an annual rate of 25.7% until 2031.
Google's foray would utilize its AI strengths and Android ecosystem to directly rival Meta's consumer-centric strategy, possibly altering the competitive environment in this swiftly growing market.