Xiaomi has just shaken up the world of wearables with the launch of its first smart glasses with artificial intelligence, the Xiaomi AI Glasses. In a market dominated by the Ray-Ban Meta and other niche options, the Chinese brand is betting big on a device that combines a lightweight design, powerful cameras, real-time AI features, and advanced connectivity.

The announcement was made at the “Human × Car × Home” event in China, making it clear that Xiaomi doesn't just want to follow the trend: it wants to lead it. The glasses weigh just 40 grams and adopt a discreet aesthetic, similar to conventional glasses, moving away from the futuristic look that these types of gadgets usually have. They are available in three main colors (black, brown, and green), and an edition with a transparent frame that lets you see inside, for the more geeky among us.

Also noteworthy are two editions with electrochromic lenses, capable of automatically darkening or changing color between purple, blue, pink, and gray with a simple touch on the temple. It's not just a question of aesthetics: they also improve visibility and reduce glare outdoors.

An AI brain and 2K camera in your glasses

The most impressive thing is inside. The Xiaomi AI Glasses have a Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 processor, optimized for augmented reality devices, accompanied by 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage. In terms of connectivity, they are not far behind: they include WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4, allowing you to maintain a fast and stable connection with your smartphone, even if you are recording or using cloud functions.

The star of the hardware is its front camera: a 12 MP Sony IMX681 sensor, with f / 2.2 aperture, electronic image stabilization and the ability to record video in 2K resolution at 30 frames per second. It also takes high-resolution photos (over 12 megapixels) and lets you capture first-person GoPro-style content, but without having to wear an extra headphone.

And what's all that for? This is where the real difference comes in: built-in artificial intelligence. The glasses can identify objects and places just by looking at them, translate texts in real time, read restaurant menus in other languages, scan food and estimate its calorie content, and even help you find your way around if you're in an unfamiliar city. All of this is activated by voice or gestures.

Audio, assistants, payments, and real autonomy

Another strong point is the sound. The Xiaomi AI Glasses integrate two speakers (one on each side) and a five-microphone system, including a bone-conduction microphone on the nose, to ensure that voice instructions are heard clearly even in noisy environments. This allows you to hold conversations, make voice commands, or hear responses from the assistant without the need for headphones.

The operating system is based on XiaoAi, Xiaomi's voice assistant, although the company is evaluating future adaptations with other assistants such as Alexa or Google Assistant if the product is launched outside of China. By simply saying commands like "translate this sign" or "record what I see," the glasses execute the actions without you having to take out your phone.

In countries like China, they also offer digital payment features: you can look at a QR code in a store and confirm the transaction with your eyes. Although this feature still depends on regional systems, Xiaomi has already announced that it is working to expand this option to other markets.

The battery is 263 mAh, which may seem small, but thanks to the processor's efficiency, the glasses offer between 8 and 8.6 hours of continuous use. They also have fast charging and a case that also acts as a charging base. In terms of durability, they have an IP54 rating, which means they can withstand splashes of water and everyday dust without any problems.

Can the Xiaomi AI Glasses compete with Meta?

The big question is whether Xiaomi can compete with Meta, a company that already has several models of smart glasses on the market alongside Ray-Ban. And the answer is yes, at least on paper. The Xiaomi AI Glasses combine power, attractive design, and useful features, all for a price starting at just 1,999 yuan (about $280 at the current exchange rate).

Where Xiaomi can gain ground is in customization, low weight, long-wearing comfort, and, above all, in seamless integration with its smart device ecosystem. If they manage to launch these glasses in Europe and Latin America with an optimized software experience, we could be looking at the Chinese brand's next big success in the world of wearables.

For now, they are only available in China, but with the push for generative AI and the popularity of smart devices, it wouldn't be surprising to see them in other markets soon. The Xiaomi AI Glasses are not just another technological experiment: They could be the beginning of a new way of interacting with the digital world. And this time, without taking your phone out of your pocket.