Baidu (BIDU, Financials) is set to release new AI-powered smart glasses, entering the market alongside Meta Platforms' (META, Financials) Ray-Ban-branded device, which was first launched in 2021, according to a Bloomberg report.
Based on a person familiar with the agenda, Baidu intends to present its offering at the Baidu World event in Shanghai next week, Bloomberg said.
Built-in cameras for picture and video capture as well as voice interaction capabilities backed on Baidu's Ernie foundation model will be included of the smart glasses. The insider, who asked for anonymity since the device is not public, said that sales may start in early 2025 with a possible price lower Meta's $299.
Developed in association with EssilorLuxottica SA, Meta's smart glasses have witnessed growing demand this year. Meta said that supply has not matched demand; EssilorLuxottica emphasizes the product as a main sales driver.
Baidu's foray into this market fits more general attempts to profit from its artificial intelligence developments. The glasses have been created by Xiaodu, the hardware branch of the firm that obtained money from investors including IDG Capital at a value of $2.9 billion in 2020. Currently on Xiaodu's roster are wireless earphones and voice-activated speakers that fit with Baidu's environment. These devices have become somewhat well-known in China, therefore supporting Baidu's standing in the smart device industry.
Though China's artificial intelligence industry has shown early success, Baidu has had competition. Thanks mostly to its creative user interface and more extensive social media integration, ByteDance Ltd.'s Doubao has surpassed Baidu's Ernie Bot as the top AI chatbot in the area. Executives of Baidu have also warned that short-term advertising income may suffer if results produced by artificial intelligence are included into its main search operation.
Other Chinese tech firms have shown comparable artificial intelligence glasses with an eye on navigating and translating. Apple (AAPL, Financials) is reportedly looking at the market for possible category entrance, which might change industry dynamics considering Apple's well-known brand and track record of innovation.
