Smart glasses are no longer just about style. Rokid’s latest wearable, now debuting on Kickstarter, projects real-time information directly into your field of view — something Meta’s Ray-Bans can’t yet match.
After 24 hours of testing, I’m convinced these glasses could redefine what “hands-free computing” means. But with a Kickstarter launch and a few rough edges, are they ready for prime time?
Key Takeaways
- Rokid AI glasses launch at $599 via Kickstarter.
- Built-in Micro LED displays project text and live translations.
- Meta Ray-Bans fall short in functionality, despite sleeker style.
- Camera performance lags but could improve with updates.
- Wearables market shows clear shift toward display-first innovation.
Rokid’s new AI glasses feature built-in Micro LED displays, enabling live translations, teleprompter functions, and AI-assisted navigation. Priced at $599 through Kickstarter, they outperform Meta’s Ray-Bans in functionality but trade off camera quality. The launch signals a shift toward display-driven innovation in the smart glasses market.
Why Rokid’s Glasses Are Turning Heads
When Meta launched its Ray-Ban smart glasses, the pitch was simple: sleek, stylish, and subtly infused with AI. Rokid is betting on a different playbook. Its new AI-powered glasses, now crowdfunding at $599, look ordinary but hide a trick that could prove revolutionary — built-in displays that project text and data in real time.
During testing in New York, I wore them on the subway, through Times Square, and into downtown Brooklyn. Surprisingly, no one gave me a second glance. From the outside, they look like standard black frames. But inside, I was reading AI-generated responses, translation transcripts, and even a scrolling teleprompter.
For anyone who remembers Mark Zuckerberg’s warning that not wearing AI glasses will someday be a “cognitive disadvantage,” Rokid’s new approach suddenly feels less like hype and more like a glimpse of what’s next.
The Everyday Experience
The glasses greet you with green monochrome Micro LED waveguide displays — think Matrix-style overlays floating in your vision. The interface is stripped down: a three-icon carousel for settings, voice assistant, and text features. It’s simple, and it works.
Features that stood out included:
- Live translation: I tested Mandarin and Spanish in back-to-back conversations. The glasses transcribed and translated without delay.
- Teleprompter mode: Spoken words scrolled as I read aloud, handy for presentations.
- AI assistant integration: Powered by ChatGPT, the glasses handled basic queries and navigation smoothly.
Not everything was perfect. Some touch inputs lagged, and the camera — a 12MP Sony sensor — produced decent but not vibrant photos and capped video at 720p, 60FPS. Unlike Meta’s Ray-Bans, Rokid is prioritizing function over flair, and that tradeoff shows.
Why It Matters for Wearables
This launch isn’t just about a single device. It’s about where the wearable industry is heading. Meta’s Ray-Bans lean on fashion and passive AI listening. Rokid flips that script, proving that what you see may matter more than what you hear.
Kickstarter projects always come with risk, and backers should remember that. But Rokid isn’t a no-name startup — it has history in AR hardware and is seen as a credible player in the field. If it succeeds, these glasses could mark a turning point where smart eyewear evolves from novelty to necessity.
Conclusion
The Rokid Glasses don’t beat Meta’s Ray-Bans on style, but they may win where it counts: functionality. From translations to text overlays, they hint at a future where smart glasses aren’t just about recording life but enhancing it in real time.
For now, they’re an ambitious Kickstarter bet. But if Rokid can polish the camera and software, these glasses could become the benchmark for AI wearables — and make Meta’s designs look outdated overnight.