HTC Corp. is expected to debut its next-generation VIVE device on August 14, following a teaser titled "SEE WHAT'S IN" released via the company's official VIVE social media channels on August 1. Industry speculation suggests the product will be HTC's first AI glasses.
In addition to hardware specifications and software capabilities, attention is turning to the business model HTC will adopt and how the company plans to integrate AI-enabled wearables into its broader AR and VR ecosystem over the medium to long term.
Global demand for smart glasses is gaining momentum after Meta and Ray-Ban's AI-powered model surpassed 2 million units sold. Meta's conceptual Orion device has also attracted strong interest from across the industry. Other companies, including Baidu, Xreal, RayNeo, Xiaomi, Asus and Gentle Monster, which collaborates with Google, have introduced similar products.
While current AI glasses generally lack advanced AR features, they already include functionalities such as environmental recognition for navigation, image capture, real-time translation and voice calls. As technologies like generative AI and AI agents continue to mature, these wearables are increasingly capable of delivering proactive services and contextual responsiveness.
HTC has shifted away from its former smartphone business and refocused on AR, VR, artificial intelligence and next-generation connectivity. Its entry into the AI glasses segment represents a strategic expansion of its product portfolio and may provide a boost to its broader business outlook. Several challenges remain, however, and are likely to determine the company's success in this new category.
Hardware differentiation and software depth
AI glasses available on the market typically come equipped with cameras, audio components, sensors, and fundamental AI capabilities. HTC is expected to encounter challenges in differentiating its products by delivering more advanced hardware and a more comprehensive software experience. The company's ability to improve user interaction with AI features will play a key role in determining the device's competitive edge.
Channel strategy and partnership potential
Xiaomi's newest smart glasses feature electrochromic lenses that allow for rapid color changes and are backed by an extensive retail presence with more than 400 physical stores across China, providing vision correction services. Industry analysts are watching closely to see whether HTC will establish comparable partnerships with established eyewear companies to support global distribution, prescription lens fitting, after-sales service, and revenue sharing, which are considered essential components of a viable business strategy.
Leveraging the AR/VR ecosystem
Given the current limitations in technology maturity, cost control, user comfort and application development, HTC's AI glasses are not expected to offer full integration with AR and VR systems at launch. The company's ability to leverage its existing AR/VR ecosystem to drive adoption and to develop differentiated use cases over the longer term will be key to establishing a competitive foothold in the evolving AI eyewear market.
Credit: HTC
Article edited by Jingyue Hsiao
