HTC recently launched its first smart glasses supporting Traditional Chinese, the Vive Eagle, integrating multiple AI features such as voice interaction, scene recognition, and real-time translation. This release has reignited market interest and demand for AI glasses.
For HTC, attention extends beyond how much revenue the hardware product itself can generate. The market is particularly focused on the new ecosystem HTC is building around AI glasses and whether it can establish a sustainable and profitable business model.
To address software application needs and promote new business models for AI glasses, HTC has developed an AI platform that supports various large language models, including Gemini and ChatGPT. This approach caters to different user preferences for AI language models. Additionally, HTC's newly introduced "Vive AI Plus" service offers unlimited real-time enhanced AI responses, suitable for high-computation services like location search, navigation, and restaurant reviews.
HTC will also open the AI glasses service platform API to third-party content developers, enriching the range of applications available for AI glasses. In the future, specific apps may be marketed through subscription-based models.
Considering the future development potential of AI glasses, Charles Huang, senior vice president of global sales and marketing at HTC, revealed that the company's R&D team is currently developing a new mobile device designed to work seamlessly with AI glasses.
Moreover, HTC selected Taiwan Mobile (TWM) as its primary telecom partner to promote the Vive Eagle. To stimulate sales, TWM integrates devices, content, networks, and services by offering zero-cost subscription plans bundled with the AI glasses. It also provides limited-time free access to Vive AI Plus, the AI Q&A engine Perplexity Pro, KKBox music streaming, and lens upgrade vouchers.
TWM stated that, according to statistics supported by multiple brands, global AI glasses shipments grew about 210% year-over-year in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate exceeding 60% through 2029.
In summary, HTC's AI glasses business model goes beyond mere hardware sales. By creating a new AI glasses ecosystem combining hardware, platforms, applications, and services—and leveraging the R&D and service capabilities of telecom operators and content developers—HTC aims to empower AI glasses as a key driver of operational turnaround.
Furthermore, if HTC secures a leading position in the AI glasses market and its dedicated AI glasses mobile device truly meets consumer demands, the synergy between these products could further boost HTC's hardware business revenue.
Article edited by Jack Wu
