HTC is pursuing an open platform approach for its VIVE Eagle smart glasses, allowing users to select from multiple artificial intelligence (AI) models to enhance user experience and expand market presence. The glasses, launched in August 2025 in Taiwan, have recently been introduced in Hong Kong and are planned for release in Japan, Southeast Asia, and Western regions.
Charles Huang, HTC's senior vice president of global sales and marketing, told Reuters that the rapid evolution of AI and the competitive development of large language models (LLMs) require considerable resource investment. In response, HTC is adopting a strategy that supports various AI platforms rather than building a closed system. The VIVE Eagle glasses currently support Google Gemini and OpenAI models, providing users with a choice different from competitors such as Meta Platforms Inc., whose smart glasses rely exclusively on Meta AI. Chinese manufacturers like Xiaomi and Alibaba Group primarily incorporate domestic AI models into their devices.
Huang also pointed out HTC's Asia-first design focus, which seeks to address fit and usability issues for Asian users that are often overlooked by products primarily designed for Western consumers. Regarding HTC's market expansion in Greater China, he noted that Hong Kong serves as an initial launch market but described China's entry as complex due to stringent regulatory requirements on overseas AI companies and data localization mandates. HTC plans to conduct thorough assessments and prepare further before entering the Chinese mainland market.
Industry data from Counterpoint Technology Market Research indicates that global smart glasses shipments increased by 110% in the first half of 2025, with Meta maintaining a dominant share of over 70%. HTC's strategy aims to challenge this dominant position by leveraging AI model flexibility and regional market customization.
Article edited by Jack Wu
