HTC unveils AI-powered spectacles, taking the spotlight from Meta
HTC has entered the AR glasses market with the release of the Vive Eagle, a new set of AR sunglasses that boast a sophisticated design and advanced features. The Vive Eagle is currently available for pre-order in Taiwan, with a wider release planned for September 1, 2025.
Key Features and Specifications
The Vive Eagle comes in four colours: Berry Red, Coffee Brown, Grey, and Black, each with a transparent design that showcases the internal components. The glasses weigh just 49g, making them similar in weight to Meta's glasses, ensuring comfort and wearability.
One of the standout features of the Vive Eagle is its real-time translation capability, which supports 13 languages at launch. The glasses run on the Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 chip, launched in 2023.
Pricing and Availability
The Vive Eagle is priced at NT$15,600 (approximately $520 USD) in Taiwan. This puts it at a higher price point compared to Meta's Ray-Ban AI glasses, which are priced between $299 to $379 USD depending on the model and region. However, it's important to note that the international pricing for the Vive Eagle is yet to be determined.
The Vive Eagle is currently only available for pre-order in Taiwan, directly through HTC. In contrast, Meta's Ray-Ban AI glasses have a wider international availability.
Comparison with Meta Ray-Ban AI Glasses
While both the Vive Eagle and the updated Meta Ray-Bans are AR glasses, there are some key differences in their release and pricing plans. The Vive Eagle is a more premium product, with advanced AI integration and a focus on fashion and technology. However, it has limited international availability at launch, whereas Meta's Ray-Ban AI glasses are more accessible globally and at a lower price point.
| Feature | HTC Vive Eagle | Meta Ray-Ban AI Glasses | |------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------| | Release Location | Taiwan exclusive at launch | International markets | | Release Date | September 1, 2025 | Already widely available | | Price | NT$15,600 (~$520 USD) | $299 - $379 USD | | Color Options | Berry Red, Coffee Brown, Grey, Black | Limited to fewer styles/colors | | AI Assistants Supported | Google Gemini, ChatGPT, Vive AI (subscription included for 2 years) | Meta AI only | | Unique Features | 12 MP camera, real-time text-to-speech translation in 13 languages, longer battery life | Integration with Meta ecosystem, less advanced language support |
Additional Features
The Vive Eagle also features a 12MP ultrawide camera system for first-person videos and photos, with a resolution of 1512 x 2016 at 30 fps. The glasses have an IP54 dust and water resistance rating for weatherproofing. A capture LED indicates recording, which shuts off recording if obscured, similar to Meta's glasses.
The Vive Eagle also offers voice control, allowing hands-free activation of Google Gemini for queries and requests. The battery life for music playback is up to 4.5 hours, and for voice calls, it's around 3 hours. The device can last up to 36 hours on standby.
All user data on the Vive Eagle is stored locally on the device for privacy. An updated version of the Meta Ray-Bans is expected in the relatively near future. ChatGPT is currently undergoing beta testing for integration with the Vive Eagle. It's worth noting that the Vive Eagle resembles Ray-Bans in design but is designed by HTC itself, without a partnership with a big-name sunglasses brand.
In summary, the HTC Vive Eagle offers advanced features and a premium design, but with a higher price and a Taiwan-limited initial release. On the other hand, Meta's Ray-Ban AI glasses are more affordable and internationally available, with integration into the Meta ecosystem.
[1] HTC Vive Eagle AR Glasses Launch Date and Price Revealed [2] HTC Vive Eagle AR Glasses: Everything You Need to Know [3] Meta Ray-Ban AI Glasses: Price, Release Date, and Features [4] HTC Vive Eagle AR Glasses: Colour Options and Design [5] HTC Vive Eagle AR Glasses: Battery Life and Specifications Explained
The HTC Vive Eagle, a sophisticated new smart-home device and gadget, boasts advanced technology within its AR sunglasses design. For instance, it comes with a high-resolution 12MP camera capable of capturing first-person videos and photos, and utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 chip. Moreover, it incorporates AI assistants, such as Google Gemini and ChatGPT, and offers real-time text-to-speech translation in 13 languages, making it a noteworthy addition to the growing world of technology.
