Xiaomi Unveils Prototype AR Glasses at Mobile World Congress to Expand Beyond Smartphones
Chinese technology company Xiaomi has announced the Xiaomi Wireless AR Glass Discovery Edition, a pair of prototype augmented reality glasses. The device was unveiled at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, one of the biggest mobile industry shows in the world. The announcement highlights Xiaomi’s ambition to expand beyond smartphones and offer more products to consumers.
Augmented Reality Glasses Concept
The Xiaomi Wireless AR Glass Discovery Edition is a concept technology and will not be available for sale yet. The glasses allow for digital media to be superimposed over the real world, giving users a unique augmented reality experience. Once Xiaomi releases the product, it will be included among the AR devices available in the market, such as Microsoft’s HoloLens and Google Glass Enterprise.
Gesture Control and Smartphone Connectivity
According to Xiaomi, the AR glasses are lightweight and can be wirelessly connected to a smartphone. The device offers a retina-level display, enabling users to see virtual objects as clearly as physical ones. Additionally, Xiaomi has incorporated gesture control into the glasses, allowing users to execute tasks by moving their hand and fingers in specific ways. This feature could remove the need to touch a smartphone, offering a new level of convenience to users.
Direction of Future Interaction
According to Xiaomi, the future will involve this type of human-computer interaction where users can perform smartphone tasks with simple gestures in front of the glasses. The company exemplified that a thumb sliding on the index finger would be the movement used to enter and exit applications. This kind of interaction has the potential to transform the way we utilize our devices, providing an intuitive and easily accessible experience.
Competition in the Market
The AR glasses market is becoming increasingly competitive, with many technology giants showing an interest in the technology. Companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Apple are looking at augmented or mixed reality as a way to bring new experiences to consumers. Bloomberg reported earlier this year that Apple plans to unveil its mixed reality headset this spring, with consumer deliveries beginning in fall 2023.
Looking to Unlock Revenue from Other Devices
Xiaomi, a major player in the smartphone industry, is seeking to generate revenue from other sources by branching out into other types of devices. In recent years, the company has introduced a wide range of products, including televisions and electric scooters. The introduction of AR glasses demonstrates the company’s intention to diversify its offerings beyond smartphones and provide consumers with more groundbreaking products.
Leo Gebbie, an analyst at CCS Insight, told CNBC via email, “It’s a widespread view in the technology industry that AR smart glasses could be the next major form of mobile computing after the smartphone.” Xiaomi’s announcement shows that the company is committed to exploring this emerging technology and offering a unique product to consumers.
Conclusion
Xiaomi’s prototype AR glasses show the company’s ambition to expand beyond smartphones and offer more innovative products to consumers. The glasses offer a new level of convenience to users, with gesture control and smartphone connectivity. While the device is still a concept technology and will not be available for sale yet, Xiaomi’s announcement shows its commitment to exploring emerging technologies and entering new markets.
