Baidu, often referred to as the “Chinese equivalent of Google,” has unveiled its own pair of AI-powered smart glasses at its annual conference in Shanghai. The device will be powered by ERNIE generative AI technology developed by the company. These smart glasses are designed to become a “personal assistant”.
Users will be able to interact with the device using their voice, asking it questions about what they see around them. The glasses can also play music and even track calorie intake. Thanks to the cameras in the device, users can ask to take a photo or record a video.
Baidu’s smart glasses are expected to start shipping to the market next year. They could become an alternative to Meta and Snap devices for Chinese consumers. Meta teamed up with Ray-Ban a few years ago to produce smart glasses that can live-stream and take photos without using hands. Meta’s latest model is equipped with a generative AI assistant that users can communicate with. However, the company’s device is not officially sold in China as its servers are blocked in the country. Baidu has not yet announced how much its smart glasses will cost, while Meta sells its device for $299.
The Baidu World conference had a significant focus on the company’s AI developments as it takes steps to ensure ERNIE’s competitiveness. Baidu also introduced a new AI-based image generator called iRAG, which has fewer “hallucinations” compared to its predecessor, as well as a tool that allows you to create programs even without programming knowledge.
Source: engadget