Oppo has made another significant step in the world of wearable technology with the introduction of the Air Glass 3 at MWC 2024 in Barcelona. This new model demonstrates an evolution from its prototype origins to a surprisingly conventional-looking pair of glasses equipped with notable technological advancements.
The Air Glass 3 sports one of the most striking features in its sector, an AI-based voice assistant powered by AndesGPT, Oppo’s in-house large language model (LLM). These glasses offer a fresh take on assisted reality (aR), which differs from augmented reality (AR) by overlaying information on the user’s view without the complex graphics interaction typically expected from AR devices.
In contrast to AR glasses such as the Xreal Air 2 Ultra or the Brilliant Labs’ Frame, the Air Glass 3 does not feature a camera for video capture or object recognition. Functionality is introduced instead via a button on the frame that summons the AI voice assistant. The device connects seamlessly with the Air Glass app on an Oppo smartphone, where it gains access to the AndesGPT and other features like taking voice calls, playing music, and browsing color images through touch gestures.
Weighing in at 50 grams, the Air Glass 3 combines lightweight comfort with a significantly more sophisticated appearance than its predecessors. The improved waveguide technology it employs allows for a full-color display, achieving over 50% display brightness uniformity and peak eye brightness exceeding 1,000 nits.
To complement the AI voice-assistant centered user interface, Oppo includes four microphones for clear voice capture and employs a unique “reverse sound field technology” for audio output privacy.
The quest for the next leap in personal computing seems to focus on AI voice assistant-enabled hardware. The Air Glass 3 represents Oppo’s commitment to this emerging trend, highlighted by the device’s continued development over the past three years, punctuated by substantial hardware improvements.
However, it’s important to note that the Air Glass 3 remains in the prototype stage. There are no details regarding pricing or a release date, and since Oppo’s AndesGPT is currently available only in China, a global launch may not be on the immediate horizon.
For now, technology enthusiasts and early adopters may direct their attention to alternatives available on the market, such as the XREAL Air 2 AR glasses, which can be found for purchase on major retail platforms.
