September 2023 marked a significant leap into the realm of augmented reality with the collaboration between Meta and Ray-Ban to launch the second generation of AI glasses, aptly named Ray-Ban MetaThis innovative venture has ignited a burgeoning market for AI eyewear, with over two million units sold, establishing it as the first AI glasses to surpass sales expectations.

As the potential of AI glasses became increasingly apparent, interest in this technology surged since the latter half of 2022. Numerous players have entered the playing field, all aiming to create the next breakout sensation in the AI eyewear space, inspired by Meta's resounding success.

Among these contenders is Thunderbird Innovation, a well-established leader in the field of augmented reality in China, who has made no secret of its ambition to surpass MetaDuring the highly anticipated CES event, often referred to as the "Spring Festival Gala of the tech world," Thunderbird Innovation unveiled its new product, the Thunderbird V3 AI camera glasses, under the slogan "Meta, Beyond."

CEO Li Hongwei stated that the year 2025 is poised to become a pivotal battleground for AI glassesHe credited the recent surge in interest to the launch of the Ray-Ban Meta, which has taken the market by storm since its debut.

Li expressed admiration for Meta as a competitor, noting that their approach to the design of the Ray-Ban Meta echoes Apple's meticulous attention to detailHe emphasized that for consumers looking for intelligent eyewear priced under 3000 yuan, Meta stands unrivaled for now.

Thunderbird Innovation's vision is straightforward: create the Thunderbird V3 to provide a superior experience across four key dimensions—headphones, cameras, AI, and glasses—all while remaining competitively priced compared to Meta's offerings. "We aim to design a product that truly stands upon the shoulders of Meta, yet transcends it," said Li.

The development of the product began in May 2022, with initial prototypes V1 and V2 focused on camera functionalities

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However, after witnessing Meta's impressive launch in September 2023, Thunderbird chose to incorporate previous insights and initiate the development of a new, more advanced prototype, the V3.

The final version of the Thunderbird V3 boasts a host of cutting-edge technologies, including the Falcon Imaging System, a custom large model developed exclusively for this product, the Snapdragon® AR1 flagship chip, and specially designed speakers.

Notably, the Thunderbird V3 is the first AI glasses in China equipped with a custom large model, marking a significant milestone in this tech landscapeOn the first working day of 2025, Alibaba Cloud announced an exclusive strategic partnership with Thunderbird InnovationAlibaba's Tongyi series large models will provide customized AI technological and product support for the Thunderbird V3, making it the first product stemming from this collaboration.

To further attract consumers, Thunderbird has also been strategic with its pricingThe most affordable version of the Meta glasses available in China costs around 2899 yuan, while the Thunderbird V3 is set at a more consumer-friendly price of 1799 yuan.

The launch of the Thunderbird V3 undoubtedly signals the start of a fierce competition in the AI glasses realm, setting the stage for the anticipated "Hundred Glasses War" in 2025. Since the beginning of 2024, a multitude of companies in China have pledged to introduce their own AI eyewear, indicating an explosive growth in this sector.

The companies entering the AI glasses market can be categorized into three main groups: AR glasses manufacturers like Thunderbird Innovation, Li Weike Technology, and Rokid; smartphone giants such as Huawei, Xiaomi, Meizu, and OPPO; and major tech companies including Baidu and ByteDance.

Numerous AI glasses products have rapidly emerged both domestically and internationallyNotable examples from abroad include the Ray-Ban Meta, Solos AirGo Vision, and Frame AI smart glasses

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As Li Hongwei aptly pointed out, "the glasses market has never been as lively as it is this year." In a whirlwind of activity, tech companies ranging from startups to industry giants have diversified into the eyewear sector.

The arrival of AI large models is anticipated to trigger a revolution in consumer devices, and among these, AI glasses are regarded as one of the most viable means of integrating this technology into everyday life.

The potential for AI glasses in the marketplace is vastA report by Zhongtai Securities suggests that the current stage of AI smart glasses can be likened to the smartwatch boom around 2014, indicating a promising future market expansion.

According to research from CICC, after several rounds of product iteration, the successful paradigm for AI glasses might already be emergingThey predict that approximately two million units will be shipped in 2024, with overall market size potentially reaching 3.65 billion yuan, indicating a penetration rate of just 0.1%. Looking ahead, AI glasses could be the next revolutionary mobile terminal.

Furthermore, forecasts from WellsennXR predict that from 2025 onward, AI smart glasses will swiftly penetrate the market amid stable growth in traditional eyewear salesBy 2029, annual sales of AI smart glasses are expected to reach around 55 million units.

The trend toward AI glasses is gaining immense traction, and 2025 could represent a crucial turning point for product volumeHowever, the impending "Hundred Glasses War" will lead to intense competition within the industryTo emerge victorious in this AI glasses arms race, brands will need to be well-prepared and strategically poised.

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