Rokid Challenges Meta in AI Smart Glasses Race with Virtual Display Tech

Rokid has emerged as a leader in China's competitive smart glasses market, leveraging a virtual display feature that appeals to professionals and government officials. According to data from JD.com, Rokid has maintained the top sales position for three consecutive months, despite pricing its frames approximately $100 higher than its primary domestic competitor, Alibaba. While Meta's Ray-Ban Display focuses on a small corner screen and high fashion, Chinese consumers are showing a preference for augmented reality (AR) displays that project text and images directly in the user's field of vision. This "teleprompting" capability, which allows users to scroll through prepared speeches, has become a key driver for adoption among executives. The broader AI glasses market is poised for rapid expansion. Omdia forecasts global unit sales will grow by over 70% this year to reach 15 million units, with Chinese sales expected to double to 2.1 million. However, virtual display glasses remain a niche segment, projected to represent only 10% of total global sales. Rokid is expanding its footprint in the U.K. and Canada, pricing its devices at $599—significantly lower than Meta's $799 starting price. Meta currently faces inventory constraints in the U.S. and is blocked from the Chinese market due to regulatory firewalls. To drive utility, Rokid has integrated the OpenClaw AI agent and enabled Alipay QR code payments. Following years of struggle to gain market share against rivals like Xreal, Rokid is reportedly preparing for an initial public offering in Hong Kong by the end of April.