The race to create the perfect pair of smart glasses is a relentless pursuit of miniaturization and power. For a while, the title of "world's lightest" has been held by the Rokid Glasses, boasting an impressively svelte profile at just 48 grams. But in a quiet yet significant power move, Lenovo has just unveiled a contender that doesn't just compete—it potentially redefines the landscape. Meet the Lenovo Visual AI Glasses V1, a pair of AI and AR spectacles that, at 38 grams, are now lighter than the reigning champion.
While Lenovo itself isn't loudly trumpeting a "world's lightest" claim, the numbers speak for themselves. Tipping the scales at less than a standard pair of sunglasses, the Visual AI Glasses V1 represent a significant leap in wearable comfort, making the dream of all-day AR and AI assistance more plausible than ever.
Engineering the Impossible: How Did Lenovo Achieve This Weight?
The question on every tech enthusiast's mind is: how did they do it? The secret lies in a combination of minimalist design and cutting-edge display technology. The lenses, crucial to any pair of glasses, are an astonishingly thin 1.8mm. More importantly, Lenovo has opted for a micro-LED display system that it claims is a world-first in its use of resin diffraction waveguide technology.
In simpler terms, this advanced tech allows for a brighter, more efficient image to be projected directly onto the lens with a simpler and potentially lighter optical assembly compared to traditional methods. This strategic choice in core technology is a primary driver behind the glasses' featherweight construction.
But a lightweight frame is nothing without a compelling visual experience. Here, Lenovo takes a different path from Rokid. While the Rokid Glasses feature dual displays with 1,500 nits of brightness, the Lenovo V1 utilizes a single display that punches even higher, reaching 2,000 nits. This higher brightness is crucial for maintaining clarity in various lighting conditions, especially outdoors.
Beyond the Scale: Features That Define the Experience
The weight is the headline, but the features are the story. Lenovo has packed the Visual AI Glasses V1 with a suite of practical AI-powered tools designed for productivity and connectivity:
- Live Translation & Conversation Mode: Imagine having a real-time translator in your eyeline. The glasses can translate spoken dialogue directly in your field of view, breaking down language barriers in meetings or while traveling.
- Teleprompter Mode: A boon for content creators, presenters, and anyone who needs to deliver a speech, this mode displays scrolling text directly in front of the user, allowing for a natural, eye-contact-friendly delivery.
- AI Navigation: Step-by-step directions can be overlaid onto the real world, making navigation more intuitive and allowing you to keep your head up and your phone in your pocket.
Powering these features is Lenovo's proprietary AI, accessible through touch controls conveniently located on the glasses' temples. Integrated stereo speakers provide private audio, and a Bluetooth 5.4 connection ensures a stable link to your smartphone. Battery life is rated at a respectable 8-10 hours in translation mode, supported by a 167mAh battery that charges fully in just 40 minutes.
For those interested in the precise specifications and official details, you can find them directly at the Lenovo China product page here.
The Verdict: A New Contender Emerges
So, how does the new kid on the block stack up against the established favorite? The Lenovo Visual AI Glasses V1 are now available for pre-order in China for CNY 3,999 (approximately $562), slightly undercutting the $599 Rokid Glasses.
However, the choice isn't straightforward. The Rokid Glasses counter with a 12MP camera for augmented reality experiences, a larger 210mAh battery, and its dual-display system. The Lenovo V1 fights back with its superior lightness, higher display brightness, and unique features like the ability to switch between monocular and binocular viewing modes.
The arrival of the Lenovo Visual AI Glasses V1 signals a thrilling new chapter in wearable tech. It proves that the boundaries of weight and power are still being pushed. For now, the title of "lightest" seems to have quietly changed hands, and the global tech community will be watching closely to see when—and if—Lenovo decides to bring this featherweight champion to a worldwide audience.
