As the year draws to a close, the consumer electronics industry usually enters a lull, but this year marks a significant departure from that trend, particularly with the burgeoning wave of AI glasses in ChinaThis phenomenon has been dubbed the "Battle of the Hundred Glasses," where not only niche manufacturers but also some unexpected crossover brands are diving into the fray.

Recently, the brand known primarily for power banks, Shanjij Technology, has officially unveiled its first AI glasses, the Shanjij AI "Snap Mirror" (Shanjij A1). Weighing about 50 grams, this device features a UniSoC W517 processor and a Sony 16-megapixel cameraIt integrates three batteries and is poised to connect with over a dozen prominent domestic AI model developers such as Cloud Tianli Fei, iFlytek, Tongyi Qianwen, Kimi, and ZhipuThe entry-level price for collaborative versions starts at an appealing 999 yuan.

The Shanjij A1

Functionally, the Shanjij A1 can be compared to the Ray-Ban Meta, but its design caters more to domestic consumers

Additionally, it boasts superior hardware enhancements, particularly in the camera department, which promises a better user experienceNotably, prior to the product's reveal, Shanjij announced that it had secured over 100 million yuan in Series A funding within just one monthZhang Bo, the founder and CEO, mentioned, "Compared to smartphone manufacturers and internet companies, they may be stronger, but we are quicker."

In contrast to many other AI glasses that have been announced but not yet made available for purchase, the Shanjij A1 is slated for delivery around January 15, marking it as one of the first mass-produced models in the Chinese marketAfter making this significant move, Zhang set a bold ambition for himself: "We aim to ship 500,000 units this year, generating over 600 million yuan in salesThis represents what we consider our first phase of victory."

The initiative commenced two years ago, reaching a milestone with a month of financing exceeding 100 million yuan

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The overall AI shift in devices from smartphones to PCs has reignited market enthusiasmIn contrast, the infusion of AI in glasses, a product not previously known for its smart capabilities, has led to transformative changesIt’s essential to note the distinction between AI glasses and AR glasses; the former are lighter and equipped with discreet speakers and microphones, but lack displays, focusing instead on functionalities such as AI voice assistance and audio playbackAR glasses, however, feature screens and various components, resulting in larger sizes.

AI glasses represent one of the most accessible forms of smart hardware poised for breakthroughs with large AI models, often likened to a "TWS earbud version of glasses." Their lower costs and user experience, closely aligning with traditional eyewear, have contributed to their swift popularity; estimations suggest that Ray-Ban Meta glasses have already reached sales of approximately two million units

A report from CITIC Securities emphasizes that AI smart glasses, as wearable devices, are both cost-effective and groundbreaking for consumers, indicating vast market potential.

Zhang Bo, a veteran in the consumer electronics space, previously worked with Meizu in development, GTM, and offline sales, carrying a meticulous approach towards product qualityInterestingly, during the launch event, he repeatedly paid tribute to Meizu and Smartisan Technology, stating his desire to be an "acutely unique player in the age of conformity." Although Shanjij’s previous core products were related to power banks, Zhang still harbors ambitions reminiscent of the smartphone industry—a pursuit of the next-generation super terminal.

So, why AI glasses? This choice can be viewed from two perspectivesFirstly, AI is positioned as the core driver for all devices of the future, but a terminal that maximally harnesses AI capabilities has yet to emerge

Secondly, glasses, as wearable devices closest to human senses, can provide AI with essential sensory data—sight and sound—necessary for development.

Zhang articulated, "We believe this device should unobtrusively exist by one's ear and hand, allowing people to view the world through AI’s perspectiveThe ideal is that the glasses can be worn at all times, always operational, always recording, enabling AI to perpetually anticipate the future."

It’s reported that while many brands race to capitalize on the trend, Shanjij identified the opportunity last year, initiating the AI glasses project and conducting a small-scale reveal in May within user communities, sharing specifications and architecture publiclyNonetheless, the transition from power banks to AI glasses has drawn skepticism and bewilderment from some observers due to the technical and supply chain complexities involved in creating such devices.

Confronted with external doubts, Zhang noted that manufacturing power banks required a similar logic—equipping them with hardware, software, and displays

"Our power bank also featured screens and systems, and we were pleasantly surprised to find that our power bank shell supplier was also the lens provider for XR glasses, meaning our supply chain was already well understoodWe could evaluate the difficulties right from day one."

Apart from maintaining robust supply chain oversight, Shanjij's entry into the AI glasses market is also bolstered by its healthy profit margins and cash flow, ensuring its capacity for sustainable growthZhang revealed that the company is well-resourced, stating, "Since we launched our AI glasses initiative, competing teams have struggled to secure funding, including XR teams from the pastStarting in August, after formally seeking external financing, we secured over 100 million in just one monthCompared to smartphone manufacturers and internet firms, they may certainly be stronger, but we are significantly faster."

Following in the footsteps of Lei Jun, Zhang insists that AI glasses are not merely tools for entertainment

Style, comfort, and utility are the three guiding principles behind Shanjij’s development of AI glassesHe explained that, beyond their smart characteristics, AI glasses must first meet the fundamental needs of eyewear usersTo this end, Shanjij partnered with leading eyewear brand LOHO for a collaborative design tailored to the Shanjij A1.

However, in the competitive landscape of hardware, launching a product that doesn't outperform others seems almost inadequate for a successful unveilingZhang pointed out that innovation in the Shanjij A1 includes a tripartite architecture and a 16-megapixel camera that surpasses Meta’s offerings"The 16-megapixel camera is for photography, and video recording is set at 1080P at 30 frames per secondOur small team dedicated over 200 days to achieve this, developing a camera driven by domestic chips, which outperforms some Qualcomm-driven alternatives—our goal is to have AI glasses replace action cameras in the future."

While the difference in picture quality may not be substantial, the increase of over 20% in pixel count presents significant engineering challenges, particularly in optimizing compression and processing

This enables less powerful chips to run more complex algorithms, establishing a technological barrier that competitors may find hard to surmount in the near term.

On the AI front, Shanjij's approach aligns with various brands, integrating multiple large models but emphasizes practical functionality tailored to specific use casesUnlike other AI glasses aspiring to be comprehensive assistants, Shanjij aims for a distinct and utilitarian role for AI"We aren't trying to create an all-purpose assistant; our goal is to swiftly make AI fully multifunctionalCurrently, we're implementing directive-based memory, and while it doesn't reach human-like intelligence, it excels in memory retentionOur focus is on continuous recording and the capability of having an 'eidetic' memory, which is the crux of our endeavors."

Meanwhile, as competitors discuss the potential of AI or AR glasses to supplant smartphones, Zhang offers an alternative viewpoint

He believes AI glasses are not intended to replace phones; they are envisioned as tools that could transform the future of mobile devices"For a long time, smartphones have represented the pinnacle of intelligent terminals, with entertainment and display capabilities playing critical rolesWe aspire to develop the ultimate extension for smartphones, enabling users to experience productive functions without resorting to their phones, thus evolving into a sort of 'second phone' in two to three years."

The collaborative pricing of 999 yuan, coupled with the advantages of being part of the inaugural production run, resulted in 50,000 pre-orders for the Shanjij A1 within just 24 hoursHowever, as we look to the first quarter of next year, an array of competitors will join the ranks of AI glasses, including major players like Xiaomi, which will inevitably heighten competitive pressures—both from market demand and supply chain perspectives.

In response, Zhang displayed a sense of confidence

He acknowledges Xiaomi's capabilities and their impressive handling of AI glasses, but asserts, "Their prices will be significantly higher than the Shanjij A1, and their release timing will lag behind as wellWe are following Lei Jun's lead, focusing on commercial efficiency and absorbing lessons from similar entrepreneurial journeys, ensuring every pivotal aspect receives the necessary investment to secure skilled talent with attractive remuneration."

On the supply chain front, Zhang articulated that while their volume may not rival that of smartphone manufacturers, Shanjij's products are sold at sufficient margins, ensuring healthy cash flow, timely payments, and enticing offers for suppliers who are eager to partner with them, especially amidst fears of missing opportunities with bigger players like Xiaomi.

It has been reported that under the same structural framework, Shanjij plans to roll out dozens of distinct models of AI glasses annually to cater to diverse consumer needs