Chinese augmented reality company Rokid has announced its latest AR glasses offering, the Rokid AR Lite, positioning it as a potential rival to Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro headset. The AR Lite system comprises the Rokid Max 2 glasses and the Rokid Station 2 processing unit.
What sets the Rokid AR Lite apart is its form factor, which more closely resembles regular sunglasses or spectacles compared to bulkier AR/VR headsets. The Max 2 glasses weigh just 75 grams and feature Sony 0.68-inch MicroOLED displays offering a 1200p resolution per eye and a 50-degree field of view, equivalent to a 300-inch virtual screen.
The separate Rokid Station 2 unit houses the processing power, thanks to Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 Mobile Platform, making the AR Lite the first device powered by this chip. It packs 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and a 5,000mAh battery to keep the glasses lightweight.
While less immersive than the Vision Pro’s mixed reality capabilities, the AR Lite’s sleeker design could make it more practical for everyday use scenarios like watching videos, viewing 3D content, and even gaming on a virtual screen.
Rokid is currently crowdfunding the AR Lite on Kickstarter, with an early bird price of $499 (approx. £393) for the full system. Regular pricing is set at $749, still undercutting the $3,499 Vision Pro. Shipping is slated for September 2024 if the campaign is successful.
As Apple prepares to bring premium mixed reality experiences to the masses, Rokid’s AR Lite offers a more affordable and lightweight alternative for those prioritizing practicality and portability in augmented reality glasses.
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