[ 2025-12-22 08:54:49 ] | AUTHOR: Tanmay@Fourslash | CATEGORY: BUSINESS
TITLE: HTC Bets Open AI Strategy on Smartglasses Market Share
// Taiwan's HTC is leveraging an open AI platform for its VIVE Eagle smartglasses to compete in the growing market, supporting multiple AI models while emphasizing privacy amid expansions in Asia.
- • HTC's VIVE Eagle smartglasses support multiple AI platforms including Google's Gemini and OpenAI, enabling user choice in a fast-evolving AI landscape.
- • The company plans Asia-first rollout starting in Hong Kong, expanding to Japan and Southeast Asia in Q1 2026, followed by Europe and the US.
- • HTC highlights privacy as a key differentiator, not using user data for AI training, amid rising concerns in the smartglasses sector dominated by Meta.
HTC Leverages Open AI Approach for Smartglasses Growth
Taiwan-based HTC is pursuing an open platform strategy to capture market share in the burgeoning smartglasses sector, with its recently launched AI-powered VIVE Eagle eyewear allowing users to select from various AI models.
The approach contrasts with competitors' closed ecosystems and aims to capitalize on rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. "AI is advancing very fast, and large language model developers are engaged in an arms race that requires massive resources," Charles Huang, HTC's senior vice president of global sales and marketing, said in an interview. "We want to leverage the strengths of different platforms instead of building a closed ecosystem."
Launched earlier this month in Hong Kong at a price of HK$3,988 ($512), the VIVE Eagle supports platforms such as Google's Gemini and OpenAI. This flexibility enables users to access improvements across multiple models without being locked into a single provider.
Market Expansion and Regional Focus
HTC plans to prioritize Asia in its rollout, reflecting design adaptations for regional users. The company intends to enter Japan and Southeast Asia in the first quarter of 2026, with subsequent launches in Europe and the United States later that year.
Huang noted that many existing smartglasses are designed for a "Western fit," which may not align with Asian facial structures. Regarding potential entry into China, he described the market as complex due to restrictions on foreign AI services and stringent local data regulations requiring dedicated servers.
"With all these requirements in place, we need to be cautious and it will take some time to prepare," Huang said.
Global shipments of smartglasses surged 110% in the first half of 2025, according to research firm Counterpoint, with Meta holding 73% of the market. Meta's collaboration with EssilorLuxottica has produced popular models like the smart Ray-Bans and Oakleys, introduced in 2023, which handle calls, photography and music playback.
Privacy Concerns in Competitive Landscape
As the sector grows, privacy issues are intensifying. Meta, which operates Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, faces scrutiny for using user data to enhance its AI tools. In response, HTC emphasizes data security as a core advantage.
User data was not used to train HTC's AI models, Huang stated, positioning privacy as a differentiator from rivals.
Chinese competitors, including Xiaomi and Alibaba, rely on domestically developed AI models for their smartglasses, aligning with local regulations but limiting integration with global platforms.
HTC's Renewed Hardware Push
The VIVE Eagle launch signals HTC's return to consumer hardware after divesting part of its extended reality unit to Google for $250 million earlier in 2025. Once a smartphone pioneer, HTC has shifted focus toward virtual and augmented reality products.
Analysts view the open AI strategy as a potential edge in a market projected to expand further, though challenges like privacy litigation and regulatory hurdles persist. Counterpoint forecasts continued double-digit growth, driven by AI integration and wearable tech adoption.
HTC's move comes amid broader industry consolidation, with tech giants like Meta and Google dominating innovation. The company's Asia-centric expansion could help it establish a foothold before broader global competition intensifies.
Tanmay is the founder of Fourslash, an AI-first research studio pioneering intelligent solutions for complex problems. A former tech journalist turned content marketing expert, he specializes in crypto, AI, blockchain, and emerging technologies.