Why AI Glasses Aren't The Next Big Thing (Yet)

Standing amid the artificial intelligence gold rush, 360 Group's outspoken CEO Zhou Hongyi isn't afraid to play skeptic. In a recent interview, he pulled back the curtain on why those flashy AI glasses might not be coming to stores near you anytime soon.

The Hard Truth About Smart Eyewear

"Everyone wants to build the next revolutionary device," Zhou told reporters last week. "But creating truly useful AI glasses? That's like trying to solve three Rubik's cubes simultaneously."

The challenges break down into two stubborn realities:

1. Profitability Problems Major tech players dominate hardware margins while software and computing costs keep climbing. "You're essentially selling expensive sunglasses with tiny computers inside," Zhou quipped.

2. Missing That Killer Feature Current prototypes mostly replicate what phones and earbuds already do well. Until someone cracks true augmented reality or seamless voice control, consumers won't ditch their existing gadgets.

Software Over Spectacles

Rather than chase hardware hype, 360 plans to focus on what Zhou calls "the soul" of artificial intelligence - intelligent agents that can operate across any device.

"The magic isn't in whether it sits on your nose or fits in your pocket," he explained. "It's about creating digital assistants so capable they'll feel like having a genius in your pocket - or on your face."

The strategy reflects lessons from 360's cybersecurity roots: building adaptable systems matters more than flashy packaging.

Market Reality Check

The sober assessment comes as AI stock valuations settle following early excitement:

• 360's shares held steady at ¥12.36 (+0.24%)
• Market cap remains around ¥86.5 billion
• Early ChatGPT-linked surges have cooled industry-wide

Key Points:

• AI glasses face steep technical and commercial hurdles
• 360 bets future on intelligent agent development
• Hardware seen as interchangeable vessel for smarter software
• Market enthusiasm moderating after initial hype cycle