Xgimi’s MemoMind One: A New Era for Smart Glasses
Xgimi, a Chinese company renowned for its all-in-one smart projectors, is venturing into a novel domain with their recently unveiled smart glasses, the MemoMind One. These glasses made their debut at CES 2026 and stand apart as an intriguing approach to wearable technology, emphasizing privacy without compromising on innovative features.
Design and Functionality
Distinct from AR glasses offered by tech giants like Meta and Snap, the MemoMind One opts for a camera-free design. This gives the glasses a lighter, more discreet profile, obscuring their AI capabilities. After testing the device for a week, I found the idea of having a floating screen providing useful information appealing, yet found the execution fell short of my expectations. While it introduces some functionalities not available on smartwatches or smartphones, the $599 price tag ($879 with prescription lenses) raises questions about its value compared to existing devices.
An ongoing Kickstarter campaign, launching today, will allow early backers to access special pricing: $399 for the regular pair and $499 for prescription options. Additional customization options are available, pushing the price up to $699, but discounted to $449 during the campaign.
User Experience and Features
The version I tested was a beta, complete with a buggy mobile app lacking essential features. Specifically, the glasses incorporate micro-LED projectors and transparent waveguide prisms to deliver a display visible only to the wearer. However, unlike the full-color displays of competitors, MemoMind One projects a bright green screen reminiscent of early computer monitors. Despite this, the futuristic experience of viewing a private screen in midair is undeniable. Users can adjust the display’s distance, position, and brightness, but outdoor visibility remains a challenge under bright sunlight.
The glasses weigh approximately 47 grams, heavier than standard reading glasses but remarkably comfortable for prolonged wear. Most people around me were oblivious to their smart features unless they overheard audio, which often leaked from the speakers positioned near the ears. Unfortunately, this limits their utility in private settings, as casual listeners might inadvertently become eavesdroppers.
Smart Features and Limitations
The home screen displays essential information such as the time, date, and weather alongside customizable sections for news, calendar events, and notifications. While I initially hoped to use MemoMind One as a discreet notification tool, I soon realized its limitations. The glasses offer only brief message previews, with no ability to read more or reply. For those accustomed to the interactive nature of smartwatches, the experience feels one-dimensional.
Additionally, voice interactions with the device feel cumbersome; commands must be issued while others can hear them, which diminishes the sense of privacy. Users do have access to a mobile app that can handle certain tasks, yet the constant need to switch between devices can be frustrating.
Advanced Features: Potential and Performance
The MemoMind One includes promising features like an AI assistant for hands-free inquiries, real-time transcription, and even basic translation capabilities. However, these features largely depend on the clarity of the microphone, and users must navigate them through the companion app. Notably, the glasses can generate on-screen translations, but operational limitations mean users must pre-select languages in the app, controlling how effectively the features function in real-world scenarios.
Interestingly, the MemoMind One advertises a “Moments” feature intended for automatic journaling by recording audio throughout the day. This feature has stirred some concerns regarding privacy and reliability, given its penchant for inaccuracies, which can damage the user experience. It’s advisable to disable this feature unless you want to deal with potentially embarrassing auto-generated content.
Conclusion
As wearable technology continues to advance, glasses like the MemoMind One represent a step toward integrating smart functionalities into our daily lives. However, while they demonstrate potential, solidifying their value will require addressing user concerns regarding functionality and privacy. I remain optimistic about what Xgimi can accomplish in future iterations of their smart glasses.
For more comprehensive insights into the MemoMind One, you can view the original article here.
Image Credit: www.theverge.com
