If the idea of experiencing the world through the lens of artificial intelligence appeals to you, a growing number of technology companies are now offering a way to do just that—through smart glasses. The latest addition comes from Alibaba, which launched its Quark AI Glasses on Thursday, allowing users in China to access the company’s Qwen AI app with a simple tap. These glasses enable a range of functions, including internet searches, automatic meeting note compilation, mobile payments, music playback, and calendar management. With a built-in camera, users can photograph a product and instantly check its price on Alibaba’s e-commerce platform, Taobao. Priced from 3,799 yuan (about $537), the glasses are currently only available in China. This isn’t the first time companies have tried to bring smart glasses to the mainstream. Google’s original Google Glass, introduced over a decade ago, offered web searches, navigation, and video recording—but failed to gain traction due to its high price tag of $1,500 and privacy concerns. After shifting focus to enterprise use, Alphabet discontinued consumer sales in 2023. Still, the vision of wearing a computer on your face—rather than carrying one in your pocket—has persisted. Today, major tech giants are betting on AI as the key to making smart glasses a must-have. Amazon, Meta, and Xiaomi are all rolling out new versions of digital eyewear, while dozens of smaller companies are entering the market with diverse offerings. In the U.S., Meta partnered with Oakley to release AI-powered glasses that support calls, messaging, music streaming, video playback, and real-time language translation—all powered by Meta’s AI platform. Designed with athletes in mind, the product starts at $399. Meta also offers AI glasses through a collaboration with Ray-Ban. Beyond early adopters, these devices are finding use among people with visual impairments, who are using Meta’s smart glasses to connect with remote volunteers for real-time assistance with tasks like shopping or sorting mail. While still a niche product, smart glasses are showing signs of growth. According to IDC, global sales are expected to rise from 9.4 million units in 2024 to nearly 20 million by 2029. In the U.S., Forrester reports that 17% of online adults have tried smart glasses—up from just 4% in 2024. However, widespread adoption faces a major hurdle: privacy. Security experts warn that these devices collect, store, and transmit personal data, and their ability to record video raises serious concerns about filming people without consent. Legal experts caution that current regulations may not be sufficient to address the unique challenges posed by always-on wearable cameras.