Why Even Realities Bets on Simplicity in Smart Glasses Market: CEO Interview

In a crowded market where tech companies compete fiercely to launch AI-powered glasses with ever-increasing complexity, Shenzhen-based startup Even Realities stands apart by advocating a minimalist, practical approach. Founded in 2023 by Wang Xiaoyi (Will Wang), Even Realities emphasizes core functionality and wearable comfort over expansive feature sets that characterize many current augmented reality (AR) and AI eyewear products.

Unlike most rivals, Even’s flagship product, the Even G1, deliberately excludes both cameras and built-in audio functions. Instead, it focuses on seamlessly integrating digital displays into conventional eyewear, making the glasses lightweight and unobtrusive enough for everyday use. The product provides essential information such as notifications, translations, and speech prompts through discreet displays in the user’s field of vision, all without hindering regular eyesight.

Since its founding, Even Realities has quickly attracted attention in the industry, completing three funding rounds within just eighteen months. Supported by strategic investors including Monolith Capital, the company has rapidly become one of China’s leading smart glasses manufacturers in terms of actual product shipments, targeting mainly international markets through direct-to-consumer channels rather than platforms like Kickstarter.

CEO Insights: Clarity of Vision and Strategic Decisions

In a recent interview, Even’s CEO Will Wang outlined the rationale behind the company’s product decisions and market strategies. Addressing the company’s choice to omit cameras and earphones from their smart glasses, Wang stressed the importance of privacy and user comfort:

“In the glasses scenario, the absolute priority is display. Cameras significantly infringe on user privacy, particularly for professionals or high-profile individuals. As for audio functions, users clearly prefer dedicated audio devices rather than integrating these features into eyewear. Thus, our primary value proposition revolves around clear visual information and privacy.”

Wang also expressed skepticism about the industry’s prevailing approach of designing AR eyewear with the assumption that it will entirely replace smartphones or other devices. He argues that this “end-state-first” methodology is fundamentally flawed, suggesting instead that smart glasses should evolve naturally from traditional eyewear rather than attempting to become universal computing devices overnight:

“Many companies start from a hypothetical future where AR glasses replace smartphones entirely. But hardware innovation must follow practical realities. Real progress comes from incremental improvements and addressing user needs directly.”

Even Realities intentionally avoids branding its products explicitly as “AI glasses.” Wang explains that AI, while valuable, should serve quietly in the background, enhancing user experiences without overshadowing essential functionality:

“Whether it’s called ‘AI hardware’ or ‘AI glasses,’ these labels might excite investors but don’t necessarily add value from a consumer’s perspective. Eventually, all smart eyewear will inherently contain AI. The emphasis should be on delivering concrete improvements to daily life, not technology hype.”

Practicality Over Speculation

Even’s approach is distinctly pragmatic. Features on the Even G1, such as instant translations and speech prompts, have been chosen based on real-world usability rather than novelty. Wang emphasizes the importance of user feedback in refining these features, noting that consumers strongly prefer a clearly defined utility over broad but vague functionalities:

“A new product must address a specific, recognizable user need rather than introduce abstract concepts. A successful smart glasses product clearly communicates which traditional product or experience it improves upon.”

Regarding target markets, Even Realities has initially chosen to concentrate on tech-savvy enthusiasts and high-end professional users abroad. This focus aligns with the company’s strategy to establish itself as a premium eyewear brand, distinct from mass-market competitors. Wang underscores that achieving long-term success in consumer electronics requires establishing clear brand positioning and perception:

“Eyewear inherently involves perceptions of class and taste. We are deliberately positioning our product and brand overseas first to establish credibility and quality, which will naturally resonate with discerning consumers.”

Building a Defensible Advantage

Anticipating increased competition from large tech companies and established eyewear brands, Even Realities prioritizes building an integrated approach combining hardware innovation, sophisticated design, and controlled distribution channels. Wang suggests that developing a differentiated product requires not merely technological innovation but comprehensive capabilities spanning design, production, brand-building, and distribution:

“A complete and new company is needed to lead meaningful innovation in the smart glasses market, not just a department within a tech giant. Historical industry transformations often originate from dedicated startups rather than existing market leaders.”

Future Prospects

Even Realities’ current trajectory reflects a balanced strategy of focused product simplicity, high-quality execution, and strategic market targeting. While other companies promise ambitious AR or AI capabilities years into the future, Even Realities provides users with a practical and immediately useful device available today.