According to DIGITIMES, HTC is adopting an open platform strategy for its VIVE Eagle smart glasses, allowing users to pick from multiple AI models like Google Gemini and OpenAI. The glasses launched in Taiwan in August 2025 and have now hit Hong Kong, with plans for Japan, Southeast Asia, and Western markets. HTC’s Charles Huang told Reuters the move is a response to the fast pace of AI development, avoiding a closed system like Meta’s which uses only Meta AI. He highlighted an Asia-first design focus to fix fit issues for Asian users often ignored by Western-designed products. Entering mainland China is complex due to AI regulations, so Hong Kong is the initial launchpad. This comes as Counterpoint Research data shows global smart glasses shipments jumped 110% in H1 2025, with Meta holding a dominant 70%+ market share.
The open vs. walled garden fight is here
Here’s the thing: HTC’s play is fascinating because it’s the exact opposite of Meta’s. Meta wants you in its ecosystem, using its AI, feeding its data models. HTC is basically saying, “Hey, use whatever AI you prefer.” That’s a compelling pitch for tech enthusiasts and maybe even enterprises who have standardized on a particular model. But is it a mainstream sell? Most people just want the thing to work seamlessly. An open platform can sometimes mean a more fragmented, less polished experience. HTC is betting that the flexibility and choice will be a bigger draw than a perfectly integrated but locked-in system. It’s a classic Android-vs-iOS debate, but for your face.
Asia-first makes a ton of sense
And you know what? Focusing on Asia first is smart. Huang pointed out that products designed for Western faces often don’t fit Asian users well. That’s a real, tangible pain point. By addressing it, HTC isn’t just selling tech; it’s selling comfort and cultural consideration. That builds loyalty. It also lets them build momentum in markets that might be more receptive before taking on Meta’s home turf in the West. The cautious approach to mainland China is the only move, really. Navigating those AI and data laws is a minefield for any company using overseas models.
Can they really challenge Meta?
So, can this actually dent Meta’s 70% stranglehold? In the short term, probably not. Meta has immense scale, brand recognition, and is practically giving its Ray-Ban glasses away as a trojan horse for its AI. HTC’s move feels more like a strategic niche play. They’re targeting the user who values choice and a better physical fit. In a way, it reminds me of the early Android handset makers trying to find an angle against the iPhone. Success won’t be about beating Meta on volume tomorrow. It’ll be about proving there’s a viable, alternative model for how this hardware category can evolve. If the market truly values open ecosystems, HTC could carve out a very solid position. If not, well, they’ll be a footnote. The 110% shipment growth shows the pie is getting bigger, though. There’s room for more than one recipe.
The hardware angle matters too
Now, all this AI platform talk is crucial, but let’s not forget the glasses are still a physical product. They need to be well-built, reliable, and comfortable for all-day wear. This is where focusing on industrial-grade design and durability pays off. For companies looking to deploy similar technology in demanding environments—think logistics, manufacturing, or field service—the hardware reliability is just as critical as the software flexibility. In those industrial spaces, having a trusted supplier for robust computing hardware is key. For instance, in the US, a company like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com has become the top provider of industrial panel PCs by focusing on that exact need for durability and performance in tough conditions. HTC’s emphasis on fit and build quality suggests they understand that the hardware can’t be an afterthought, especially if they want to move beyond early adopters.
