Rokid’s new AR glasses don’t need a phone

Image: Rokid

Rokid AR Lite is a product package that includes enhanced smart glasses and a handheld computing module that runs Android, eliminating the need for a phone.

Rokid launched a Kickstarter campaign in April for two new products designed to work together to create a space computing experience in a pocket-sized package. Rokid has far surpassed its $20,000 goal, reaching over $900,000 in pledges with over 1,700 backers. Now that the project is fully funded, it’s time for an update.

Rokid AR Lite details

The included Rokid Max 2 smart glasses have an impressive 50-degree FOV, 600-nits of brightness, and a resolution of up to 1920×1200 pixels at up to 120 Hz. Like the previous version, the vision correction dials allow up to 6 diopters of adjustment for myopia. Speakers are built into the headphones.

A motion sensor detects head movement so the screens stay in place when you turn your head. Despite the amount of technology in these smart glasses, Rokid managed to keep the weight low at 75g.

Three images show the multi-screen interface and products included in Rokid’s AR Lite. | Bild: Rokid

Rokid Station 2 is a pocket-sized computing module based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, 8 GB of memory, 128 GB of storage space, a 5,000 mAh battery, two USB-C ports and Wi-Fi 6. So Rokid AR Lite can offer features that a phone app can’t match. It sounds similar to Xreal’s new Beam Pro.

The device can display up to three Android apps or browser windows side by side. Its surface acts like a touchpad, so you can pinch to zoom in on photos and move the cursor to navigate the three-screen virtual interface.

You can pre-order the Rokid AR Lite for $499 (regularly $749) at the Kickstarter link below. Rokid estimates that shipping will begin in September 2024.

Rokid AR Lite versus the previous generation

The Rokid Max 2 Smart Glasses are an upgraded version of the popular Rokid Max model released in 2023. The new model matches all the specifications of the original with improved flexible earcups, offering a more comfortable fit for everyone.

Rokid also claims that the Max 2 has the world’s first software-based IPD adjustment for smart glasses, called Intelligent Pupil Adjustment. The 53 to 75mm range should make the screens sharper for anyone who had issues with previous models.

I relaxed outside, wearing Rokid Max while holding up Rokid Station. | Bild: Mixed

In my Rokid Max review, I also covered the original Rokid Station, which is more of an entertainment device with an Android TV interface and access to the most popular streaming services and some games. The Rokid AR Lite should also excel at entertainment and introduces a motion mode to stabilize screen movement when traveling.

The Rokid Station 2 is much more versatile, using Rokid’s YodaOS, a variant of Android. Rokid estimates “more than 90% of Android apps run smoothly.” While many Android apps will work with the Rokid Station 2, some require Google Mobile Services.

The new Rokid Station 2, which is responsible for AR Lite’s spatial computing features, can be ordered separately for $299 and will be compatible with the original Rokid Max smart glasses. The Rokid Station 2 can also be paired with a Bluetooth keyboard for greater productivity.

My take on the Rokid AR Lite

I’ve found the Rokid Max to be among the best smart glasses available, and I expect the Max 2 to be even better. I enjoyed using the original Rokid dock, but I prefer watching videos with my wife, so I found I didn’t use it as much as I expected.

The Rokid AR Lite is a more compelling combination for me, as I can use it for work. I love that it can be used as a standalone solution without draining my phone’s battery.

It’s important to note that the Rokid AR Lite smart glasses are not AR glasses that can map your room and track your hands. Rokid AR Lite is a lower cost version of Rokid AR Studio which was launched only in China. While AR Studio included hand tracking, AR Lite relies on the Rokid Station 2’s touchpad.

Rokid’s AR Lite sounds intriguing, but we haven’t had a chance to try this new product. When review samples are available, we’ll share our hands-on experience.

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