John Fan Chin-Chiang, a notable figure in the development of mini displays for the US military, is now shifting his focus to smart glasses. His Hong Kong-based company, Solos Technology, is launching the Solos AirGo V, a new AI-integrated smart glass product aimed at competing with Meta Platforms and Ray-Ban.
The Solos AirGo V, weighing just 30 grammes, is significantly lighter than Ray-Ban’s 49 gramme models. The glasses incorporate AI models from various companies, including OpenAI’s GPT-4, Google’s Gemini, and Anthropic’s Claude. According to John Fan, these features make Solos AirGo V both fashionable and highly functional.
During an unveiling event in Hong Kong on June 28, a representative announced that users would receive a three-month free trial before being charged a subscription fee for AI services. Solos aims for a December release, though no specific date has been set.
| Feature | Solos AirGo V | Ray-Ban Smart Glasses |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 30 grammes | 49 grammes |
| AI Integration | Yes | Yes |
| AI Models Available | GPT-4, Gemini, Claude | Limited |
| Subscription Fee | After 3-month trial | Yes |
| Display Technology | Under Development | Yes |
John Fan’s previous work includes significant contributions to microdisplay technology for the US Department of Defence. His first company, Kopin, received substantial funding from the US government, helping develop military applications. Despite Kopin’s success in specialized markets, it remained relatively unknown to the general public.
Fan is determined to change that with Solos. At the AirGo V unveiling, Victor Fung Kwok-king, chairman of Li & Fung Group, praised Fan’s innovative career and highlighted the potential impact of Solos on Hong Kong’s business landscape.
Fan founded Solos in 2019 and another company, Lightning Silicon, in 2023, with headquarters in Hong Kong and Santa Clara, California, respectively. He stepped down from Kopin’s board in May 2023 to focus on these new ventures.
Basing Solos in Hong Kong is more than a business decision for Fan; it’s a homecoming. Born in Shanghai during the Japanese occupation, his family moved to Hong Kong in 1949. He later moved to the US in 1961 for his studies but maintained a strong connection to Hong Kong.
Fan emphasizes the support from Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks, which provides a nurturing environment for innovation. This support, combined with lower costs and available grants, makes Hong Kong an attractive location for his business. While the future of Solos’ public listing remains uncertain, Fan’s primary focus is on creating a new AI interface that seamlessly integrates into daily life.
In a world where smartwatches and other wearable devices are becoming commonplace, Fan believes smart glasses are the next big thing. They serve a practical function and act as a fashion statement, blending technology with style. “We are not robots; people want to look good,” Fan emphasizes. “That’s why I came to Hong Kong.”
Featured Image courtesy of endurance.biz
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