HTC has launched its VIVE Eagle AI smart glasses in Australia, combining a 12MP camera, hands-free AI assistance, live translation and 3K video recording in a design that looks much closer to regular eyewear (Yes!). Starting at A$799, VIVE Eagle also puts a strong emphasis on privacy, including local encrypted storage and safeguards designed to make it obvious when someone is being recorded.
AI-powered glasses are becoming increasingly interesting as companies try to move some of the things we normally do on our phones onto something we can simply wear. The VIVE Eagle focuses on privacy, which is good, especially when a built-in camera is involved.
AI glasses that actually look like glasses
Rather than going for an obviously tech-heavy design, HTC has made VIVE Eagle available in Square and Pantos styles, with several colour and lens combinations. The glasses use ZEISS lenses with clear, sun, blue light blocking and adaptive options available.
Prescription lenses are supported as well. HTC has partnered with Lenswap in Australia, with a voucher included inside commercially sold VIVE Eagle boxes to make prescription options easier to access.
Depending on the selected style and lens combination, colour choices include Black, Coffee, Berry, Charcoal Black, Clear Brown and Navy.
Privacy is a big part of VIVE Eagle
The more interesting aspect of VIVE Eagle is how HTC has approached the privacy problem that inevitably comes with putting a camera on someone’s face.
A visible LED illuminates whenever the glasses are recording, automatically changing brightness so that it remains noticeable under different lighting conditions. VIVE Eagle also uses multiple sensors to prevent recording when the LED is covered or when the glasses detect that they aren’t being worn.
There’s even a voice-based safeguard for people around the wearer. Someone nearby can say “stop filming” to stop an active recording.
Photos and videos are encrypted and stored locally on the glasses rather than automatically being uploaded to the cloud. Users can then choose whether they want to transfer their content to the VIVE Connect app or a cloud-connected photo service.
HTC also says VIVE AI user data isn’t used to train its AI models. Requests passed to third-party AI services such as OpenAI GPT or Google Gemini are de-identified to reduce personal profiling.
VIVE AI is ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 certified, covering information security and privacy information management practices respectively.
For smart glasses with an always-accessible camera, these privacy measures are important. An LED alone obviously can’t solve every concern surrounding wearable cameras, but preventing recording when that indicator is obscured is pretty intuitive.
12MP camera with 3K video recording
VIVE Eagle has a 12MP camera capable of recording video at up to 3K resolution. Users can take photos and videos hands-free using the “Hey VIVE” voice command, or through a programmable shutter button.
The glasses support electronic stabilisation, slow-motion recording and vertically formatted video for sharing through social platforms.
Open-ear directional speakers are built into the frames alongside four microphones. HTC says the audio system has been designed to provide spatial audio, improved bass and minimal sound leakage while still allowing the wearer to remain aware of what’s happening around them.
That means VIVE Eagle can also be used for music and phone calls without putting earbuds in your ears.
The glasses carry an IP54 rating for protection against dust and water, which should make them suitable for normal everyday use.
VIVE AI works with GPT and Google Gemini
VIVE Eagle isn’t locked to a single third-party AI model. Through the VIVE Connect app, users can choose between OpenAI GPT and Google Gemini and switch between them when needed. VIVE AI can process simpler requests itself, while more complex queries are routed through the user’s smartphone to their selected AI model.
The AI functionality also extends beyond asking questions. VIVE Eagle supports live speech translation across 96 languages, allowing conversations to be translated in real time. Its camera can translate written content such as signs and restaurant menus across more than 70 languages. The glasses can also record audio for meetings, with VIVE AI Notes generating detailed notes afterwards. These are the kinds of features where AI glasses can be super useful, especially when travelling or having a conversation with someone speaking another language.
Up to six hours of active use
HTC rates VIVE Eagle for around four to six hours of active use, with standby time of up to 36 hours. The glasses use magnetic charging and can continue operating while connected to the charger. Fast charging can bring the battery to 50% in 10 minutes or 80% in 23 minutes.
For users who need additional runtime, HTC is also releasing the VIVE Power Boost. The small 8-gram battery attaches to the glasses and can provide up to 80% additional battery life. With cameras, microphones and AI processing all packed into wearable glasses, battery life is naturally going to be one of the areas I’ll be interested to see tested in everyday use rather than just looking at the quoted figures.
HTC VIVE Eagle Australian pricing and availability
HTC VIVE Eagle is available to pre-order in Australia from 3 September 2026 through VIVE.com for $A799 RRP. The glasses will be available from 14 September at selected Harvey Norman stores, with additional Australian retailers expected to follow. The VIVE Eagle Power Boost will also launch on 14 September for A$79 RRP through VIVE.com and Harvey Norman.
Eligible VIVE Eagle purchases include two years of VIVE AI Plus at no additional cost through the VIVE Connect app, which is available for Android and iOS.
About Michael Aulia
Owner of CravingTech.com, Michael is a tech enthusiast who blends a love for gadgets with a passion for gaming. He has been in the IT industry and reviewing consumer products for more than 20 years.
With insightful articles and professional reviews, he navigates the digital landscape, offering expertise on consumer electronics and gaming trends.
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