In a market where giants like MetaRay-Ban are gradually dominating the smart glasses market, startup Mentra is attempting to forge a different path. Mentra recently announced its first smart glasses product, "Mentra Live." The most distinctive feature of these glasses isn't their appearance, but rather their open-source operating system and dedicated app store, "MiniApp Store," attempting to replicate the smartphone ecosystem in a smart glasses device.
Mentra Live is priced at $299 (approximately NT$9600), with the first batch expected to ship on February 15.
Chess Cheater, the first app store for glasses, becomes a highlight.
Mentra emphasizes that the MiniApp Store is the first app store specifically designed for smart glasses, supporting iOS and Android users through a dedicated app. Back in early 2025, Mentra opened its SDK to developers, encouraging the community to create various applications.
The official showcased a rather interesting application case – "Chess Cheater". This app uses a camera in front of the glasses and AI to analyze the chessboard situation, and then whispers the next move to the wearer through bone conduction or directional speakers.
While this may sound a bit unorthodox, it perfectly demonstrates the potential of combining visual AI with voice feedback. In addition, there are practical tools such as quick handwritten note archiving.
Hardware specifications: Powered by MediaTek chip, ultra-lightweight at 43 grams
In terms of hardware configuration, Mentra Live is equipped with a MediaTek MTK8766 processor. For imaging, it features a 1200-megapixel wide-angle lens with a shooting angle of 119 degrees, supporting HD video recording and direct streaming to platforms such as X, YouTube, Twitch, and Instagram.
In terms of audio, it has three built-in microphones and stereo speakers, supporting music playback and answering calls from communication software such as WhatsApp and FaceTime.
Weighing only 43 grams, the glasses are touted as one of the lightest smart glasses on the market. In terms of battery life, the glasses themselves offer over 12 hours of use, and the 2200mAh charging case provides an additional 50 hours or more. The glasses are also prescription-ready.
Listing Information
Mentra Live首批限量1000支，將於2月15日出貨，第二批限量名額則預計於2月28日發貨。
