EchoVision Smart Glasses Expand Early Access Programme Ahead of Wider Release

Xiaoran Wang, co-founder of Agiga, has confirmed that its EchoVision smart glasses are moving closer to full commercial availability following an extended early access rollout. Speaking on the Double Tap podcast, Wang outlined how the company is fulfilling pre-orders through a “Pioneer” programme while preparing to reopen orders in the coming weeks.

The EchoVision glasses, designed specifically for blind and low vision users, are currently shipping to early adopters in the United States and Canada. Wang said the Pioneer programme has allowed users to “get early access… but also help us ship the product together,” with feedback directly influencing hardware and software updates.

A key change includes a redesigned battery offering up to 50% longer life, prompted by heavy use of the device’s “live AI” feature. “People really love… continuous AI processing,” Wang said, but this created higher power demands. Early users will receive free hardware upgrades, including the new battery and hinge design.

Demonstrations highlighted core features such as scene description, real-time environmental awareness, and text reading. The system allows users to ask follow-up questions while analysing a scene, with Wang noting that processing runs at a reduced frame rate to balance responsiveness and battery life.

The glasses also integrate services such as Be My Eyes and Aira, accessible via voice commands. Additional features include object detection prompts, a “find my glasses” function, and audio-based battery indicators.

Wang emphasised that EchoVision differs from mainstream products like Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses by being “designed from the ground up” for accessibility, including wider camera field of view and more detailed, uncensored AI descriptions.

Pricing for the hardware is set at $599, with a subscription model under development. Wang said costs are still being finalised to balance affordability with ongoing AI processing expenses.

International expansion is planned but not yet scheduled, with the company prioritising support for existing users before entering markets such as Europe and Australia.

EchoVision represents a shift toward purpose-built wearable AI tools rather than adapted mainstream devices. Its emphasis on continuous scene understanding and structured reading could address longstanding gaps in hands-free accessibility technology, particularly for navigation and everyday tasks.

Resources

• Agiga Echovision official website https://echovision.agiga.ai
• Be My Eyes: https://www.bemyeyes.com
• Aira: https://aira.io