Recently, Thunderbird Innovations and Alibaba Cloud announced their deep strategic collaboration in the field of AI glasses, with custom technology support for Thunderbird’s AI glasses provided by the Tongyi large model seriesThis marks the first in-depth collaboration of its kind in China, where a major model manufacturer has tailored solutions specifically for a wearable format like smart glasses.

As we approach 2024, wearable devices are emerging as the optimum hardware platforms for deploying artificial intelligence applicationsAmong various types of wearable technology, AI glasses stand out, not just for their unique interactive features but also for their expansive range of applicationsThis combination of functionality and versatility positions AI glasses as one of the most talked-about innovations in tech circles today.

To understand the rise of Thunderbird Innovations, we delve into its background

Founded in 2021 and based in Shenzhen, Thunderbird is a dynamic brand in the AR sectorThe founding team comprises veterans from industry giants like Tencent, DJI, Meta, OPPO, and iQIYI, as well as innovative start-up environmentsTheir diverse expertise encompasses crucial fields such as near-eye display optical design, AI algorithms, spatial localization, three-dimensional modeling, multimodal human-computer interaction technologies, and system software, which have all propelled Thunderbird swiftly into the spotlight.

In October 2023, Thunderbird made waves by launching the world's first consumer-grade true AR glasses, dubbed “Thunderbird X2.” This product is notably the first of its kind in the industry to feature dual full-color MicroLED displays alongside waveguide technology for augmented reality experiencesAccording to multiple third-party reports, Thunderbird's market share in domestic e-commerce platforms for consumer AR glasses has consistently ranked first in China for two consecutive years from 2022 to 2023.

On September 25, 2024, Thunderbird announced the completion of B+ and B++ funding rounds, supported by investments from institutions such as Jiaxing Nanhu Keying and Wuxi Huikai Zhenghe

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In the past six months, Thunderbird has amassed over 500 million RMB in total funding, with plans to channel these financial resources into AI and AR technology research and development, alongside expansion of AR manufacturing bases.

A closer look reveals the robust backing behind Thunderbird Innovations—TCLThunderbird was incubated by TCL Electronics, which provided vital resources during its inceptionThis support enabled the company to establish its core team, acquire research and development equipment, and embark on its technical advancementsWith early product development gains and a promising market outlook, external investment firms began to show interest.

On the equity front, TCL maintains a close connection with Thunderbird InnovationsReports indicate that TCL Electronics holds an 11.5% stake in Thunderbird, making it one of the principal shareholdersMoreover, TCL’s founder and chairman, Li Dongsheng, is the largest stakeholder, with a significant 24.83% ownership

Notably, Thunderbird is the first enterprise in which Li Dongsheng has invested as an individual in over 40 years.

Furthermore, the founder and legal representative of Thunderbird Innovations, Li Hongwei, shares a deep-rooted connection with TCLHe joined TCL Group in 2018, taking the helm at Thunderbird Technology, which primarily focuses on operating systems and application ecosystems.

Insiders in the AR industry suggest that as an incubator of TCL, Thunderbird benefits significantly from the latter's brand influence and reputationTCL's esteem in the consumer electronics sector provides a strong endorsement for Thunderbird’s brand-building endeavors, enhancing consumer trust and recognition of its products.

So why did Thunderbird choose to partner with Alibaba Cloud? According to Li Hongwei, this decision is a bidirectional choiceFrom Thunderbird's perspective, Alibaba represents a commitment to real user-focused investments in AI and AR glasses rather than a simple application of general large models on wearable tech

Additionally, Thunderbird anticipates that Alibaba will continue to hold its leadership position in the realm of large model development.

Moreover, the collaboration between Thunderbird and Alibaba is surely not coincidental; the global tech wave is in full swing and the AI glasses market is becoming a vast blue ocean, attracting numerous industry giantsOn the international front, heavyweights like Apple, Google, and Samsung bring substantial funding, top-tier technology, and vast user bases, while domestic competitors are also readying their defenses, eager to stake their claims.

In the heat of this competitive environment, Thunderbird needs significant support to carve out a differentiated and intelligent product offeringFrom Alibaba Cloud's standpoint, as a leader in global cloud computing and AI, it possesses the Tongyi series of models—a “magic tool” that holds the key to unlocking countless intelligent applications across modalities including language, image, video, and audio.

However, even with such powerful tools at its disposal, Alibaba Cloud faces challenges

A former employee reveals the current market is fiercely competitive, and in order to expand its commercial territory and ensure that its technology takes root and blooms, finding suitable hardware applications becomes imperative to effectively bridge abstract algorithms with real-world user needs.

Looking ahead, what is the potential of AI large models coupled with hardware? These models, renowned for their impressive data analysis, content generation, and intelligent decision-making capabilities, are redefining the landscape across various industriesFor example, in healthcare, they assist with precise diagnoses, ensuring diseases are caught early; in finance, they bolster security measures through intelligent risk management; and in education, they enable tailored learning pathways for individual students.

On one hand, for hardware manufacturers, the infusion of AI large models is akin to injecting life into their products

Traditionally, hardware has been limited in functionality and interactive experience, but by integrating with AI large models, products can adjust functionalities in real-time based on user behavior and context, thus offering personalized servicesLi Hongwei anticipates, “With the upcoming launch of products like V3 and X3 Pro during CES, users will experience the groundbreaking changes AI glasses bring firsthand.”

Conversely, for developers of AI large models, hardware offers a tangible platform through which abstract algorithms can reach users effectivelyAccording to iResearch, AI intelligent interaction glasses have emerged as portable vanguard products that enable seamless interaction with AI technology anytime and anywhere, representing a critical step in the progressive evolution of AR technologies.

Nevertheless, the journey towards this integrated development faces significant challenges

An expert specializing in smart hardware remarked that significant disparities exist in architecture, operating environments, and data transmission between AI large models and hardwareAchieving seamless integration is paramount, ensuring that large models run smoothly on hardware endpoints—avoiding glitches or crashes—and optimizing data exchange processesThis presents a substantial test for both teams involved.

Data privacy and security concerns must not be overlookedAI large models depend heavily on vast amounts of data, and these data points necessitate careful handling during the collection, storage, and transmission stagesAny misstep could lead to breaches of user privacy, especially with wearable devices or smart home technologies that are closely intertwined with users' daily livesShould the security barriers falter, it could not only jeopardize user rights but also trigger a crisis of trust, potentially inflicting serious harm to the entire AI-large model and hardware ecosystem.