Hainan Airlines Introduces Rokid AR Glasses for In-Flight Entertainment: A New Era of Travel Experience

Hainan Airlines, one of the major flight operators in China, has taken a significant step towards enhancing the in-flight entertainment experience for its passengers by introducing Rokid’s augmented reality (AR) glasses on select routes. This groundbreaking initiative marks the first time AR glasses have been used at scale on flights, according to Rokid, the tech startup behind the innovative technology.

The use of AR glasses on flights is a game-changer in the aviation industry. These devices allow passengers to superimpose computer-generated images over the real world, providing an immersive and interactive experience. Passengers can now watch 3D movies, read e-books, and play simple games using the glasses instead of relying on built-in monitors.

Apple’s Vision Pro virtual reality (VR) headset, which is not yet available in China, comes with a motion-stabilizing “travel mode” for use on airplanes. The Vision Pro allows wearers to see the real world using “spatial computing” technology. However, Hainan Airlines’ partnership with Rokid is more of a marketing effort to boost consumer awareness of AR glasses than a large commercial deal.

Rokid’s founder and CEO, Misa Zhu, revealed in an interview with CNBC that the company is in talks with “lots of airlines” for similar partnerships, including at least one major international operator. Zhu expects more announcements in the coming months, but he was not authorized to disclose any details.

Hainan Airlines’ collaboration with Rokid is a significant milestone for the Chinese startup. The airline bought hundreds of Rokid AR glasses for passengers to use for free on more than 20 flights. Each pair retails for just over 3,000 yuan ($420) and weighs 75 grams. For comparison, Apple’s Vision Pro costs about $3,500 and weighs 600 grams to 650 grams.

The initial trial period for the Rokid AR glasses on Hainan Airlines is set for a month, coinciding with the weeklong Lunar New Year holiday in China, during which hundreds of millions of locals travel domestically. Airlines are excited about this new offering as it allows them to provide more services and stay competitive in the industry.

Rokid is also in talks to incorporate AR glasses into other means of transit, such as high-speed trains. The potential for AR technology in transportation is vast, and this partnership between Hainan Airlines and Rokid is just the beginning of a new era of travel experience.

The aviation industry has been notoriously slow to adopt new technologies, but the introduction of AR glasses on flights marks a significant shift. Passengers can now enjoy a more engaging and interactive in-flight entertainment experience, making their journey more enjoyable and productive.

In conclusion, Hainan Airlines’ partnership with Rokid to introduce AR glasses on flights is a game-changer in the aviation industry. This innovative technology provides passengers with an immersive and interactive in-flight entertainment experience, setting a new standard for travel. With more airlines expected to follow suit, the future of in-flight entertainment looks bright and promising.