A Chinese startup founded by former Apple engineer Wang Chaohao has been making waves after revealing its AI smart glasses chip. After leaving Apple’s extended reality division, Chaohao leads GravityXR in China with the goal of delivering components that could challenge Apple’s own high-end devices.
What is GravityXR’s AI chip?
GravityXR’s latest announcement is the Jizhi G-X100, described as China’s first all-in-one mixed reality chip using advanced 5nm technology. This new chip is designed to power lightweight AI glasses and headsets, positioning it as a potential competitor to Apple’s Vision Pro, which is currently a leader in the premium XR hardware segment.
Is it better than Apple’s tech?
The standout feature of the G-X100 is its photon-to-photon latency of 9 milliseconds, which, according to the company, surpasses the 12 milliseconds achieved by Apple’s Vision Pro headset. For users, lower latency means a more seamless and responsive virtual and augmented reality experience. GravityXR states the new chip is suitable for a range of devices, from compact AI glasses to advanced XR headsets.
Spatial computing, the field enabled by this hardware, allows digital devices to process and “see” the real world, integrating physical environments with virtual content. The Jizhi G-X100’s combination of high-speed performance and low latency reflects a broader industry trend, where companies are racing to reduce the gaps between physical and digital perception in XR and AI wearables.
Wang Chaohao’s transition from Apple to founding GravityXR in China marks a notable shift in the talent landscape as well. His background at Apple’s extended reality unit and Stanford University adds credibility to the venture. GravityXR is aiming to provide a local alternative to US tech giants in a market that is prioritising technological self-reliance at a time when tensions between the US and China persist over high-end tech such as AI chips.
The former Apple engineer’s venture has already found several backers, including the likes of HongShan, formerly Sequoia Capital China, Gaorong Capital, Chinese contract electronics manufacturer Goertek, and video game developer miHoYo.
