Mentra's Smart Glasses Break New Ground with Open-Source OS and App Store
In a bid to redefine the smart glasses market, Mentra has unveiled its first smart glasses, the Mentra Live. At first glance, these glasses may not seem particularly different from their competitors, but they boast an innovative approach that sets them apart.
The key feature of the Mentra Live is its unique app store, dubbed the MiniApp Store. This dedicated platform allows users to download and install various apps directly onto their smart glasses, which are compatible with both iOS and Android devices via the Mentra app. The app selection includes everything from note-taking tools to more immersive experiences like "Chess Cheater", a game that utilizes AI-powered analysis and real-time voice guidance.
While it's still early days for this concept, it seems that Mentra is pushing for the smartphone-ification of smart glasses. With an open-source OS coupled with an accessible Software Development Kit (SDK), developers have been able to tap into this technology since early 2025, paving the way for a wide range of innovative apps and experiences.
The smart glasses themselves are powered by a Mediatek MTK8766 chipset, come equipped with a 12-megapixel camera that boasts a 119-degree field of view, three microphones, and built-in stereo speakers. The front-facing camera also supports HD video recording, as well as live streaming on popular platforms such as X, YouTube, Twitch, and Instagram.
In terms of specs, the Mentra Live glasses weigh in at just 43 grams, making them among the lightest smart glasses available on the market. Battery life is said to exceed 12 hours, with an additional 50+ hours of charge stored within a separate 2,200mAh charging case. The Mentra Live smart glasses are prescription-ready and retail for $299.
Mentra has already produced 1,000 pairs for its first batch, set to ship on February 15th. A second batch will include limited quantities available for shipment on February 28th.
In a bid to redefine the smart glasses market, Mentra has unveiled its first smart glasses, the Mentra Live. At first glance, these glasses may not seem particularly different from their competitors, but they boast an innovative approach that sets them apart.
The key feature of the Mentra Live is its unique app store, dubbed the MiniApp Store. This dedicated platform allows users to download and install various apps directly onto their smart glasses, which are compatible with both iOS and Android devices via the Mentra app. The app selection includes everything from note-taking tools to more immersive experiences like "Chess Cheater", a game that utilizes AI-powered analysis and real-time voice guidance.
While it's still early days for this concept, it seems that Mentra is pushing for the smartphone-ification of smart glasses. With an open-source OS coupled with an accessible Software Development Kit (SDK), developers have been able to tap into this technology since early 2025, paving the way for a wide range of innovative apps and experiences.
The smart glasses themselves are powered by a Mediatek MTK8766 chipset, come equipped with a 12-megapixel camera that boasts a 119-degree field of view, three microphones, and built-in stereo speakers. The front-facing camera also supports HD video recording, as well as live streaming on popular platforms such as X, YouTube, Twitch, and Instagram.
In terms of specs, the Mentra Live glasses weigh in at just 43 grams, making them among the lightest smart glasses available on the market. Battery life is said to exceed 12 hours, with an additional 50+ hours of charge stored within a separate 2,200mAh charging case. The Mentra Live smart glasses are prescription-ready and retail for $299.
Mentra has already produced 1,000 pairs for its first batch, set to ship on February 15th. A second batch will include limited quantities available for shipment on February 28th.