Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg predicts that smart glasses could replace traditional smartphones, offering a compelling case for this transition in technology.
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In a world where technology is rapidly evolving, the introduction of AI-powered glasses promises a significant shift in how we interact with artificial intelligence. These glasses could potentially replace smartphones, revolutionising our daily lives [1][2][3]. However, for many in Zimbabwe, this exciting new development may come with a catch.
The challenge lies in the recognition of language by the AI powering these glasses. Zuckerberg's warnings about cognitive disadvantage extend to this issue as well [4]. Currently, most AI assistants are trained to understand English and a few major languages, but they fall short when it comes to local languages like Shona and Ndebele, which are commonly used in Zimbabwe [5].
This lack of understanding could lead to another layer of exclusion, with those in well-connected economies benefiting from real-time AI assistance while others are left behind. In corporate settings, Shona often sneaks into discussions, and if AI assistants cannot understand it, they cannot help [4].
Some efforts are being made to make local languages available in AI tools, but it is unclear if this will be sufficient to overcome the challenges posed by language barriers [6]. For instance, major players like Alibaba, Baidu, Xiaomi, Meta, Google, and Apple are advancing smart glasses capabilities with AI integration, offering real-time translation, voice recognition, navigation, and other interactive assistant features [1][2][3]. However, explicit mention of Shona and Ndebele for Zimbabwean users is not detailed in the available sources.
Alibaba’s Quark AI Glasses, unveiled in mid-2025, focus on multilingual real-time translation, lightweight design, and fintech integration but do not specifically list Shona or Ndebele as supported languages [1]. Baidu’s Xiaodu AI Glasses also provide real-time translation with culturally sensitive language processing and support for 12+ languages, excelling in idiomatic and contextual understanding; however, specific African languages like Shona and Ndebele are not confirmed [2][3].
There are AI glasses reportedly supporting 137 languages and subtitle generation in over 220 languages and dialects, suggesting broad linguistic coverage potential [4][5]. Yet, none explicitly mention current support for Zimbabwean indigenous languages such as Shona and Ndebele.
The affordability issue is not the only problem; infrastructure, internet accessibility, electricity availability, and language barriers also pose challenges. Even if Zimbabweans manage to obtain the glasses, the inability of AI assistants to understand local languages creates a limitation [4].
As the market for AI glasses grows, it is hoped that the integration of robust language models and local dialect data will follow, addressing the language barriers faced by Zimbabweans and other African nations. Until then, the question remains whether Africans are prepared to participate in this new wave or risk being left behind again.
[1] Alibaba’s Quark AI Glasses: The Future of Augmented Reality
[2] Baidu’s Xiaodu AI Glasses: The Next Big Thing in AI Technology
[3] The Rise of AI Glasses: A Comprehensive Overview
[4] AI Glasses with 137 Languages Support and Subtitle Generation in Over 220 Languages and Dialects
[5] Subtitle Generation in Over 220 Languages and Dialects: A Game Changer for Accessibility
[6] The Struggle for Multilingual AI: Bridging the Language Gap
- The AI-powered glasses, designed to revolutionize interactions with artificial intelligence, while offering real-time translation and voice recognition, may not be beneficial for Zimbabwean users due to the lack of understanding for local languages like Shona and Ndebele, causing an additional layer of exclusion.
- As the market for AI glasses expands, addressing the language barriers faced by Zimbabweans and other African nations, particularly in understanding local dialects like Shona and Ndebele, becomes critical for ensuring full participation in this new technological wave.
