BEIJING (Kashmir English): University students in China are reportedly renting AI smart glasses to assist in cheating during difficult exams.
The devices are reportedly being hired at a daily charges of between 40 and 60 yuan, approximately 6 to 9 US dollars.
Although smart glasses have been available in the country markets for some time, they have not become common household devices.
However, latest versions equipped with artificial intelligence have gained rapid popularity among the students, who are using them to improve exam performance.
AI smart glasses contain large language models
According to media reports, the AI smart glasses contain large language models along with built-in camera and audio functions. The device is capable of scanning questions and text and providing instant answers in a manner designed to avoid detection.
Earlier smart glasses models were large and heavy, but now companies such as Xiaomi and Alibaba have developed newer versions which are slimmer and more discreet, closely resembling ordinary spectacles.
Despite having been banned in national college entrance examinations and civil service tests, these smart glasses continue to be used in school-level exams, with reported strong outcomes.
A case at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology found that a student using smart glasses fitted with an AI system similar to ChatGPT 5.2 ranked among the top five out of 100 students, achieving an average score of 92.5 compared with the class average of 72.
The devices with more impressive performance viz-a-viz exams are priced between 270 US dollars and over 1,000 US dollars.
However, second-hand marketplaces such as Xianyu are offering rental options at daily rates ranging from 40 to 80 yuan depending on the model.
