HANGZHOU, China, Oct. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kevin Kelly, founding executive editor of Wired magazine, visited Rokid headquarters in Hangzhou for a deep dialogue with Misa Zhu, Founder & CEO of Rokid.
They engaged in a forward-looking conversation on the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and the evolution of human-computer interaction. The meeting came as Rokid transitions from a record-setting Kickstarter campaign into a global pre-order phase.
A Meeting Focused on the Future of Technology
During the visit, Kevin Kelly shared his insights on the development of AI and AR, reaffirming his belief that "smart glasses will be the next iPhone" and suggesting that Chinese companies could take the lead in this area.
Misa Zhu presented Rokid's history, its advancements in AR and AI, and its long-term goal of "Leave Nobody Behind." The two parties discussed future human-computer interaction models and the worldwide uptake of AR technologies.
At Rokid's headquarters, Kevin Kelly explored the newest product lineup, including Rokid Glasses, Rokid AR Spatial, and Rokid AR Studio. He praised the company's technological innovations and its method of integrating virtual interfaces with physical environments.
Dialogue on AI and Human-Computer Interaction
Following the product demonstrations, the participants engaged in an in-depth discussion on key industry topics, including the evolution of AI, the critical moment for AR adoption, and the long-term development cycle of emerging technologies.
Kevin Kelly highlighted that "the future is already here, but unevenly distributed." He praised Rokid's forward-looking strategy and perseverance in developing AR and AI technologies, considering these vital steps to make this future accessible to the public.
Misa Zhu stated that Kevin Kelly's insights have inspired many in the technology industry, noting that "the future Kevin Kelly envisions is what Rokid works to build every day. His visit and recognition provide great encouragement for us."
Strengthening Shared Belief in AR and AI Integration
The visit facilitates an exchange of ideas between a global technology thought leader and a top AR enterprise. Kevin Kelly's insights support Rokid's ongoing belief that the integration of AR and AI will shape the future of human-computer interaction.
Earlier this month, Rokid announced the successful completion of its Kickstarter campaign for Rokid Glasses, which raised more than US$3.6 million from over 5,000 backers, setting a new global record for XR (mixed reality) crowdfunding.
In addition to its global crowdfunding success, Rokid Glasses recently received the "Product of the Year" and "Golden Prize" awards at the 2025 Hong Kong Electronic Industries Awards (EIA) during the Hong Kong Electronics Fair. These awards further reinforce Rokid's status as a leading innovator in next-generation human-computer interaction technologies and solidify its worldwide leadership in wearable AI and mixed reality applications.
Although the initial campaign has ended, Rokid Glasses are still available for pre-order on Kickstarter. Customers can continue to order through the official campaign page. Although early discounts and bundle deals are no longer available, Rokid continues to accept pre-orders to satisfy ongoing international demand for its AI-enabled AR glasses.
Rokid continues to dedicate itself to advancing AR+AI integration, improving access to Human-Computer Interaction technologies, and fostering innovation that empowers users across various industries and everyday life.
About Rokid
Rokid is a product-oriented platform company with a focus on human-computer interaction for over ten years. As a pioneer in augmented reality, Rokid develops both hardware and software for AR headsets and their surrounding ecosystem, with a mission to ensure that the magic of AI and AR leaves no one behind. With the largest XR developer community in China, its products are consistently regarded among the best wearable devices in the country. It has won the Las Vegas CES Innovation Award for three consecutive years and the German IF Design Award five times.
Website: https://global.rokid.com/
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Wired Magazine Founding Editor Kevin Kelly Visits Rokid Headquarters, Exploring the Future of AR and AI
Wired Magazine Founding Editor Kevin Kelly Visits Rokid Headquarters, Exploring the Future of AR and AI
Wired Magazine Founding Editor Kevin Kelly Visits Rokid Headquarters, Exploring the Future of AR and AI
SINGAPORE, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- North London Collegiate School (Singapore) has established itself as a leading British international school in Singapore - and aims to become a regional hub for musical excellence. The school's newly launched Young Musicians Award, a competition open to instrumentalists aged 5 to 18 from across Asia, reflects a deeper institutional commitment: that artistic development is inseparable from academic rigour.
A School-Wide Philosophy, Not Just a Programme
At North London Collegiate School (Singapore), music is not a peripheral activity. It sits at the heart of the school's approach to developing confident, disciplined, and creatively ambitious young people. The Young Musicians Award extends this philosophy beyond the school's own student body, inviting young musicians from across the region to compete on a professional stage.
The competition received a strong regional response, with around 50 applicants shortlisted from across Asia. Finalists perform live in the school's 700-seat auditorium - an environment designed to prepare young artists for the realities of professional performance.
Professional Opportunities and Recognition
The Young Musicians Award offers more than stage time. Through a partnership with Songwork International, finalists gain access to Singapore's Lion Studios for professional recording sessions - an experience that introduces young musicians to industry-standard production environments typically encountered only at advanced levels of training.
Winners are invited to perform at a gala concert, while selected concerto finalists have the opportunity to perform alongside a symphony orchestra. A S$5,000 scholarship is awarded to one exceptional musician, representing a sustained investment in long-term artistic development.
International Standards, Delivered Locally
What further sets this initiative apart is the calibre of expertise behind it. The judging panel brings together leading figures from the international classical music world:
- Joshua Tan – Associate Conductor, Singapore Symphony Orchestra
- George Harliono – British concert pianist and Tchaikovsky Competition silver medallist
- Zhi Jong Wang – Professor of Violin, Shanghai Conservatory of Music
Their involvement reflects the global outlook that defines education at North London Collegiate School (Singapore), offering young musicians access to professional feedback typically reserved for conservatoire-level training.
Edward Jeffries, Head of Music (Senior School) at NLCS (Singapore) and founding lead of the Young Musicians Award, said: "The NLCS (Singapore) Young Musicians Award was conceived as a platform within Asia for young musicians to share their talent and celebrate their artistry. We are not a British International School that operates behind closed doors, but a community that seeks to champion excellence and provide our students and the wider community with opportunities to be inspired by exceptional young performers.
This competition is not intended solely for the benefit of our own students; rather, it aims to give a voice to young musicians from across the region. In doing so, it reflects our Music Department's motto: "We Aspire to Inspire."
Contributing to the Region's Musical Landscape
By opening the competition to young musicians across Asia, North London Collegiate School (Singapore) is adding to the growing ecosystem of opportunities for classical music development in the region. The Young Musicians Award offers an accessible pathway for instrumentalists as young as five to experience professional performance settings, receive feedback from international adjudicators, and access studio recording - experiences that complement and strengthen the musical journeys young artists are already pursuing.
To learn more about the Young Musicians Award, visit: https://enquiries.nlcssingapore.com/young-musicians-award/
About North London Collegiate School (Singapore)
Founded in August 2020, North London Collegiate School (Singapore) is a British International School offering the academically ambitious NLCS curriculum, followed by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme and culminating in the IB Diploma Programme.
Drawing on 175 years of educational heritage from its founding school in the UK, NLCS (Singapore) nurtures individuals to be intellectually curious, socially confident, and grounded in compassion through a rigorous academic framework, rich co-curricular opportunities, and exceptional pastoral care.
Situated on Depot Road, the School is part of a global family of schools committed to educational excellence and developing global citizens.
To learn more about NLCS (Singapore), please visit our website (https://nlcssingapore.sg/) and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
For media enquiries, please contact the NLCS (Singapore) Marketing Team
Email: marketing@nlcssingapore.sg
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
NLCS (Singapore) Brings World-Class Musical Opportunities to Young Artists Across Asia
