BLOG / All Posts

The AI Gadget Operating System (OS) Wars Have Started

July 16, 2025

We've seen this movie before 1.) Windows vs Apple vs Linux in desktops and servers. 2.) IOS vs Android (and all the ones that lost) in mobile. Now round 3 is heating up with AI devices—smart glasses are the obvious frontrunner.

I just caught the announcement on Reddit for MentraOS 2.0, an open-source operating system for smart glasses. This San Francisco startup (Mentra) is backing it to democratize the space, fighting proprietary lock-in from big tech by building a community-driven ecosystem. They've got some intriguing proof-of-concept apps, but nothing like full AI Twins (like in my book) ... yet.

They bundled the launch with an Ask-Me-Anything (AMA) on Reddit this past week, plus a press release. Follow along here: https://www.reddit.com/r/augmentedreality/comments/1io50pz/augmentos_ama_with_cayden%E5%87%AF%E7%99%BB_of_mentra/

Here are some quick notes:

  • Genuinely free open-source license (MIT).
  • Supports a few glasses, including Mentra's own Mach1, Even Realities G1, and Vuzix Z100.
  • Apps include basics like notifications, live captions, translation, and an AI assistant (Mira, powered by GPT-4o), plus upcoming integrations like Shazam and Google Maps. Functional, but early-stage—no deeply personalized AI Twins, yet.

Obviously, they're positioning as the "Linux-like" alternative to break up potential Meta, Google, or Apple dominance before it solidifies.

Something to keep an eye on, for sure. Google could easily open-source more of Android XR to deflate MentraOS if it gains traction.

My guess is this: the latest OS battle differs from past ones because the AI app—your personalized "Twin" with years of memories and context—owns the user's loyalty heart and soul. No need for hundreds of apps; just seamless access to your AI. That puts integrated players like Google (with Gemini) and Meta (if Zuckerberg's zillion-dollar AI talent spree pays off) in pole position.

That leaves us with a few things to watch for in the coming months: