In a strategic move signaling a long-term commitment to innovation in wearable technology, Meta and EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban, have announced the extension of their partnership into the next decade. This collaboration, which began in 2019, has already brought two generations of Ray-Ban smart glasses to market.
The first model, Ray-Ban Stories, launched in late 2021, offered decent audio quality but struggled to gain traction due to its bulkier design. However, the 2023 iteration, now branded as Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, has seen greater success, featuring a sleeker design, hands-free photo messaging, and the ability to livestream directly to Instagram. With an improved 12MP ultra-wide camera, this latest version has set a new standard for stylish, functional smart eyewear.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressed enthusiasm for the future, stating, “I’m excited about our long-term roadmap ahead. We have the opportunity to turn glasses into the next major technology platform, and make it fashionable in the process.”
This extension comes amid speculation regarding Google’s own ambitions in the smart glasses arena. While Google has been rumored to partner with EssilorLuxottica for its smart glasses project, which may incorporate Gemini AI, no official announcements have been made regarding their timeline.
In a related development, Snap Inc. has also been making waves in the wearable tech market with the recent unveiling of the fifth generation of its Spectacles. These standalone AR glasses, powered by dual Snapdragon processors, are designed to offer immersive real-world interactions through Snap OS. Weighing only 226 grams and featuring four advanced cameras, the Spectacles include a see-through AR display and vibrant micro-projectors. They are available through the Spectacles Developer Programme for $99 per month.
As the race for the next big tech platform in wearables heats up, both Meta and Snap Inc. are positioning themselves as leaders in the evolving landscape of augmented reality and smart eyewear.
