EssilorLuxottica (ESLOY) Inks Smart Glasses Deal With META
EssilorLuxottica recently announced the launch of its latest innovation in the smart glasses sector – the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, developed in partnership with Meta Platforms. This collaboration signifies a significant advancement in AI-driven eyewear technology and is poised to bolster EssilorLuxottica's foothold in the ophthalmology market.
The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses stand out as the premier eyewear offering live streaming functionality and integration with Meta AI, featuring an upgraded camera with enhanced quality. These smart glasses come equipped with improved audio and microphone systems, accompanied by a revamped user-friendly app and charging case.
Live Streaming Capabilities
One of the key features of the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses is their live streaming capabilities, enabling content creators to seamlessly share their real-time experiences and points of view. The hands-free streaming functionality enhances authenticity and relatability in content creation, allowing users to share live perspectives directly from their point of view. By enabling users to effortlessly switch between the glasses and phone cameras for platforms like Instagram Live and Facebook Live, the smart glasses facilitate better engagement with their audience.
Meta AI Integration
The integration of Meta AI, available to users in the U.S., enables voice-activated assistance through the command "Hey Meta." This AI assistant empowers users to delve deeper into their creative moments and take full advantage of the smart glasses' features. Additionally, a privacy LED light indicator has been incorporated to provide a clear signal when the camera is in operation.
Enhanced Camera and Audio Quality
The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses boast a significant improvement in audio and camera quality. The 12 MP ultrawide camera captures high-resolution photos and immersive 1080p videos in portrait mode, while the discreet open-ear speakers deliver enhanced bass and superior noise suppression for an enriched audio experience. With five built-in microphones supporting seamless transitions between music and calls, users can stay connected to their surroundings.
Customization and Variety
EssilorLuxottica has curated the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses collection to offer a wide range of styles, colors, and lens options, ensuring that consumers can access cutting-edge technology without compromising on aesthetics. With 21 styles available, users can personalize their smart glasses by selecting frame colors, lens finishes, and more, leading to over 130 unique color and style combinations. These customization options are exclusively available on Ray-Ban.com.
Accessibility and Pricing
Priced starting at $299, EssilorLuxottica aims to make these AI-driven smart glasses accessible to a broad audience. The collection is complemented by an enhanced companion app, Meta View, available on both iOS and Android platforms, facilitating seamless content importation. The combination of advanced features at an affordable price point is expected to resonate with a wide consumer base.
The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses collection is set to be launched for sale on October 17, 2023, and is positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for smart eyewear technologies globally.
Market Insights and Key Players
According to industry reports, the global smart eyewear technology market was valued at $9 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach approximately $33 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 19% between 2022 and 2030. Factors such as population growth, increased health and fitness awareness, lifestyle advancements, and the expansion of entertainment and fashion sectors are driving this substantial market growth.
EssilorLuxottica, alongside other major players like Corning Incorporated and Gentex Corporation, has been at the forefront of smart glass innovation. Corning's glass technologies are utilized in various Apple products, while Gentex specializes in dimmable glass systems employing electrochromics technology, known for its unparalleled opacity range, optical clarity, and durability in the market.
