Google aims to create its own AI glasses in collaboration with Ray-Ban, competing with Meta. The company is in talks with EssilorLuxottica, despite the latter's existing partnership with Meta.
Google AI glasses
Potential partnership with Ray-Ban
According to Android Authority, referring to the exclusive material of The Verge, Google initiated negotiations with EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban, to create branded glasses with an integrated AI Gemini model. This comes amid EssilorLuxottica's ongoing collaboration with Meta.
Meta's success in smart glasses
Meta recently introduced an updated line of Ray-Ban smart glasses, adding an AI assistant. It is interesting that the new version of accessories in a few months exceeded the sales of the previous model in two years. This prompted Meta to consider a significant investment in Franco-Italian conglomerate EssilorLuxottica, which is valued at €87 billion. According to the Financial Times, Meta plans to acquire a 5% stake in the company, although the deal is not yet final.
Google's ambitions in the smart glasses market
Google is considering a return to the smart glasses market, looking to work with Ray-Ban in particular. Sources say the tech giant has already approached the brand's parent company to discuss the matter. However, it is unlikely that this will lead to a break in the partnership between Meta and EssilorLuxottica.
Google's collaboration with other tech giants
In parallel, Google joined forces with Samsung and Qualcomm to develop a competitor to Apple Vision Pro – the Samsung XR device, which may appear as early as 2025. In this project, Google will be responsible for creating a platform for headsets and smart glasses.
Google's past experience with smart glasses
Even if Google manages to convince Ray-Ban to release Gemini smartglasses, before their commercial launch is still far away. It is worth mentioning that this is not Google's first attempt to enter the smart glasses market. Almost a decade ago, the company tried to launch Google Glass in partnership with Luxottica (before its merger with Essilor). However, the project did not gain popularity due to privacy issues, limited battery life, high cost, and lack of clear use cases. In 2015, Google stopped selling these glasses.
Glossary
- Google is an American multinational corporation specializing in Internet services and products
- Meta is a technology company known for its social platforms Facebook and Instagram
- Ray-Ban is a world-renowned brand of sunglasses
- EssilorLuxottica is a Franco-Italian group of companies, a world leader in the production of glasses
- Gemini - an AI model developed by Google
Link
- Android Authority about Google's plans
- Financial Times about Meta investments
- Android Authority on cooperation between Google, Samsung and Qualcomm
Questions Answered
What are Google's plans for smart glasses?
How is Meta developing its line of smart glasses?
What are the prospects for cooperation between Google and Ray-Ban?
What other projects is Google developing in the field of augmented reality?
Why was the previous Google Glass project not successful?
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Discussion of the topic – Battle of tech giants: Google targets Ray-Ban partnership for AI glasses
Google is considering a collaboration with EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban, to create branded glasses with an integrated Gemini AI model, despite EssilorLuxottica's existing partnership with Meta.
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Olena
Wow, Google wants to go back to smart glasses again! I wonder if they can compete with Meta this time? 🤔
Marco
I think Google has a chance. Their Gemini AI model is very powerful. But Meta already has a market advantage with Ray-Ban. It will be interesting to watch this competition! 🍿
Sophie
And it seems to me that Meta is not just planning to invest in EssilorLuxottica. They clearly want to consolidate their positions. Smart glasses are the future! 😎
Olena
Sophie, I agree! But don't you think that this could lead to a monopoly in the market? 🧐
Hans
Oh, those smart glasses again... Why do you even need them? Don't we have enough smartphones? Only money is pumped out of people for unnecessary toys. 😒
Marco
Hans, you are wrong! Smart glasses can be very useful, for example, for people with disabilities. They open new horizons of interaction with technologies. 💪
Olena
I wonder how Google plans to solve the privacy problems it had with Google Glass? This was one of the main reasons for the failure 🕵️♀️
Sophie
Olena, good question! I think they took into account past mistakes. In addition, technology has advanced significantly since then. Maybe we'll see something truly revolutionary! 🚀