Luxottica has partnered with Intel to develop new smart eyewear. The plan is to have a product on the market this year.
Luxottica has said its smart frames will serve very specific purposes and will not compete with Glass – the long awaited smart glasses being produced by Google, for which Luxottica has an existing manufacture and distribution arrangement. Intel is also involved with Google – its chip technology will replace current chips supplied by Texas Instruments.
In a statement, Intel CEO Brian Krzanich said: “The growth of wearable technology is creating a new playing field for innovation. Through our collaboration with Luxottica Group, we will unite our respective ecosystems and bring together Intel’s leading-edge silicon and software technology with Luxottica’s design innovation and consumer expertise. We expect the combination of our expertise to help drive a much faster pace of innovation and push the envelope of what’s possible.”
Massimo Vian, CEO of Luxottica Group, said the alliance would shape the future of eyewear. “Together with Intel, we will continue to develop the potential of wearables, expanding the limits of what eyewear can be. We’ll lead the change to create frames that are as intelligent and functional as they are beautiful. Products that consumers will love to wear.”
