- Google wanted to integrate its Gemini AI into EssilorLuxottica’s smart glasses, challenging Meta’s existing partnership.
- The company currently has a partnership with Meta for Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, and it’s considered “extremely unlikely” that Meta will lose that partnership to Google.
OUR TAKE
Google has made a strategic move by entering into talks with EssilorLuxottica to integrate its Gemini AI assistant into upcoming smart glasses, potentially challenging Meta’s established partnership. Meanwhile, Meta is finalising plans to acquire a 5% stake in EssilorLuxottica to strengthen its position in the smart glasses market amid economic challenges facing the European conglomerate. As Google moves to expand its presence in smart glasses, the tech giant faces both opportunities and challenges in a rapidly evolving market. With Meta and Google competing for dominance through strategic partnerships and innovative technologies, consumers can expect significant advancements in smart eyewear capabilities in the coming years.
—Heidi Luo, BTW reporter
What happened
Google has made a strategic move by entering into talks with EssilorLuxottica to integrate its Gemini AI assistant into upcoming smart glasses, potentially challenging Meta’s established partnership. The development comes as Meta is reportedly finalising plans to acquire a 5% stake in EssilorLuxottica, a significant investment aimed at strengthening its foothold in the lucrative smart glasses market. This was first reported by the Financial Times.
EssilorLuxottica, a prominent European fashion and retail conglomerate, is facing economic pressures such as global inflation, which have recently affected its profit margins. Despite these challenges, its collaboration with Meta on Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses has been a notable success, with increasing consumer interest and sales growth.
As negotiations progress, the impact of these partnerships, Meta’s potential investment and Google’s offer of integration will shape future trends in smart eyewear technology and competitive strategies in the industry.
Also read: New Ray-Ban Meta glasses smash sales records, Milleri says
Also read: Meta to integrate AI into Ray-Ban smart glasses
Why it’s important
Meanwhile, Google’s foray into the smart glasses market aligns with its broader strategy in augmented reality and wearable technology. The company’s partnership ambitions extend beyond EssilorLuxottica, as it is also working with Samsung and Qualcomm to develop a new XR platform.
This platform is expected to power future headsets and smart glasses, with a developer version possibly launching in October ahead of a consumer launch in Q1 2025. So even if Google convinces Ray-Ban to make Gemini smart glasses, it’ll be a long time before a commercial release using this platform.
Moreover, Google’s history with smart eyewear, particularly its previous partnership with Luxottica before its merger with Essilor, adds a historical context to the current negotiations. This background suggests a strategic alignment between Google and EssilorLuxottica in exploring new avenues for smart glasses development.
As innovations like the Ray-Ban Meta glasses continue to evolve, priced at $299 and offering advanced features such as extended video recording and seamless integration with popular apps, the stage is set for a transformative era in wearable tech.
