Intel has reportedly teamed up with Italy-based Luxottica Group, the world’s largest eyeglass makers, to develop new smart eyewear ranging from luxury to sport.
The multi-year agreement deal between the two will involve the creation of a special research and development group of Intel and Luxottica specialists for developing smart eyewear for the future.
“The ultimate goal is to help pioneer that change and deliver smart, fashion-forward products that are meaningful and desirable to consumers,” the duo said a joint statement.
Confirming the partnership, Intel CEO Brian Krzanich at the New York Times International Luxury Conference on Wednesday 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.”
“This is an incredible opportunity for us to continue to innovate and further shape the future of eyewear,” Luxottica CEO Massimo Vian said.
“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 intelligence and functional as they are beautiful. Products that consumers will love to wear.”
Although Intel and Luxottica gave no financial details about their agreement, it is expected that the first product from the companies’ collaboration will launch in 2015.
