Google has teamed up with Ray-Ban maker Luxottica to make a new generation of Glass more stylish. This new versions of Google’s wearable that includes a camera that can take hands-free pictures and video will now boast Luxottica frames which will be showcased to millions of potential consumers, although Google has yet to surmount challenges such as battery life and privacy concerns. What is sure the new product will “straddle the line between high-fashion, lifestyle and innovative technology.”
“We believe the challenge of convincing consumers to wear computers on their face is a fashion problem as much as it is a technology problem,” said UBS analyst Fred Speirs of the logic of the tie-up between Google and Luxottica.
The special glasses can be bought by U.S. residents for $1,500 plus tax, according to Google’s website. To reach a wider consumer market, they would have to be put on sale for a much lower price.
Luxottica is the largest eyewear company in the world which manufactures glasses for Oakley, Persol, Prada, Ray-Ban and Versace. It also owns retailers including LensCrafters, Sunglasses Hut and Pearle Vision, giving Google the ability to showcase its new designs in brick-and-mortar stores.
