Our relationship with technology could use a reset. We all spend all of our time just staring down at screens. But what if instead we could stare kind of up and to the right at screens.That's what Google thinks might be the answer. And it's built a product called Glass that puts a screen on your face that might just change everything. From the Verge of Ox Media, this is Version History, a show about the best and worst and strangest and most important products in tech history.I'm David Pierce and on this epi ...

Core Insights - Alibaba has launched its first smart glasses, the Quark AI Glasses, which integrate its AI models and feature a camera and display [1][2][3] Product Details - The Quark AI Glasses come in two variants: the S1 priced at 3,799 Chinese yuan ($536) and the G1 at 1,899 yuan [2] - Key features include on-the-go translation, AI-generated meeting notes, and the ability to identify product prices on Taobao using the camera [3] Market Context - The smart glasses market is expected to grow rapidly, with shipments projected to exceed 10 million units by 2026, doubling from 2025 [5] - Alibaba's entry into the smart glasses market positions it against domestic competitors like Xiaomi and Xreal [5] Competitive Landscape - Other tech companies, such as Meta, are also investing in smart glasses, indicating a trend towards consumer AI devices [4] - Alibaba's Qwen app, similar to ChatGPT, achieved 10 million downloads in its first week, showcasing strong consumer interest in AI products [6] Strategic Positioning - Alibaba is focusing on consumer AI as part of its growth strategy, alongside its cloud computing business, which has seen accelerated growth [6][7] - The company is recognized as a leader in China's AI sector, competing with major players like Baidu and Tencent [7]

Core Insights - Eselor Luxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban, reported an 11.7% increase in sales in the most recent quarter, with significant revenue growth attributed to its partnership with Meta for smart glasses [1] Group 1: Company Performance - The company has successfully launched smart glasses under the Ray-Ban and Oakley brands, with plans for a Prada version in development [1] - The smart glasses have been well-received, with users noting their aesthetic appeal and functionality, such as video recording capabilities [2][4] Group 2: Product Features - The smart glasses allow users to record videos hands-free, making them suitable for activities like capturing moments with children [4] - Users can interact with the glasses using voice commands, enhancing the user experience by integrating features like Siri [5]

Industry Trend & Competition - Tech companies are pushing towards a future with AI-powered smart glasses, exemplified by Meta's Ray-Ban displays, raising questions about consumer demand [1][2] - Apple is reportedly shifting resources from Vision Pro to AI glasses development for 2027, aiming to compete with Meta [5] - The success of smart glasses hinges on addressing privacy concerns and ensuring they feel normal for everyday use [20][19] Apple's Potential & Strategy - Apple possesses advantages like camera tech, AirPods audio tech, wearables (Apple Watch), and AR/VR experience, positioning them well for smart glasses [9] - Apple could leverage the Apple Watch for gesture controls, potentially solving issues with current smart glasses like the Meta Neural Band [10][12] - Apple's existing retail presence (Apple Stores) could serve as demo locations for smart glasses, similar to Warby Parker [23][24] Challenges & Considerations - The high price of devices like Vision Pro ($3,500) presents a significant barrier to adoption [14] - Smart glasses need to be more affordable (ideally under $1,000) and address prescription needs for broader accessibility [16] - The industry is still figuring out how to seamlessly blend AR with the real world and provide contextual AI that is aware of the user's environment [17][18]

Core Insights - The future of computing devices is believed to be smart glasses, as stated by Meta's Chief Product Officer Chris Cox [1] - The newly revealed Meta Ray-Ban Display AI glasses are priced at $799 and feature a small in-lens display controlled by hand movements via a neural wristband [1] - Users can record videos and send messages using voice commands or handwriting gestures on their knee [2]

Core Insights - Meta has launched a new pair of smart glasses called Ray-Ban Meta Display, featuring a built-in display for apps, alerts, and directions, controlled by a wristband called Meta Neural Band [1][2][4] - The glasses are priced at $800 and are expected to be available for purchase in a couple of weeks [2] - This product represents Meta's ongoing efforts to create consumer smart glasses that can perform tasks traditionally done on smartphones, aiming to reduce reliance on competitors' devices [3][12] Product Features - The Ray-Ban Meta Display builds on the success of the original Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which have sold millions of units in partnership with EssilorLuxottica [4] - The glasses include an AI assistant, cameras, speakers, and microphones, allowing users to connect to the internet and access social media apps [4][5] - Users can display Meta apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook, as well as view directions and live translations [5] Technology and Control - The Meta Neural Band, which resembles a Fitbit without a screen, allows users to navigate apps using subtle hand gestures, with a battery life of 18 hours and water resistance [5][6] - The device utilizes electromyography (EMG) to detect signals between the brain and hand for gesture control, positioning it as a new interface for device interaction [6] Market Position and Competition - Meta aims to be first to market with a functional smart glasses product, although the Ray-Ban Meta Display is less advanced than the previously showcased Orion smart glasses, which featured augmented reality capabilities [11] - There is anticipation that competitors like Google and Apple will release their own smart glasses in the future, potentially integrating them with their operating systems, which could pose a challenge for Meta [12]

Core Insights - Meta has launched the Oakley Meta Vanguard smart glasses, priced at $499, aimed at athletes, with availability starting October 21, 2025 [1] Product Features - The glasses feature a large unified front lens, capable of capturing video in up to 3K resolution, and include a 12-megapixel camera with a 122-degree wide-angle lens [2] - A programmable button allows users to trigger custom AI prompts via the Meta AI app, designed for comfortable use with helmets [3] - Battery life extends up to nine hours, with six hours of continuous music playback, and a charging case provides an additional 36 hours of charge [4] - The glasses include open-ear speakers that are six decibels louder than previous models, and a five-microphone array optimized for reducing wind noise [6] - They have an IP67 dust and water resistance rating, the highest among Meta's smart glasses, and feature Oakley PRIZMTM Lens technology for enhanced protection against sun, wind, and dust [7] Integration and Compatibility - The glasses can integrate with Garmin smartwatches, allowing users to access stats like heart rate and pace during activities, and can also work with Strava for performance metrics overlay on captured videos [9] Availability and Variants - Oakley Meta Vanguard will be available in multiple regions including the U.S., Canada, U.K., and several European countries, with plans for launches in Mexico, India, Brazil, and the UAE later this year [12] - The glasses come in four frame and lens color options [11] Competitive Context - This announcement follows the earlier release of the Oakley Meta HSTN smart glasses, which were positioned as the first product for athletes, and coincides with the introduction of new Ray-Ban branded smart glasses with enhanced features [13]

Core Insights - Solos has launched a strategic partnership with Deutsche Telekom to enhance the integration of smart glasses into daily life [1] - The collaboration features an AI-powered cooking app designed for Solos' AirGo™ smart glasses, showcasing the capabilities of Solos' open SDK platform [1] Company Developments - Solos is recognized as a leading innovator in the smart glasses and wearable AI sector [1] - The partnership with Deutsche Telekom signifies a commitment to advancing technology in the smart glasses market [1] Industry Trends - The initiative reflects a growing trend of incorporating AI applications into wearable technology, particularly in enhancing user experience [1] - The collaboration indicates a shift towards more practical applications of smart glasses in everyday scenarios, potentially expanding the market reach [1]

Core Insights - EssilorLuxottica reported over 300% year-on-year growth in sales of Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses in 2023 [1] - Meta has invested €3 billion (approximately 248.08 billion RMB) in EssilorLuxottica, acquiring a 3% stake and considering increasing it to 5% [1] - The cumulative sales of Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses reached 2 million units, with a production capacity target of 10 million units by the end of 2026 [1] Product Developments - The third generation of Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses is expected to launch in October 2023, featuring a monochrome display and a wristband-style controller, priced between $1,000 and $1,400 (approximately 7,274 to 10,184 RMB) [2] - The new smart glasses will include a camera and applications for photos and maps, supporting notifications from mobile apps, but will heavily rely on smartphones for functionality [2] - The current second generation smart glasses have a 12MP CMOS sensor, with the third generation expected to have camera quality comparable to the iPhone 13 [2]

Core Viewpoint - Meta Platforms has experienced significant fluctuations in its stock value, particularly due to its initial focus on the metaverse, but has since rebounded by shifting towards AI-enabled advertising and smart glasses [3][4]. Company Performance - Meta shares lost approximately 62% of their value from late 2021 to the end of 2022, but have surged by 500% since then as of July 14 [4]. - Reality Labs, which focuses on the metaverse, has generated less than $4.5 billion in revenue over the last nine quarters and incurred an operating loss of around $38 billion [5][6]. Investment Strategy - Meta has acquired a nearly 3% stake in EssilorLuxottica, indicating a strong commitment to the smart glasses market [5][6]. - This investment could potentially increase to 5%, allowing Meta to influence EssilorLuxottica's operations [7]. Market Focus - The shift towards smart glasses is seen as a more viable path for Reality Labs compared to VR headsets, as smart glasses cater to a broader market [9][10]. - In 2024, Meta sold one million Ray-Ban smart glasses, with a target of two to five million by 2025, although sales fell by around 6% in Q1 compared to the previous year [11]. Competitive Landscape - The emergence of new competitors, such as Google partnering with Samsung and Warby Parker to release smart glasses in 2026, poses a threat to Meta's market position [14]. - Strong sales growth in Meta's smart glasses is crucial for the company's future, as Reality Labs is unlikely to achieve profitability soon [15].