Eyewear manufacturer EssilorLuxottica is gearing up to increase production capacity for smart glasses and aiming to broaden its partnership with Meta to include other brands, as stated by CEO Francesco Milleri on Wednesday.
The collaboration between EssilorLuxottica and Meta began in 2019, resulting in two generations of smart glasses under the Ray-Ban brand. Last year, they sealed a deal that will propel both companies "into the next decade."
Smart glasses come equipped with a built-in computer and microphones enabling wearers to issue voice commands to connect with smartphones and other devices.
Since the launch of Ray-Ban Meta in September 2023, EssilorLuxottica's CEO reported selling over 2 million units. "The rate of activation and usage time have been steadily climbing post-launch, indicating the product's integration into our daily lives," remarked Milleri during a post-results conference call with analysts.
Looking ahead, Milleri mentioned potential upcoming releases featuring new functionalities and brands. Emphasizing their open approach, he sees the product as a shared platform poised to welcome third-party brands and new features, potentially even through subscription services.
EssilorLuxottica aims to ramp up its production capability for Ray-Ban Meta, targeting an annual output of 10 million units by the end of next year. This expanded capacity could cater not only to smart glasses but also to Nuance Audio glasses, integrating an open-ear hearing solution discreetly.
Deputy CEO Paul du Sallant disclosed plans to bolster production in China and other facilities in Southeast Asia.