Huzzah. Yesterday’s announcement that Italian owned Luxottica has teamed up with Google, in order to supply Ray-Ban and Oakley products with Google Glasswear is a sure sign that wearable tech you’ll actually want to wear is, at long last, on the way.
In the last blog I wrote for Forbes, about this 2014 trend, I expressed a strong view that you wouldn’t be seeing me wearing current wearable tech products any time soon.
But am I about to eat my own words?
Fashion and technology companies have been pairing up for some time now but the most interesting recent development in this digital realm, is that the switch seems to have finally clicked for tech powerhouse Google, with their new partnership.
Introducing Luxottica. You may well not have heard of them but you will know their products. As the world’s biggest ever eyewear manufacturer, they have full control over the ocular arm of big brands like Prada, Versace and of course the aforementioned Ray-Ban and Oakley to name but a few.
So why exactly is this such a big deal? Because Luxottica’s supreme success in design and distribution – matched with Google’s unparalleled performance in technological innovation, can only be a magic formula in my eyes.
The perfect balance between fashion and functionality?
Evidence would certainly suggest so, as Luxottica shares jumped by over 4% yesterday after the partnership was announced.
I’m not suggesting we’re likely to see all of our friends in “Googlefied”, mirrored aviators tomorrow. But “ Glassholes” or not, this is definitely the one to watch.
Currently, Google Glass is only available to developers for a cool $1,500 but this strategic partnership could well see the start of the product’s move into the mainstream market, signaling the start of an entirely new chapter for this digital giant.
Although details are currently far and few between, this is something to look forward to if you, like me, have previously shuddered at the overtly sci-fi look, this product has previously exhibited.
And let’s face it, once the Italians arrive, design success often swiftly follows…
Georgiana Foster is a new business executive at gyro London.
Follow her @giorgianafoster