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Technology Promises To Revolutionize The World, Possibly Even Replacing Smartphones. Will It Be The Beginning Of The End For Cellphones?
Are smartphones on borrowed time?
In a surprising twist in the technology market, a partnership between EssilorLuxottica and Meta promises to transform the world of wearable devices and, perhaps, dethrone cellphones once and for all.
With high-tech glasses that go beyond the traditional Ray-Ban frames, the company reveals its latest product with integrated artificial intelligence, betting on an almost invisible connectivity experience.
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But what is really behind this innovation and how could it threaten tech giants like Apple and Samsung?
In the second half of 2024, EssilorLuxottica reached an impressive market value of € 100 billion, a feat that crowns the vision of founder Leonardo Del Vecchio, who passed away in 2022.
The company, owner of iconic brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley, now brings glasses equipped with AI and cameras, the result of an ambitious collaboration with Meta, the company of Mark Zuckerberg.
According to Francesco Milleri, CEO of EssilorLuxottica, smart glasses have the potential to replace smartphones, just as streaming replaced CDs and electric motors challenge combustion engines.
Ray-Ban With Camera: The Future Of Wearable Devices?
With functions ranging from taking photos and recording videos to live streaming on Facebook and Instagram, the Ray-Ban Meta glasses promise to revolutionize the way we interact with technology.
In the United States, these advanced devices still feature Meta’s artificial intelligence assistant, allowing real-time voice interactions and commands.
According to Milleri, this innovative development aims to position the company as a leader in wearable computing, transforming glasses into an essential and highly interactive accessory.
He emphasizes that “glasses like these could replace most other tech devices,” pointing to a future where cellphones could be a thing of the past.
The partnership with Meta represents a long-term effort, with plans to create multiple generations of increasingly sophisticated smart glasses.
Zuckerberg even compared Meta and EssilorLuxottica to European Samsung, envisioning a new technological era.
In the coming years, Meta also plans to acquire a 5% stake in EssilorLuxottica, strengthening this strategic alliance.
EssilorLuxottica And Meta: A Relationship That Generates Billions
The partnership between EssilorLuxottica and Meta is not limited to manufacturing glasses but seeks to develop a new category of wearable products with practical and everyday applications.
In the third quarter of 2024, sales of Ray-Ban Meta glasses and photochromic lenses that react to sunlight elevated global revenue by 2.3%, totaling € 6.4 billion.
The direct-to-consumer segment recorded a 3.2% growth, reflecting strong demand for these new devices.
For EssilorLuxottica, smart glasses represent a safe bet, considering that billions of people around the world already use glasses, whether for sun or prescription.
Milleri states that “these glasses will be as common as smartphones are today,” highlighting the massive market potential and scalability.
Expansion And Challenges: Beyond Smart Glasses
In addition to developing glasses with AI, EssilorLuxottica is also diversifying its investments in other technological areas.
In 2024, it acquired 80% of Heidelberg Engineering, an ophthalmic diagnostics company, strengthening its portfolio of health technologies.
Other acquisitions include the streetwear brand Supreme for € 1.5 billion, aiming to attract a young audience that values both fashion and technological innovation.
EssilorLuxottica has licenses for various luxury brands, which expands the opportunities for collaboration with Meta to create glasses that integrate cutting-edge technology without compromising design.
However, the rapid growth of this technology may face regulatory barriers in markets strict about privacy, such as the European Union and China.
The CEO believes that in the future, smart glasses will become increasingly discreet, incorporating artificial intelligence in a nearly imperceptible way, without interfering with aesthetics.
He summarizes the company’s goal: “To create a complete digital experience, directly in the accessory you already use daily.”
A New Era Without Smartphones?
As Meta invests in augmented reality and wearable devices, this partnership with EssilorLuxottica is seen as an important step in consolidating the concept of “invisible computing.”
The bet is that smart glasses evolve to the point where they can completely replace smartphones, allowing people to stay connected and informed without needing a device in hand.
Milleri is confident that “AI glasses have the potential to make smartphone use obsolete,” as they already integrate seamlessly into people’s lives, being easy to adopt and use in any situation.
Thus, what starts as a luxury innovation could very well become the norm in the next decade.
With so many advancements on the horizon, would you be ready to give up your smartphone for a pair of smart glasses?
Nunca!!
Primeiro, quem mandou colocar a Apple em primeiro lugar, sendo que de tecnologia a maioria das coisas dela vem da China? Quem deveria tar na frente dela é a Samsung, ali tem tecnologia própria e mais avançada, ou poderia ter deixado a Apple por último, porque até a Motorola tem mais tecnologia que ela. Fica a dica você que não entende de tecnologia, agora tá sabendo quem são as melhores.
Cara, eu já tive smartphones da Motorola. Não presta… Ruim demais… Hoje acho que a Xiaomi é melhor
Sem dúvida, só lamento que não possa estar aqui oara usufruir dessa Maravilha.