INMO announced the GO 3 AR smart glasses, featuring dual microLED displays. The company disclosed limited technical specifications, confirming only that the displays offer 1,500 nits of brightness to the eye and a 30-degree field of view. No further details were provided. The previous generation, the GO 2 AR, utilized JBD's monochrome green 0.13-inch VGA microdisplays. While it is likely that the GO 3 AR also uses JBD-produced microdisplays, this supplier relationship has not been confirmed by INMO.
Japanese eyewear brand TRUE VINTAGE REVIVAL has released the Four Seasons Edition of its signature TVR504 frame. Originally introduced in 2013, this updated silhouette is handcrafted in Sabae, Japan, using 6mm Japanese Zylonite acetate. The edition features four new colorways: Sunset Tortoise, Dragon in the Cloud, Cappuccino Clear, and Classic Black. Technical updates include a newly developed M–S titanium nose pad system with beta-titanium arms and pure titanium pads for improved fit. Interior temple details feature hand-engraved metal cores referencing the mythical Yatagarasu crow, while the seven-barrel hinges now incorporate 14K gold-plated washers. Available in three sizes, the collection emphasizes refined craftsmanship and vintage-inspired design elements within the established JD shape.
Chrome Hearts’ HOTATION geometric sunglasses are now available at Jiubida Optical locations in Tainan and Kaohsiung. The frames feature a double-bridge aviator design combining metal and acetate, with wind shields extending from the sides. Distinctive 925 sterling silver and 18K gold-plated dagger motifs adorn the temples, which also display engraved Gothic script branding. Each pair is fitted with German ZEISS lenses to ensure clear vision alongside the bold aesthetic. Two colorways are listed: MBK/GP-MBK-P (black/gold with brown lenses) and MBK (matte black), both in size 53□24-144. Jiubida Optical, established in 1984, operates as a Zeiss Vision Expert partner in Tainan and hosts a 999.9 shop-in-shop in Kaohsiung.
Jiu Bi Da Eyewear, a retailer established in 1984 with locations in Tainan and Kaohsiung, presented the Chrome Hearts CLOACO eyewear collection. The frames combine acetate fronts with titanium temples, incorporating 925 sterling silver and 18K gold-plated details. Five colorways were displayed: black-gold (BK-GP), black-silver (BK-SS), clear-gold (CRYS-GP), tortoiseshell-gold (DT-GP), and gunmetal-gray (FL-GM). All models feature a size of 53□22-145. Design elements include angled temple tips with engraved textures and nose pads embossed with Chrome Hearts motifs. The showcase highlights the brand's Gothic-inspired aesthetic through material contrasts and intricate craftsmanship available at the specified store locations.
Snap Inc. announced that actor Robert Downey Jr. has joined its augmented reality glasses subsidiary, SPECS, as honorary Chief Customer Experience Officer (CCEO). In this role, he will collaborate on hardware development, shape new Lens experiences, and produce original content exploring applications in education, medicine, and manufacturing. The appointment coincides with the launch of a series of episodes testing the SPECS see-through AR glasses, which cost USD $2,195 and are scheduled to begin shipping later this fall in the United States, United Kingdom, and France. Snap CEO Evan Spiegel stated the partnership aims to bring Downey’s long-standing vision for the technology to life. Initial broadcast appearances occurred during an NBA game on October 20, with another episode debuting during the World Series on October 23.
Innovative Eyewear announced that its Reebok sport smart eyewear collection, developed under the Lucyd brand, was named to TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2026 list. The recognition in the Audio Sunglasses for Athletes category highlighted features including open-ear audio, noise-cancelling capabilities, polarized lenses, and prescription-ready options. CEO Harrison Gross stated the award indicates strong product-market fit. The selection places the glasses among eight other vision technology innovations on the 300-item list, such as Essilor Stellest lenses and Science Corporation’s PRIMA subretinal implant system. While PRIMA is available in Europe with an FDA humanitarian designation received in July 2026, OneCourt’s assistive device is scheduled to ship at-home versions in December.
At the September MicroLED and AR/VR Connect conference in Eindhoven, a notable shift emerged as many MicroLED companies emphasized optical interconnects and Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) for AI data centers. The event, which has grown 20–30% annually, also featured discussions on optical see-through (OST) augmented reality. Panelists noted that green-only MicroLEDs currently dominate small, ~30° field-of-view products, primarily used in Asia for English translation. However, full-color MicroLED solutions remain challenged by size and cost constraints compared to LCOS. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the manufacturing friction of integrating prescriptions into AR glasses and skepticism toward claims that $100 component costs are necessary to reach 100 million units.
Innovative Eyewear, Inc. announced that its Reebok sport smart eyewear collection received the Time Magazine Best Inventions of 2026 award. The lineup comprises ten styles designed for outdoor athletes, featuring a new audio system, adjustable rubberized nosepieces and ear grips, lens vents to prevent fogging, and Walkie-talkie connectivity via the Lucyd app. Polarized and light-adaptive models are available, with all Nitrous versions fully prescription adaptable. CEO Harrison Gross stated the recognition indicates product-market fit and design quality, noting it follows a recent Red Dot award for Lucyd Armor. The collection is currently available at Lucyd.co with or without prescription options.
Optical Prism Magazine published a post titled "Breakthrough Glasses Slow Myopia in Kids – What It’s Like to Order Stellest." The source material provided consists solely of the article's title and publication attribution, containing no factual details regarding the product's efficacy, ordering process, pricing, or availability. Consequently, specific information about how the glasses slow myopia or what it is like to order them cannot be summarized from the available text.
The EyeFly Collection has introduced the Nova, a new frame featuring a softly upswept cat-eye shape and open-ear audio capabilities for music, calls, and directions. Available in Black, Burgundy, and Havana, the product is offered as both optical frames and sunglasses. Each purchase includes matching regular temples, allowing users to disconnect from audio features when desired. This addition expands the collection's offerings by integrating smart audio technology into traditional eyewear designs without altering the core aesthetic of the cat-eye silhouette.
The Kuratorium Gutes Sehen (KGS) in Berlin has published eyewear trends for 2027, emphasizing contrasts between geometric and minimalist styles, retro and futuristic designs. Key developments include architectural frames with sharp lines and sculptural acetate, updated aviator and navigator shapes alongside 90s oval forms, and mixed materials pairing warm acetate with cool steel or titanium with carbon. Sport-inspired silhouettes featuring large curved lenses are also highlighted for fashion contexts. The report notes that strongly curved fronts require consultation with opticians to ensure compatibility with specific prescription strengths. Example models are available on the KGS websites sehen.de and brillenstyling.de.
At Meta Connect 2026, the company emphasized its shift toward hardware through a keynote featuring a wall of smart glasses. Announced products included Meta Display Glasses priced at $799, camera-less Ray-Ban Meta Audio, and Meta VR Glasses. The event highlighted strong market performance, citing nearly 1.8 million XR units sold in Q2 and a 67% SteamVR ecosystem capture. Lifetime sales figures reported were 26.7 million for Quest devices and 8.9 million for Ray-Ban Metas. Despite Reality Labs’ $4.62 billion operating loss in Q2, Meta projected confidence, leveraging recent stock gains driven by Muse AI releases to position itself as an innovator rather than solely a software entity.
Tainan-based eyewear retailer Jiubida partnered with Japanese handmade brand BJ Classic Collection to launch a limited-edition collaboration marking its 42nd anniversary. The exclusive model, CE-LG001, features a micro-round square frame crafted from rare pink celluloid by artisans in Fukui Sabae. Distinctive details include silver wing rivets, titanium nose pads designed for Asian fit, and gold "JUPITER" engraving on the temples. The release includes six tinted lenses suitable for both indoor and outdoor wear, offering versatile styling options beyond traditional sunglasses. This optical collection is currently available in limited quantities at Jiubida’s physical stores in Tainan and Kaohsiung.
Optical retailers are adopting digital consultation tools to address the limitation that customers cannot see final lens effects, such as edge thickness or tint, until pickup. Fittingbox Virtual Try-On offers over 190,000 models from 1,200 brands for smartphone-based frame trials. Zeiss Visufit 1000 combines virtual try-on with nine-camera 3D centering to simulate lenses before manufacturing. Pickz AI uses facial analysis to guide online frame selection. For lens visualization, OptikamPad and MPO Beratungs-App use tablets and AR to compare edge thickness and filters. Visall I-DNAmics employs VR to measure eye movement dynamics for personalized progressive designs. MyVisioniXperience integrates existing Visionix devices to streamline the customer journey from refraction to lens advice. These solutions aim to make abstract optical parameters tangible during the sales process.
Flexon Eyewear has introduced two new optical styles, W3045 and W3046, to its Women’s collection. Both frames utilize the brand’s signature memory metal in the bridge and temples, offering lightweight durability and flexibility. The oval teacup style W3045 is available in sizes 50 and 53, with color options including Taupe, Lavender, and Burgundy. The modified rectangle style W3046 comes in sizes 52 and 55, featuring Mocha, Taupe, and Plum finishes. These additions are currently available for purchase. Flexon, a brand under Marchon Eyewear, emphasizes that these designs incorporate sculpted, twisted elements inspired by jewelry to provide a feminine aesthetic while maintaining the resilience characteristic of their memory metal technology.
ATELIER by Woodys, the premium line of Woodys eyewear, announced its Fall/Winter 2026 collection. The release emphasizes temple design as a defining feature, introducing new raised tactile textures on optical models Donatella and Mona. Sunglasses Medusa and Prisma continue previous design directions with monochromatic fronts and prominent temples, now incorporating contrasting acetate inserts for added volume. These sunglass styles are fitted with ZEISS lenses providing UVA and UVB protection. All frames utilize Mazzucchelli acetate and feature custom gold-finished hinges with engraved logos. Woodys is represented in the United States by Villa Eyewear.
District Vision and Ghiaia Cashmere have released the Yukari Windshield Ghiaia, reviving an archival frame originally discontinued in 2020. The collaboration features a Glossy Tortoise frame inspired by vintage Italian eyewear, specifically referencing Persol models 649 and 714. This release marks the first time District Vision has incorporated mineral glass lenses into its catalog, offering superior optical clarity and scratch resistance while adding substantial weight to the design. The project highlights the partnership between two family-run California labels, blending technical running aesthetics with Italian heritage sportswear. The sunglasses are currently available through District Vision, Ghiaia Cashmere, and select global stockists.
Nikon Lenswear announced it is marking the 80th anniversary of its first ophthalmic lens, the Pointal Lens, introduced in 1946. According to the company’s announcement, Nikon Lenswear currently delivers billions of lens combinations to enable highly personalized vision solutions tailored to individual prescriptions, lifestyles and visual needs. The source does not specify whether these figures represent annual sales volumes or total historical production, nor does it provide independent verification of the current delivery capabilities beyond the corporate statement.
Even Realities lists two different display resolutions for its G2 smart glasses on its own platforms. The support site specifies a 640x350 panel with a 27.5-degree field of view, while developer documentation describes dual 576x288 monochrome green micro-LED displays. Bluetooth versions also conflict, with the support page citing BLE 5.4 and the glossary listing Bluetooth 5.2. This discrepancy marks the third resolution figure attached to the G2 in October, following an unofficial patch set claiming 640x480 panels. Separately, Engadget reviewer Daniel Cooper reported erratic touchpad controls on the R1 ring, noting taps often registered as swipes, though he acknowledged this might be an isolated issue. Even Realities sells the G2 frames from $599 in the US, with the R1 ring priced at $249 and currently supporting interaction only with the G2.
Optical Prism Magazine reported that INVU has announced the launch of its next-generation Mirror Guard technology. The source material consists solely of a headline and a brief attribution line, providing no further details regarding the specific capabilities, release dates, geographic availability, or technical specifications of the new lens technology. Consequently, the summary is limited to confirming the announcement itself without elaborating on product features or market impact.
Essilor announced that its Stellest lenses were named one of TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2026 in the Health & Wellness category. This recognition highlights the product's role in childhood myopia management, following U.S. FDA De Novo market authorization granted in September 2025. The FDA designation made them the first and only spectacle lenses authorized in the U.S. to slow myopia progression in children, a status supported by clinical trial data comparing them to single-vision lenses. Arnaud Ribadeau Dumas, head of Product & Marketing Optical Categories at EssilorLuxottica, stated the award acknowledges Essilor’s innovation capabilities. Regulatory status and availability may vary by country.
Researchers from Northwestern University introduced GlassTENG, an experimental smart glasses prototype that detects pulse, blinking, and facial movements using three flexible triboelectric nanogenerators embedded in the frame. Presented at ISWC 2026, the system converts mechanical pressure changes into electrical signals without cameras or skin-contact electrodes. In tests with 20 volunteers, a machine learning algorithm recognized actions with 93.8% overall accuracy, achieving 99% for blinking and teeth tapping but only 55% for speech detection. Pulse measurement showed an average absolute error of 1.82 beats per minute compared to a Polar H10 chest strap during rest. The analog circuit consumes 4.1 microwatts across three channels, excluding microcontroller and wireless components. Full autonomy without a battery has not yet been demonstrated, and the prototype does not provide medical diagnostics.
Optica 2000, part of the EssilorLuxottica group, announced it will add the new Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3) smart glasses to its catalog starting in October. The Gen 3 collection features updated designs including Wayfarer, Aviator, and Zena frames, with the Aviator model joining the Ray-Ban Meta line for the first time. Key hardware upgrades include a 3K Ultra HD camera, a six-microphone system, a customizable action button, flexible temples, and up to nine hours of battery life. The glasses integrate Meta AI for hands-free image capture, real-time translation, and local recommendations without requiring a phone connection. Lens options range from clear and solar varieties, such as Transitions® and Polarized, to unrestricted prescription capabilities. Additionally, Blayzer Optics (Gen 2) and Scriber Optics (Gen 2) frames have been expanded with new color options.
LOOKKINO announced the expansion of its ICONS collection with the new NIL 3950 series, comprising four models designed for children aged 5 to 9. This release marks the tenth anniversary of the original NIL-XINOX 3759 frame and introduces a "FULL NIL" version constructed entirely from NIL material, replacing the previous combination of a NIL front with XINOX temples. The new eyewear retains the brand’s signature screwless connection between the front and temples, a technology derived from the LHS concept originally developed for adult collections. LOOKKINO states that the series maintains core principles of stability, safety, and reliability while offering an updated interpretation of the iconic design tailored to the daily needs of younger users.
WestGroupe expanded its Versport prescription sports eyewear collection by introducing the ARES VX99 frame and new colorways for the ZEUS DTS VX98 and TROY VX95/VX96 models. The ARES VX99 is engineered for impact sports, complying with EN166:2001 standards and passing ASTM F803 tests. It features proprietary technologies including QTEM, Dualock, and antiSHOCK nose pads, and must be fitted exclusively with Polycarbonate or Trivex lenses to maintain safety certifications. The update also includes Matte Navy Lime finishes for the ZEUS DTS VX98 and Matte Pearl Navy Green options for the TROY VX95/VX96, offering contemporary aesthetics while retaining technical performance.
Developer RandyNorthrup released an unofficial, AGPL-3.0 plugin named Meta G Link Direct that streams the camera of Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 glasses into OBS Studio on Windows. The tool uses the glasses' own 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for video and Bluetooth for control, requiring no phone or router. However, setup makes the PC the exclusive owner, disconnecting the glasses from the Meta AI app. Currently in beta, it supports tested 720x1280 portrait video at 30fps with audio disabled by default. Streaming drains battery in approximately 35–40 minutes, though this is unconfirmed. Reconnection features and identity verification are incomplete. Meta has no affiliation with the project, which relies on public protocol definitions without including Meta code.
Swiss Eyewear Group developed INVU’s new Mirror Guard Technology, integrating the mirror layer within the lens construction rather than applying it as an exposed coating. This design aims to reduce scratch risk and maintain optical performance in sunglasses intended for active lifestyles. The lenses feature ultra polarized optics to eliminate reflections and enhance contrast. The collection combines this technology with wrap-around silhouettes and expressive mirror colors.
ECO EYEWEAR has added four new optical styles—ADDA, SELVA, BOREAL and IRO—to its signature Biobased Collection. The frames are constructed from a lightweight, flexible biobased material derived from castor seed oil, serving as a plant-based alternative to conventional fossil-based plastics. Each model includes a magnetic sun clip-on with polarized Category 3 lenses, allowing the optical frame to convert into sunglasses. The designs feature varied silhouettes, including cat-eye, geometric, rectangular and square shapes, available in neutral, translucent, green, red and blue colorways. The collection emphasizes sustainability by utilizing renewable raw materials to reduce dependence on petroleum-based plastics. Additionally, every frame purchase supports the brand’s One Frame, One Tree initiative, which funds tree planting efforts.
LOOKKINO announced the NIL 3950 series, adding four new models to its ICONS collection. This release marks the tenth anniversary of the original NIL-XINOX 3759 design within the Italian brand's children's eyewear range. The new series features a FULL NIL construction, utilizing LOOK's proprietary technopolymer for both the front and temples, replacing the previous combination of a NIL front with XINOX temples. Designed specifically for children aged five to nine, the frames maintain the stability, durability, and comfort required for everyday wear. A key retained feature is the screw-free connection between the front and temples, originally developed for adult eyewear under the LHS concept. The announcement highlights an evolution in material while preserving the recognizable silhouette and functional design elements of the established line.
South Korean companies RAONTECH and SN Display have signed an agreement to jointly develop perovskite-based displays for augmented and virtual reality glasses. The partners aim to create color conversion technology enabling full-color images on a single microLED panel with pixel sizes under 4 micrometers. This approach addresses challenges in placing red, green, and blue LEDs on small substrates and limitations of existing quantum dot solutions regarding brightness and scaling. SN Display proposes using perovskite nanocrystals that reportedly maintain high color conversion efficiency at layer thicknesses below 0.5 micrometers. In January 2026, a Seoul National University research group involving SN Display demonstrated stabilized perovskite nanocrystals achieving nearly 100% photoluminescence quantum yield. Currently, the companies are assessing technical feasibility; timelines for prototypes or commercial production remain undisclosed.
LOOKKINO has introduced four new models to its ICONS collection. These additions reinterpret one of the brand’s most recognisable concepts using the FULL NIL material. The announcement was reported by Optical Prism Magazine, which noted that the post originally appeared on their platform. No specific launch dates, pricing details, or geographic availability restrictions were provided in the source text.
Optician chain ALAIN AFFLELOU issued guidance on the responsible use of colored and fantasy contact lenses for Halloween costumes, emphasizing that these devices require direct eye contact and professional oversight. The company advises purchasing exclusively through specialized channels and consulting optometrists to ensure proper fit. Key safety protocols include washing hands before handling, respecting manufacturer wear times, avoiding water or cosmetic contamination, and never sharing lenses or sleeping in them. Lenses should be inserted before makeup application and removed prior to cleansing. Ana Díaz, an ALAIN AFFLELOU optometrist, warned that improper use can cause irritation, dryness, infections, or corneal injuries. The article highlights specific lens colors like Black Out, Red Vampire, White Out, Angelic White, Zombie Yellow, and Blue Walker as aesthetic options, while stressing that creativity must not compromise ocular health.
Spanish eyewear brand TIWI has expanded its sunglasses collection by introducing three new models: JULIETTE, MAEL, and MARVEL. These designs reinterpret iconic optical silhouettes through a contemporary lens, emphasizing the balance between aesthetics, functionality, and personality. The MARVEL model features XL rounded frames inspired by Iris Apfel’s aesthetic, available in four tones. JULIETTE presents an oversize silhouette with a slightly square front and acetate construction, offering tortoiseshell, bicolor, and translucent finishes. MAEL updates masculine-inspired codes with precise geometry and straight lines for a timeless look. The collection focuses on bold volumes and refined lines as key elements of personal style.
Belgian design house Henau announced the Birdies collection on October 19, 2026, featuring four acetate frames named after birds: ARA, FINCA, KEA, and PICA. The series includes two round models (ARA, FINCA) and two softened square models (KEA, PICA), offering twenty colorways in total. All frames are manufactured in Japan using cellulose acetate, sharing a consistent temple curve and a finish that transitions from matte at the top to polished at the bottom. Designer Jan Vandierendonck stated each bird has its own song, mirroring the distinct silhouettes for different faces. The announcement highlights a shift toward more spontaneous forms while maintaining the brand’s architectural aesthetic.
TIME magazine has included Essilor Stellest eyeglass lenses in its "Best Inventions 2026" list, specifically within the "Health & Wellness" category. The award recognizes the lenses as a myopia management solution designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. This milestone highlights Essilor's long-standing commitment to advancing vision science and providing innovations for opticians, children, and families. With over 175 years of focus on improving eyesight through research and partnerships, Essilor addresses the growing global need for early intervention and evidence-based treatments as childhood myopia rates continue to rise worldwide.
On 19 October 2026, technology integrator Technovate.One announced a suite of AI-driven automation and integration solutions targeting the Australian optical industry. The company aims to connect fragmented practice management, electronic health records, point-of-sale, inventory, and laboratory systems without requiring businesses to replace existing software. Technovate.One focuses on four segments: retail chains and practices, manufacturers and labs, vision insurers, and SaaS providers. Key capabilities include automating stock-to-patient record connections, supporting forecasting and order fulfilment, streamlining insurance eligibility checks, and aggregating operational data into unified dashboards. The firm emphasizes that human oversight remains necessary for clinical reviews and final approvals. This initiative addresses operational bottlenecks caused by disjointed platforms and manual data entry in eyecare businesses.
A 12-minute documentary titled "MA VIE WORLD TOUR," shot almost entirely on Ray-Ban Meta glasses during Doja Cat’s European tour, premieres on her YouTube channel on October 23. Directed by Quinn Whitney Wilson, the film captures footage across seven countries using glasses worn by the artist and crew. Concurrently, Meta hosts a Doja Cat takeover at its Los Angeles store from October 17 to 25, displaying performance outfits and custom Gen 3 frames. Visitors can demo Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3) Zena and Aviator models, priced at $449 in the US. Buyers receive limited collectibles while supplies last. Meta provides no technical camera specifications for the shoot, noting only that developer guidance caps capture resolution at 720x1280.
Australian independent brand AM Eyewear announced its Spring/Summer 2027 ‘Oasis’ collection, currently available for order through Australian distribution channels. The range features oversized silhouettes and aviator shapes in translucent crystal acetates, including styles with real gold flakes and exclusive lens colorways. Technical specifications include cured bio-based Italian acetate, ZEISS nylon sun-lenses with Gold ET anti-reflective coating, Visottica Comotec hinges, and black SS304 screws. Innovations such as world-first tangle-free nose pads and custom titanium nose pads aim to enhance comfort and durability. Select models incorporate Japanese Titanium and 6061 Aeronautical grade Aluminium. The brand, founded in 2003 and manufactured in Italy, is stocked by over 800 retailers worldwide.
Two unnamed smart glasses manufacturers are prioritizing frame aesthetics and comfort in their product designs. This approach contrasts with the majority of current market offerings, which are typically developed by technology companies that prioritize technical features before adapting them into acceptable form factors. The source notes that traditional tech-led designs often result in frames that merely resemble eyewear while attempting to minimize weight on the nose. Specific details regarding the identities of these two makers, their product names, or launch timelines were not provided in the excerpt.
Meta and EssilorLuxottica have announced a collaboration with Milan’s Pinacoteca di Brera to test AI glasses for blind and visually impaired visitors. Presented on Tuesday, the initiative, titled "Sensing Art — Discovering Masterpieces Beyond What Meets the Eye," integrates technology into the Grande Brera app as an alternative to the traditional DescriVivendo tour. The system allows users to activate artwork recognition for eight masterpieces, including works by Hayez, Mantegna, and Raphael, while listening to audio descriptions via temple speakers. Visitors can query Meta AI about their environment and connect with sighted volunteers through Be My Eyes integration. Developed with institutions like ANS and UICI, the trial is available at the museum upon reservation.