Rodenstock, a Munich-based spectacle lens manufacturer founded in 1877, describes its biometric lenses as custom products designed for individual eye needs. The company states that these lenses utilize data from the DNEye® scanner or artificial intelligence to create personal eye profiles with thousands of measurement points, aiming for precision fit beyond traditional refraction values. A cited Swiss market study (DNEye® Customer Survey, Zurich, 2018) reports that 80% of wearers saw better in twilight, 92% felt vision was sharper, and 88% perceived greater visual comfort compared to previous spectacles. Rodenstock claims leadership in biometric lens manufacturing but does not provide independent verification of these specific survey outcomes or current production metrics in this text.
The Rodenstock Group announced that Marcus Desimoni, currently Chief Financial Officer, will succeed Anders Hedegaard as Chief Executive Officer. Hedegaard’s departure takes effect at the end of January 2023, with Desimoni assuming the role on February 1, 2023. Hedegaard will remain a non-executive member of the Advisory Board and serve as a part-time consultant. A new CFO is expected to join during the first quarter of 2023. Desimoni has served as CFO since 2020, overseeing key transactions including the sale of the eyewear business to De Rigo in December 2022 and the acquisition of Indo Optical in May 2022. The company stated this leadership transition maintains continuity in strategic direction and investment in biometric lens innovation.
The Rodenstock Group announced that Dr. Mani Herold will join its Executive Management Board as Chief Financial Officer on April 1, 2023. He succeeds Marcus Desimoni in the role and joins from the Pfleiderer Group, where he served as CFO and Labor Director. Herold brings over 25 years of international financial management experience, including tenures at E.ON and Cerdia. CEO Marcus Desimoni stated that Herold’s leadership skills are expected to support the company's future transformational path. This appointment completes the Executive Management Team for the Munich-based ophthalmic lens manufacturer, which employs approximately 5,100 people globally across more than 85 countries.
On March 14, 2023, the Rodenstock Group announced its entry into the Spanish market to introduce its Biometric Intelligent Glasses (B.I.G.) technology. The Munich-based lens manufacturer aims for significant growth in Spain by leveraging local and global laboratories for its value chain. This move follows the 2020 launch of the B.I.G. VISION™ FOR ALL philosophy and the 2022 introduction of B.I.G. NORM™ biometric lenses. Rodenstock emphasizes individual eye measurement using thousands of data points for lens production. The company, founded in 1877, employs approximately 5,100 people globally, operates five central production hubs, and maintains a presence in over 85 countries.
Rodenstock Group announced solid like-for-like revenue growth of 4% in fiscal year 2022, reaching pro-forma net sales of 505 million euros. The company attributed this performance to demand for its B.I.G. VISION™ biometric progressive lenses and the launch of the B.I.G. NORM™ range. Strategic milestones included the acquisition of Indo Optical in September 2022 and the announced sale of its eyewear business to De Rigo in December 2022, with legal transfer expected in Q2 2023. These moves support Rodenstock’s transformation into a pure-play Med-Tech company focused on lenses. Despite macro-economic headwinds and the exit from the Russian market, recurring EBITDA reached 118 million euros. Leadership changes saw Marcus Desimoni become CEO in February 2023 and Dr. Mani Herold join as CFO in April 2023.
In January 2024, Rodenstock announced Solitaire® LayR, a new high-tech coating technology designed to enhance its biometric lenses. The system applies multifunctional layers to address common visual impairments such as scratches, dust, fingerprints, and harmful light exposure. Key features include advanced anti-reflective layers that reduce visible reflections by 50% compared to previous products, integrated UV protection from both front and back surfaces, and a revolutionary hard coating for improved scratch resistance. An optional blue-light reducing layer is available for screen users, alongside an antistatic coating to repel dirt. The technology incorporates the X-tra Clean finish, which Rodenstock states facilitates easier cleaning. A study commissioned by the company in August 2018 reported that 93% of wearers found these lenses easier to clean than their current ones.
Rodenstock Group announced its financial results for fiscal year 2023 in May 2024, reporting consolidated pro-forma net sales of €506.1 million, a slight increase from €505.3 million the previous year. Recurring EBITDA rose by €0.3 million to €122.3 million on a comparable basis. The company attributed this performance to an 8% sales growth in its B.I.G. VISION® biometric progressive lens portfolio and the successful launch of MyCon® lenses for children in Europe. The sale of the Rodenstock eyewear business marked the completion of its transformation into a pure-play Med-Tech company. Despite challenging macroeconomic conditions, including inflation and geopolitical tensions, management expects positive development to continue throughout 2024 based on operational efficiencies and further innovations.
The Rodenstock Group announced on June 20, 2024, that Catherine Stahl has joined its management team as Executive Vice President Marketing & Strategy. Based in Munich, the ophthalmic lens manufacturer stated that Stahl completes the Executive Management Team alongside CEO Marcus Desimoni and other executives. Starting in June, she will oversee global marketing, product management, business development, and strategy. Stahl brings extensive experience in the med-tech sector, including expertise in integration and transformation projects. CEO Marcus Desimoni noted that bundling these activities aims to strengthen focus on B2B and B2B2C target groups and expand the company's B.I.G. Vision™ strategy. This appointment represents a leadership change within the group, which employs approximately 5,000 people worldwide.
On April 16, 2025, Rodenstock announced the appointment of Laurent Saada as Executive Vice President Sales Europe and Søren Østergaard as Executive Vice President Sales International. Both executives will assume their new responsibilities in May 2025, joining the company's Executive Management Team alongside CEO Marcus Desimoni. Saada, previously holding leadership roles at Sonova Group, Straumann Group, and Johnson & Johnson, will oversee sales across all European markets and Morocco. Østergaard, who has been with Rodenstock for four years and served as Vice President and Head of International Sales, will manage sales for all markets outside Europe, including direct operations in Thailand, Australia, Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay. The appointments aim to strengthen the sales division’s market focus and support the implementation of the B.I.G. VISION™ strategy.
In May 2025, Munich-based ophthalmic lens manufacturer Rodenstock received the German Innovation Award 2025 in the "Excellence in Business to Consumer" category for Medical Health. The award recognizes its new product, B.I.G. EXACT® Sensitive, a biometric lens that incorporates both eye biometrics and individual visual perception. According to the company, this technology provides smoother vision, improved reading flow, and better orientation for spectacle wearers. The German Design Council initiated the award, with an independent jury evaluating innovations based on originality, implementation, effectiveness, user benefit, and cost-effectiveness. Rodenstock executives stated the recognition highlights their commitment to biometric vision and aims to raise awareness among consumers and partner opticians.
Rodenstock announced its financial results for the 2024 fiscal year, reporting consolidated net sales of EUR 512.4 million, a moderate increase from EUR 506.1 million in 2023. On a comparable basis, revenue rose by 1.2% despite ongoing macroeconomic challenges. The company achieved an adjusted EBITDA of EUR 128.6 million, representing a 5.1% increase compared to the previous year. Key drivers included strong demand for the B.I.G. VISION® biometric lens portfolio and MyCon™ lenses for children, which saw worldwide sales grow by 62% since their 2023 launch. Additionally, key account business excluding GrandVision grew by 11%. CEO Marcus Desimoni attributed these results to strategic product performance and efficiency improvements, noting a positive growth outlook for 2025.
The Rodenstock Group announced on September 30, 2025, that Dr. Martina Bentele will join the Executive Management Team as Chief Financial Officer, effective February 1, 2026. Bentele transfers from Siemens Energy AG, where she served as Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller for the past five years, leading accounting transformations. With over 20 years of international financial management experience, her appointment completes the executive team. CEO Marcus Desimoni cited her expertise in finance and corporate governance as key to driving growth and value creation. Bentele expressed intent to support the company’s ambitious growth strategy through financial excellence and efficient processes.
In September 2025, Rodenstock won the Silmo d'Or award in the Vision category at the SILMO optical trade fair in Paris for its B.I.G. EXACT™ Sensitive lenses. Selected by an international jury from 75 nominations, these lenses are described as the world's first spectacle lenses optimized for individual visual sensitivity and biometry. The technology builds on Rodenstock's B.I.G. VISION™ platform, using DNEye® Scanner measurements to tailor lenses to each person's unique visual perception reactions. Company executives stated the award recognizes innovation and supports differentiation for optician partners.
Editorial relevance: The award highlights a new lens technology that differentiates products for opticians, potentially influencing consumer demand and retail positioning.
In October 2025, the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) honoured Dr. Stephan Trumm with its Award of Excellence during a conference ceremony in Tokyo. As Senior Principal Innovation Optics and Standardisation at Rodenstock, Trumm contributes to global optical standards through his work with DIN and ISO committees. The award recognises individuals who have made exceptional contributions to international standardisation with lasting impact. The laudatory speech highlighted the quality of Trumm’s contributions and his successes in project management. Rodenstock, a Munich-based lens manufacturer founded in 1877, employs approximately 4,100 people globally and operates in more than 85 countries.
Rodenstock Poland received the Gold Medal from optical association Grupa MTP for its B.I.G. EXACT® Sensitive lenses on October 17, 2025, during the OPTYKA Fair in Poznań. The award recognizes innovative products evaluated by a professional jury, with nearly 500 entries competing annually. Pawel Malon, Country Manager of Rodenstock Poland, highlighted the medal as proof of commitment to biometric precision. At the fair, Rodenstock also showcased the DNEye® Scanner. This recognition follows previous accolades including the SILMO d’Or and German Innovation Award, plus a nomination for the Optician Awards 2025 (UK). The Poznań International Fair serves as a key platform for industry professionals in Central and Eastern Europe.
In December 2025, Rodenstock announced that its B.I.G. EXACT® Sensitive lenses won the Lens Award at the Optician Awards 2025 in the UK. The company describes these as the world’s first spectacle lens solution integrating individual visual sensitivity with precise biometric data to deliver a fully personalised visual experience. This recognition follows three other international distinctions received by the same product line: the German Innovation Award, the Silmo d’Or, and the Gold Medal of Grupa MTP. Peter Travers, Managing Director of Rodenstock UK, stated the award highlights the brand's commitment to biometric lens design. The Optician Awards are recognised honours within the UK optical sector.
Optical Prism Magazine published a piece titled "Chromatic Identity and Attention to Detail. The Evolution of Blackfin One." The source material consists solely of the article's title and publication attribution, providing no factual details regarding specific product changes, design features, release dates, or market performance for the Blackfin One eyewear line. Consequently, no substantive information about the evolution mentioned in the headline can be extracted from the provided text.
On 2 October 2026, TDK Corporation announced the successful demonstration of the world’s first direct retinal projection (DRP) display for smart glasses using an embedded “meta-optic mirror.” The flat mirror, measuring 150 nanometres thick, replaces conventional curved mirrors and offers approximately 80 per cent visible-light transmittance, allowing for cosmetically acceptable eyewear that can potentially integrate with prescription lenses. The technology prevents image leakage to enhance privacy and utilizes semiconductor-comparable manufacturing processes for cost-effective mass production. Currently supporting monochrome operation, TDK aims to demonstrate full-colour capability within the next few years. To accelerate development, TDK has entered a business cooperation agreement with QD Laser to combine retinal projection patents with laser modules. A working prototype will be showcased at CEATEC 2026 in Japan starting 13 October.
The Federal Employment Agency reported that 723 opticians were registered as unemployed in Germany in September 2026, a 0.4% increase from the same month in 2025. Job seekers in the sector totaled 1,196 individuals, marking a 6.3% rise compared to September 2025. Concurrently, 1,063 open positions were recorded, maintaining high demand levels above spring figures. The data indicates a resilient labor market where vacancies significantly exceed the number of unemployed opticians. While unemployment rose slightly year-over-year, the persistent shortage of qualified specialists remains evident, with the count of available jobs surpassing those seeking work.
Neyece and partnerauge/eyebizz announced a free "Myopie-Management machen!" event scheduled for November 11, 2026, at Panik City in Hamburg. The program runs from 18:00 to 22:00, with an optional tour starting at 16:30. Zeiss will present its integrated myopia management ecosystem, featuring the new Myo200 biometer and MyoConsult software, alongside upcoming MyoActive lenses planned for the DACH market next spring. Mark’ennovy will discuss efficiency gains from covering daily, monthly, and Ortho-K contact lenses within a single portfolio. Neyece and pricon will contribute practice and frame advice respectively. Registration is required via email due to limited capacity.
SNOB Milano and designer Massimo Alba have announced a collaborative eyewear collection. The project features a frame inspired by late 1970s designs, reinterpreted using SNOB Milano’s signature magnetic sun clip-on technology developed with ZEISS Sunlens. Distinctively, the frames utilize acetate, a material rarely used by SNOB Milano, to enhance visual substance and enable specific construction details like temple-tip bonding and three-dimensional internal engravings. Subtle branding includes Massimo Alba’s four-leaf clover logo on one temple and the SNOB Milano logo on the other, alongside a geometric aperture on the bridge. Multimedia artist Paolo Ventura will interpret the collaboration. This initiative represents an ongoing dialogue between SNOB Milano and Milanese creative names, aiming to elevate product value and positioning through shared aesthetic sensibilities and material research.
BusinessOutside hosted its eighth annual Eyecare Innovation Summit in Boulder, Colorado, from September 28–30, 2026. The invite-only event, produced with Sanitas Advisors, gathered 75 executives and founders from over 60 companies, including EssilorLuxottica, Alcon, and Kaiser Permanente. Six emerging innovators selected by Sanitas Advisors presented products such as hearing eyeglasses, captioning glasses, AI clinical assistants, and a presbyopia eye drop. Attendees participated in small working sessions, outdoor hikes, and discussions on industry trends like declining meeting attendance. Sponsors included Shamir, Advancing Eyecare, Newton, and FYidoctors. The summit aimed to foster trust and provide early market access through direct interaction between senior decision-makers and startup teams.
Innovative Eyewear (NASDAQ: LUCY) announced the launch of its Lucyd Aero smart eyewear collection, featuring AI and communication capabilities in lightweight frames weighing 1.0 to 1.2 ounces. The company states the frames lack cameras, visible buttons, or exterior lights, utilizing invisible touchpads instead to support a privacy-first experience. Connected via the Lucyd app, the glasses offer hands-free access to ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, along with walkie-talkie functions, customizable newscasts, and translation services. Priced at $149, pre-orders are available exclusively at Lucyd.co., with shipping scheduled for late October. This release follows the company's report of record preliminary Q3 2026 net sales of approximately $2.8 million, up 66 percent year-over-year, and coincides with ongoing retail expansions for its Lucyd Armor line in Canada and upcoming U.S. big-box store placements.
A hands-on review of the RayNeo iO smart glasses, a TCL subsidiary product, details initial impressions of its camera-free design. The 33g device features a monochrome green Micro LED display with 1200 nits brightness and a 23.5° field of view, offering high transparency (97%) and outdoor readability. Battery specifications include 48 hours typical duration and 6.2 hours for continuous translation. While the reviewer praises the lightweight build and display quality, long-term wearability tests revealed discomfort from pressure on the ears and nose bridge due to thick frame protrusions. The glasses are positioned as privacy-oriented AI companions similar to Even Realities products, though the current assessment is limited to preliminary observations rather than a final judgment.
An attendee at Meta Connect 2026 reported on the keynote announcements, including Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 with new Aviator styles, a $249 entry-level model, and a partnership with K-pop idol Lisa. The author noted that while Muse AI integration and accessibility features like hearing correction were praised, the smartglasses updates felt incremental with no immediate hype compared to the new Meta VR Glasses. These VR glasses, priced at $1,299 and launching in Spring, were described by press contacts as lightweight with good passthrough but limited field of view. A surprise announcement was the Muse Charm pendant, releasing before Christmas. The author observed that attendees prioritized trying the VR devices over the smartglasses, citing a lack of excitement for the latter.
Japanese AR display developer Cellid and optics retailer Megane Top have partnered to develop and commercialize the Linse Display AR glasses. Cellid leads technical development, including optics and electronics, while Megane Top handles productization and distribution through its network of over 1,000 stores in Japan. The device, an evolution of Megane Top's existing Linse line, features binocular green microLED displays, AI-powered functions like translation and meeting summaries, and support for corrective lenses. Pre-orders begin October 23 on the GREEN FUNDING platform, followed by retail sales at an undetermined date. A presentation price of ¥119,000 was mentioned but not officially confirmed. Separately, Cellid unveiled Crux, a reference design for partners integrating its waveguides with Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms.
So.Ya and Icelandic fragrance house Andrea Maack announced Prism, a limited-edition collaboration exploring the connection between eyewear, colour, and scent. Presented in Paris on September 23 and 24 ahead of Silmo, the collection features two titanium silhouettes: the wide, angular Anyon Sun and the compact, geometric Inge Sun. Both models utilize brushed fronts, polished temples, and photochromic lenses that darken in sunlight. The project offers four specific pairings of frame finishes, lens tints, and fragrances, including combinations like gun metal with green lenses and Neon Veil. Each numbered set includes a case, a 15ml fragrance, and a hand-signed card. Production is strictly limited to 50 pieces per finish, resulting in a total of 200 sets.
Rossodoge, backed by Trisottica’s industrial expertise, has introduced Leone as the third family in its eyewear collection. This addition brings a younger and more contemporary dimension to the brand, which previously launched with two distinct lines inspired by Venice. All frames are designed and manufactured at Trisottica’s facilities in Segusino, within the Veneto eyewear district, ensuring a fully Italian supply chain under direct company control from raw material sourcing to final assembly. The brand emphasizes technical research focused on ergonomics, weight distribution, and optical performance, positioning Made in Italy as a philosophy rooted in design culture and manufacturing expertise rather than just a production label.
Divel has announced three new eyewear collections—Anthropocene, Skyline and Amazzonia—that explore the lens as an expressive design element through material innovation, photochromic technology and colour. Anthropocene utilizes Ecozen, a next-generation material partially derived from bio-based sources, which is BPA-free and ISCC+ certified, to create a clean aesthetic focused on the transformation of matter. Skyline features a photochromic collection with a distinctive construction incorporating a film within the lens structure; its gradient base develops into a bicolour effect upon UV exposure. Amazzonia offers 16 shades in solid, gradient and bicolour tints inspired by tropical forest greens. The company states these launches share a vision of expanding lens possibilities by combining technical research with contemporary design.
Italian manufacturer Franco Sordelli, in collaboration with Milanese designer Tommaso Bossetti, launched the Montestella eyewear brand this September. The collection features six optical models developed over two years under a "Slow Made" philosophy, emphasizing small-series production entirely in Italy with traceable components. Two distinct lines share the same technical foundation but differ in materials: Presence uses glass-fibre fronts and bio-acetate temples for a warmer aesthetic, while Essence combines forged-carbon fronts with beta-titanium temples for a cooler look. The brand name references Monte Stella, a hill in Milan created from post-World War II rubble by architect Piero Bottoni.
Eyewear brand Morel has unveiled Örigin, a new special edition collection that combines wood craftsmanship with titanium precision. The line features carefully selected oak for deeper tones and rosewood for lighter shades, revisiting renowned archive models through contemporary reinterpretations. Design elements include architectural metal lines extending hinge hooks seamlessly through temples and acrylic lines embedded within the wood to create transparency effects. The frames utilize screwless hinges to enhance flexibility and comfort while retaining the natural warmth of the material. This release marks a shift in Morel’s design language from bold color contrasts to a more restrained aesthetic, emphasizing material quality and technical expertise.
For Fall/Winter 2026, Cutler and Gross announced "The Joy in Design," a collection inspired by the brand’s early spirit and analogue-era roots. The line features handcrafted Italian acetate frames, including the 1410 Square Optical with mid-century geometry, the slim 1416 Optical, and the 9346 Cat-Eye. Sunglass options include the 1434 square silhouette. Additionally, the Knightsbridge Green Titanium collection is handcrafted in Japan from pure titanium. Key titanium styles comprise the Pembroke aviator, Wilton rectangle, and the oversized Knightsbridge 1971 navigator, created to mark 55 years since the opening of the brand’s London flagship. The release emphasizes craftsmanship, architectural references, and distinctive design details like Oyster pins across both material categories.
For Fall/Winter 2026, Gigi Studios introduced a men's eyewear collection emphasizing defined shapes, precise volumes, and unexpected micro-proportions. The range blends bold silhouettes with lighter constructions, utilizing deep-toned acetates for structured designs and metal for thinner lines. Key models include the Lynch optical frame with a softly rounded profile, the Ansel acetate shape featuring a defined brow, the James sunglasses with a compact retro-inspired silhouette, and the Iggy optical frame combining a clean front with sculptural volume. Accompanying campaign imagery places these frames in essential, tactile settings to highlight design and construction details. The collection positions eyewear as an integral element of contemporary male dressing, focusing on functional expression without dictating personal style.
Skynea, a brand owned by Shenzhen CDL Precision Technology, introduced the Skyeagle V1 AI Smart Glasses, which are powered by Hongshi Intelligent’s XC6 full-color microLED light engine. The source notes that Skynea did not share many details about the product. Hongshi’s XC6 engine utilizes quantum-dots photoresist (QDPR) color-conversion technology. Earlier in 2026, Hongshi announced it had developed a full-color microLED microdisplay with a white-light brightness level of 1.2 million nits, which serves as the basis for the XC6 engine. This microdisplay employs a hybrid stack structure, integrating native blue and green microLEDs from two source wafers and using quantum dots to convert blue LED light into red.
Spanish technology company Indizen Optical Technologies (IOT) announced that progressive lenses manufactured using its Light-Form Technology are now available to consumers in Madrid. This marks the transition from research to commercial use for the platform, which prints ophthalmic lenses in seconds using a single flash of light. According to IOT, the technology meets commercial precision standards while eliminating water consumption, cutting energy use by 90 percent, and reducing waste by 76 percent compared to conventional methods. The rollout follows the technology's February 2026 debut and is facilitated through retail partner VisionLab. While IOT is discussing opportunities with North American companies, there are no current plans to replicate the Madrid retail rollout in the U.S.
Snap Inc. announced its second-quarter 2026 financial results on August 3, reporting total revenue of $1.599 billion, a 19% year-over-year increase, with net losses narrowing to $164 million from $263 million in the prior year. The company confirmed that its new smart glasses, 'Specs,' will have a commercial launch this fall, with a detailed product reveal scheduled for September 16 in Los Angeles. Developed over ten years, Specs are described by CEO Evan Spiegel as superior to current AI glasses in functionality and more wearable than VR headsets. Direct billing revenue from Lens+, Snapchat+, and Memories Storage grew 85% year-over-year to $316 million, though specific AR-only sales figures were not disclosed. Snap views Specs as its largest long-term opportunity, investing within existing operating expense forecasts while maintaining core business profitability.
Chinese projector manufacturer XGIMI has raised over $1 million on its Kickstarter campaign for the MemoMind One, its first smart glasses. Launched on June 28 with an initial goal of HK$80,000 (approx. $10,000), the campaign surpassed $500,000 within a week and exceeded $1 million by August 11. First unveiled at CES 2026, the device features dual Micro-LED displays (2000 nits) but notably lacks a camera. It supports real-time translation in 26 languages, AI recording, and teleprompter functions, with ZEISS prescription lens compatibility. The Standard edition starts at $400, while the Custom edition begins at $450. Shipping is scheduled for August 2026. The campaign runs until August 28.
Paradox announced that the Beifa Group-developed AI smart glasses GE01-3 will begin pre-sales on the crowdfunding platform Makuake on August 24. General availability is scheduled for January 2027 at a price of ¥37,400 (tax included). The device weighs approximately 32g and intentionally excludes cameras and displays to address privacy and eye strain concerns. Key features include offline real-time translation for 13 languages, expanding to 165 languages via ChatGPT, along with automatic transcription, summarization, and mind map generation. It utilizes open-ear audio for hands-free calls and music. The package includes three interchangeable magnetic lenses: blue-light blocking transparent, polarized for daytime glare, and night vision for low-light conditions. Early bird discounts on Makuake offer up to 38% off.
Chinese hardware maker RayNeo, a TCL subsidiary, launched two eyewear devices in Japan. The "RayNeo iO Smart Glasses" (¥89,000) feature green microLED waveguide displays with selectable AI integration via smartphone apps, including free options like RayNeo V1 or Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite, and paid access to ChatGPT 5.5 or Claude Sonnet 5. They include a physical "Smart Crown" for control but lack cameras and speakers. The "RayNeo GT Max" (¥67,980) is a sunglasses-style display connecting via USB-C DisplayPort Alt mode, offering HDR support and Dolby Vision only when paired with the separately sold, later-releasing "Pocket TV Pro." It lacks auto-dimming functionality found in competitors. A lower-tier "RayNeo GT" (¥52,980) was also released but not reviewed due to lack of evaluation units.
On September 4, HTC NIPPON announced a new Round frame design for its VIVE Eagle AI smart glasses, featuring soft curves while retaining the same AI functions and privacy-focused design as the existing Square model. The update includes software enhancements such as 3K video recording, slow-motion capture, first-person live streaming to YouTube and Twitch, real-time translation modes, and head-gesture call responses, all available for both designs via update. A new external battery accessory, VIVE Power Boost (8g), offers up to 80% additional capacity. The Round model will be sold on the HTC online store and Amazon, with launch dates pending announcement. VIVE Eagle sales began in Europe, North America, and Australia on September 3.