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.
HTC's AI smart glasses, VIVE Eagle, began selling in Japan in April, with a new 'Round' frame design introduced in September. The device features an open LLM architecture supporting Google Gemini and OpenAI GPT for hands-free translation (70 languages), search, and meeting notes. It includes a 12MP ultra-wide camera capable of 3K video recording and live streaming to YouTube or Twitch. Privacy safeguards include LED indicators that disable the camera if covered and automatic shutdown when removed. Pricing starts at ¥82,500 for sunglasses or clear lenses, and ¥98,000 for photochromic lenses. Sales channels include HTC Online, Amazon, KDDI stores, and Yamada Denki. A subscription service, VIVE AI Plus/Pro, offers additional credits and features like call recording and extended language support.
Mogura VR released an updated buyer's guide for smart glasses available in Japan as of September 2026. The article categorizes devices into AI glasses (for translation, notes, and voice interaction) and AR glasses (for wearable displays). It details specifications, prices, and release dates for over 20 models, including recent launches like Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 (¥78,980), Oakley Meta, Rokid Smart AI Glasses, and Viture Pro 2. The guide highlights features such as live translation support added to Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta in June 2026, and notes specific limitations like battery life, weight, and compatibility with iOS/Android. It also covers upcoming products like XREAL Aura and Snap Specs, providing consumers with a structured comparison based on use cases like gaming, travel, and daily wear.
Meta has released a public preview of its Wearables Device Access Toolkit (DAT), allowing developers to integrate smart glasses camera and audio capabilities into iOS and Android applications. Announced at Connect 2025, the SDK enables apps to capture photos or initiate video streams from supported glasses, with maximum resolution limited to 720p at 30 FPS due to Bluetooth constraints. Currently supporting Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta HSTN models, the toolkit will soon add support for Oakley Meta Vanguard and Meta Ray-Ban Display, though the latter’s support is restricted to receiving imagery without HUD display. While developers can test the integration, they cannot yet ship these features for general public use. Early adopters like Twitch, Microsoft, Logitech Streamlabs, Disney, and 18Birdies are experimenting with first-person livestreaming, AI navigation aids, and real-time golf yardage assistance.
Meta is rolling out the Conversation Focus feature to the Early Access program for its smart glasses in the United States and Canada. Announced at Connect 2025, this accessibility tool amplifies the voice of the person directly in front of the wearer, distinguishing it from omnidirectional hearing aids like Apple's AirPods Pro 2 by using highly directional audio. The feature is available on Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta HSTN models. Users can activate Conversation Focus via the voice command "Hey Meta, start conversation focus" or by assigning it to the long-press action on the side touchpad. This rollout follows more than six years of internal research into perceptual enhancements.
Bloomberg reports that Meta and Ray-Ban owner EssilorLuxottica are discussing doubling their annual smart glasses production target from 10 million to 20 million units, with a potential increase to 30 million if demand justifies it. This follows EssilorLuxottica’s earlier plan to reach 10 million units by end-2026, citing strong sales of Ray-Ban Meta glasses which recently accounted for over a third of its revenue growth. The discussions occur as Meta shifts investment from VR content to AI glasses and wearables, having laid off over 10% of Reality Labs staff. The move aims to expand market footprint ahead of anticipated competition from Apple, Google, and Samsung.
Editorial relevance: The reported production expansion highlights the strategic shift of major eyewear and tech players toward scaling smart glasses manufacturing to meet demand and preempt competitor entry.
Apple has acquired Q.ai, a stealth-mode startup founded in 2022 that converts "silent speech" into text via computer vision. Mainstream outlets like Reuters report the deal value at $1.6 billion, which would make it Apple's second-largest acquisition after Beats. The company's co-founders include Aviad Maizels (formerly of PrimeSense) and Dr. Yonatan Wexler (formerly of OrCam). Unlike hardware-based competitors using jaw sensors, Q.ai employs optical sensing to detect subvocal muscle movements from a distance. This technology could be integrated into future Apple Vision headsets, AirPods stems, or smart glasses reportedly targeted for late 2026 launch. The move highlights the industry focus on enabling private text entry for wearable eyewear.
Editorial relevance: The acquisition of Q.ai by Apple signals a strategic move to secure silent speech technology, which is critical for private text input in future smart glasses and AR devices.
Snap has spun off its Specs AR glasses business into a new wholly-owned subsidiary, Specs Inc., to enhance operational focus, enable potential minority investment, and support brand growth ahead of the consumer product's planned launch later this year. The company is currently hiring for nearly 100 global roles in preparation for release. While current developer Spectacles cost $99/month ($50/month for students) and weigh 226 grams with a 45-minute battery life, CEO Evan Spiegel claims the upcoming consumer Specs will feature a significantly smaller form factor and lighter weight while maintaining app compatibility. Snap OS 2.0 was recently released, adding first-party apps like Browser and Gallery to improve readiness for consumers.
During its Q4 2025 earnings report, EssilorLuxottica announced that it sold more than 7 million units of Ray-Ban and Oakley smart glasses in 2025 alone. This figure represents more than triple the volume from 2024 and suggests approximately 9 million units have been sold since the launch of Ray-Ban Meta two and a half years ago. The company described these products as the dominant driver of wholesale growth in the second half of the year, noting exponential growth in North American wholesale. This announcement follows Bloomberg reports that Meta and EssilorLuxottica are discussing doubling or tripling production capacity, potentially raising targets to 20–30 million units by 2026. The data underscores strong consumer demand for smart eyewear amidst increasing competition from Apple, Google, and Samsung.
Editorial relevance: The reported sales figures and production capacity discussions highlight the rapid scaling of smart eyewear, a key growth segment for online and omnichannel retail.
Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman states that Apple plans to launch smart glasses in early 2027, targeting December for mass production. The device is reported to feature two cameras—one for high-quality capture and another for computer vision—along with microphones and speakers, but no display. Unlike competitors partnering with established brands, Apple will design its own frames using acrylic elements. This announcement follows reports of next-generation Ray-Ban Meta glasses by Meta and EssilorLuxottica featuring facial recognition for 2026, and Google’s Gemini-powered platform launching this year with partners including Gentle Monster and Warby Parker.
According to The Information, Meta is accelerating plans to launch a successor to the current monocular Meta Ray-Ban Display later this year, moving up from previous reports citing a 2027 release. The new device, internally codenamed Hypernova 2, is expected to feature binocular displays, addressing limitations of the current US-exclusive model which uses only the right lens. While earlier supply-chain analyses suggested a 2027 timeline, recent reports indicate Meta executives are concerned about confusing customers with too many rapid releases, particularly given upcoming Horizon OS headset and true AR glasses plans. However, uncertainty remains regarding whether the final product will prioritize binocular capabilities or a lighter design, as Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth recently polled users on these trade-offs without confirming specific features.
Meta is rolling out its first major operating system update for the $800 Ray-Ban Display smart glasses this month. The update introduces a new widgets system, two EMG-controlled minigames (GOAT and 2048), an Instagram Reels feed, a dedicated Calendar app, and live captions for phone calls. Additionally, a partnership with Spotify enables a 'Soundtrack Your World' feature where Meta AI selects music based on the user's visual environment. While the OS lacks an official public name, these features expand functionality beyond the initial launch capabilities. The international rollout remains paused as handwriting recognition begins in the United States.
Meta has officially announced two new prescription-focused smart glasses, the Ray-Ban Meta Blayzer Optics and Ray-Ban Meta Scriber Optics. Initially reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman following FCC certification filings under codenames Scriber and Blazer, the devices are designed specifically for prescription wearers rather than as sunglasses. The models feature rectangular and rounded styles and will be sold primarily through traditional prescription eyewear channels. Unlike the Meta Ray-Ban Display, these new glasses do not include a display. Key design elements aimed at comfort include overextension hinges, interchangeable nose pads, and optician-adjustable temple tips. While existing Meta smart glasses support prescription lenses, they are often heavier than standard eyewear; the new Optics styles aim to address this with promises of 'all-day comfort'.
Meta and EssilorLuxottica announced two new Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 styles, Blayzer Optics and Scriber Optics, optimized for prescriptions. These models feature overextension hinges opening 10 degrees wider, interchangeable nose pads, and optician-adjustable temple tips to improve all-day comfort compared to standard sunglasses-focused designs. Technically similar to the existing lineup with 8-hour battery life, they include an additional microphone near the nose pads, totaling six microphones. Preorders opened in the US today starting at $500, with shipping scheduled for April 14, when select international markets will also receive them. Additionally, new colorways were launched for Oakley Meta Vanguard and HSTN, including the first Transitions lens options for Vanguard arriving later this spring.
Meta announced a suite of upcoming software features for its smart glasses, including Nutrition Tracking in the Meta AI app for US users aged 18+, with rollout to Ray-Ban Display later this summer. WhatsApp Summaries are entering Early Access, processing chats on-device with end-to-end encryption. Live Translation is expanding to Hindi, Arabic, Russian, Swedish, and Finnish for Early Access users, targeting 20 languages by summer without requiring pre-downloaded language packs. A spring update will enable display recording on Ray-Ban Display, while May sees on-foot navigation expand from 28 cities to every US city. Neural Handwriting recognition is rolling out widely beyond Early Access to Instagram and native messaging apps. Additionally, Meta and EssilorLuxottica confirmed that Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta glasses will launch in Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Chile, Colombia, and Peru in the coming months, bringing total availability to 24 countries.
Meta and EssilorLuxottica sold more than 7 million smart glasses in 2025, serving as the dominant driver of Ray-Ban owner wholesale growth in H2. This sales acceleration has reignited privacy concerns regarding wearable cameras, echoing the backlash against Google Glass. Critics argue that glasses create social uncertainty because they record without the obvious physical cues associated with smartphones. Meta addresses this by including a front-facing LED to indicate recording; if blocked, the device will not capture media. The debate highlights a contradiction where users accept smartphone surveillance capabilities while resisting similar features in eyewear. As smart glasses gain momentum, overcoming the "glasshole" stigma remains a challenge for broader consumer acceptance.
Meta launched new styles of its displayless Ray-Ban smart glasses this month, stating they are optimized for prescription wearers. The designs feature overextension hinges that open 10 degrees wider than standard to reduce head pressure, interchangeable nose pads for varied nose shapes, and optician-adjustable temple tips. This release contrasts with the Meta Ray-Ban Display, which limits prescription support to +/-4.00 diopters due to waveguide manufacturing constraints. The author notes that while previous VR solutions like lens inserts were stop-gaps, these new glasses aim to accommodate the majority of the population requiring vision correction. Independent verification of comfort claims remains pending until a full review is completed.
Veteran tech journalist Alex Heath reports that Snap will launch its standalone true AR glasses, named Specs, this fall with a price point of around $2500. The company officially announced the release of these glasses just under one year ago. Compared to the bulky Spectacles development kit rented to developers for $99/month, CEO Evan Spiegel claims the consumer Specs will feature a smaller form factor, lighter weight, and greater capability while running the same Snap OS. Snap OS is Android-based but restricts native code installation, requiring developers to build sandboxed 'Lenses' using JavaScript or TypeScript via Lens Studio. Recent updates like Snap OS 2.0 have improved first-party apps to prepare for consumer readiness. If launched as reported, Specs would be the first standalone true AR glasses from a major tech company, targeting a wide field of view binocular display system with head tracking, hand tracking, and real-time environment meshing.
Meta has announced Muse Spark, the first AI model from its Superintelligence Labs, which will replace Llama 4 as the primary engine for Meta AI on most Ray-Ban and Oakley smart glasses. Unlike the open-source Llama series, Muse Spark is currently proprietary, though Meta hopes to open-source future versions. The company states that this small, fast model matches the performance of Llama 4 Maverick while using 10x less compute, enabling instant responses crucial for real-world queries. However, Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses will continue to use a custom version of Llama 4 for now due to the complexity of generating visual responses. This update aims to narrow the gap with leading AI systems like Gemini and GPT, supporting Meta’s long-term goal of always-on contextual AI.
At I/O 2026, Google confirmed that its first Gemini-powered smart glasses from partners Warby Parker and Gentle Monster will launch in the US this fall. The devices feature cameras, speakers, and microphones but lack in-lens displays, distinguishing them from previous prototypes. They aim to compete directly with Ray-Ban Meta by integrating Gemini 3.5 Flash for deep Android app control, such as ordering food via DoorDash or navigating with Maps. While pricing and specific hardware specifications remain unannounced, the glasses leverage distinct design languages: Warby Parker’s resembles the Ray-Ban Scriber style, while Gentle Monster offers a unique aesthetic. This move challenges EssilorLuxottica and Meta, who sold 7 million units in 2025.
During its Q1 2026 earnings call, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg stated that daily usage of the company's smart glasses tripled year-over-year, describing them as one of the fastest-growing consumer electronics categories. This claim follows February data from partner EssilorLuxottica, which reported selling 7 million Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta units in 2025. Bloomberg previously noted discussions between Meta and EssilorLuxottica about potentially doubling or tripling production capacity, though completion is unconfirmed. The announcement comes as competition intensifies: Google confirmed Gemini-powered smart glasses from Warby Parker and Gentle Monster will launch this fall, while Apple is rumored to enter the market in 2027.
Snap has officially opened preorders for its 'Specs' true augmented reality glasses, priced at $2,195 with a $200 refundable deposit. The fully standalone devices are scheduled to ship this fall exclusively to customers in the US, UK, and France. Specs feature proprietary LCoS displays with a 51-degree diagonal field of view, electrochromic lenses that adjust tint in ten seconds, and weigh between 132 and 136 grams depending on frame size. Running Snap OS 2.0, the glasses support first-party applications for browsing, navigation, and translation, alongside third-party 'Lenses' developed via Lens Studio. While Snap claims four hours of mixed-use battery life, detailed resolution specifications remain undisclosed. This launch follows years of development and over $3 billion in AR investment, positioning Specs as a consumer-ready alternative to previous bulky developer kits.
Editorial relevance: Snap's pre-order launch of standalone AR glasses introduces a high-price point and specific geographic availability, signaling a new competitive tier in the smart eyewear market.
Meta announced it will provide free Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses to every legally blind US veteran, an eligible population exceeding 130,000 individuals. The program includes hands-on training via guides, monthly webinars, and in-person events nationwide, facilitated by partnerships with the Blinded Veterans Association and TechSoup. The initiative was championed by Don Overton, a Gulf War veteran who lost his sight. The glasses utilize Meta AI's visual capabilities, including a 'Detailed Responses' accessibility setting designed for vision-impaired users to describe objects and text. Additionally, wearers can access Be My Eyes volunteers for real-time assistance. Eligible veterans can request their pair at bva.org/glasses.
Meta launched a new line of smart glasses branded simply as "Meta Glasses," featuring the same chipset, camera, speakers, and battery life as the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 but without the premium branding. Produced in partnership with EssilorLuxottica, the range includes two styles: Adventurer (rectangular) and Fury (square). Prices start at $300, an $80 discount compared to Ray-Ban equivalents, with options for polarized or Transitions lenses costing up to $380. The glasses include overextension hinges and a compact folding charging case similar to the Meta Ray-Ban Display model. Additionally, Meta introduced a $60 stainless steel Charging Stand compatible with most displayless Ray-Ban and Oakley HSTN glasses, though it does not support the Meta Ray-Ban Display or Oakley Meta Vanguard.
Editorial relevance: The launch of unbranded, lower-priced smart glasses expands Meta's addressable market by offering the same core technology as Ray-Ban Meta at a $300 entry point, potentially driving higher unit volumes in the consumer eyewear segment.
Meta has launched the Starfire smart glasses, designed in collaboration with Kylie Jenner. The frames feature Jenner’s voice for Meta AI, a gemstone on the right lens, and a metal nose pad to prevent makeup absorption. Technically, Starfire shares the chipset, camera, speakers, battery, storage, and connectivity of the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 glasses but is housed in EssilorLuxottica’s smallest frame yet. Three variants are available: Classic Black with Black lenses ($400), Dark Tortoise with Chocolate lenses ($400), and Classic Black with Clear to Grey Transitions lenses ($480). The glasses include a folding case and are compatible with the new stainless steel Charging Stand. UploadVR notes the design resembles Gentle Monster smart glasses announced by Google earlier this year.
Meta has released a $60 stainless steel Charging Stand compatible with most of its smart glasses, including Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1 and Gen 2, Oakley Meta HSTN, and newly announced Meta Glasses. The stand provides a 50% charge in 20 minutes or a full charge in one hour. It is not compatible with the Meta Ray-Ban Display or Oakley Meta Vanguard. Weighing 108 grams, the device features a silicone rubber footpad and a USB-C port but does not include a cable or power adapter. While all Meta glasses come with charging cases that offer similar functionality, the stand provides a lower-friction docking option. The product is currently available on the Meta Store.
Meta announced a mandatory firmware update for its smart glasses designed to detect physical tampering with the privacy LED and disable the camera if modifications are found. This change applies retroactively to already-modified devices. The update follows reports of a market for services that remove or obscure the LED, allowing non-consensual recording. In addition to the technical fix, Meta stated it is removing ads and posts promoting LED modification on Facebook and Instagram, banning associated accounts, and taking legal action against sellers of these services. While specific grounds for the legal action were not detailed, the move aims to address growing public concern over privacy violations linked to the device.
Meta is currently debating how to handle the privacy LED on its upcoming smart glasses featuring an always-on AI capability internally referred to as “super sensing.” Reports from The Financial Times and The Information indicate the device would continuously capture audio and periodic images for AI analysis. A key point of contention is whether the privacy LED should flash during this mode; current plans suggest it will not, arguing that processed data is not stored or available to users. This stance contrasts with Meta’s recent announcement of improved firmware to detect tampering with the privacy LED on existing models. Mark Zuckerberg has expressed a goal for these glasses to act as personal agents, while Chief Scientist Michael Abrash described future iterations capable of creating dynamic 3D maps of physical environments. No final decision on the privacy implementation has been made.
Meta launched the Threads app on Quest headsets via the Horizon Store in early August, setting it as a preinstalled application that force-downloaded to most devices. The social network also arrived on Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses in late July, supporting scroll gestures and video viewing. Concurrently, Meta updated its smart glasses ecosystem by replacing Llama 4 with Muse Spark for Meta AI. New features include Photo Ultra HDR, Instagram Instants, background WhatsApp voice chats, and Battery Saver Mode. A Wi-Fi Aware feature for seamless iPhone media import is currently limited to US and Canada Early Access participants. These updates precede expected announcements at Meta Connect 2026 later this month.
According to The Information, Meta plans to launch a new range of camera-free smart glasses at Connect 2026. These devices will retain microphones and speakers but replace the recording button with controls for the Meta AI chatbot or Muse agent. Removing cameras is expected to allow for slimmer temples, a lower price point, and reduced social stigma associated with current models, which have faced bans in gyms, bars, and schools due to privacy concerns. While existing Meta glasses feature an LED indicator that disables capture if tampered with, backlash persists over covert recording fears. The report also suggests Meta may demo a next-generation headset with full-body Codec Avatars at the event.
At Connect 2026, Meta announced that the Meta Ray-Ban Display is now available for online purchase without a mandatory in-store fitting. The product has launched in the UK (starting at £749) and Canada (CA$1149), with France, Italy, and Germany scheduled for October 13 at €899. Select stores in London, Vancouver, Toronto, Paris, Milan, Rome, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Munich will offer demos. Meta also introduced major software updates: navigation improvements including cycling and public transport modes (limited to select cities), customizable phone notification mirroring, and an 'Explore' app for third-party web apps later this year. A new 'Hologram' avatar system for WhatsApp calls will roll out to US Early Access users later this year, while a dedicated Calendar app remains US-only.
Editorial relevance: The expansion of online ordering and international availability for Meta Ray-Ban Display directly impacts cross-border trade and digital retail channels for smart eyewear.
At Meta Connect 2026, Meta announced the Ray-Ban Meta Audio, its first smart glasses without a camera. Available in Burbank and Clubmaster styles, the devices retain functionality for Meta AI queries, music, audiobooks, podcasts, and calls. The Clubmaster model weighs 43 grams, making it Meta's lightest smart glasses to date, while the Burbank weighs 47 grams. This release targets consumers deterred by privacy backlash associated with camera-equipped glasses, though Meta stated development began years prior and was not driven by recent controversies. The Ray-Ban Meta Audio is available for preorder at $349, with shipping scheduled to begin on October 13.
The Norwegian government announced plans to introduce a temporary ban on smart glasses, referred to as 'AI glasses' in official bulletins, in various public locations including parks, beaches, museums, shopping malls, and events. Citing privacy concerns regarding non-consensual filming and audio recording, Minister Torgeir Micaelsen stated the measure aims to facilitate thorough investigation and informed debate for lasting regulation. The proposal is not an outright ban; devices remain permitted for private use and in certain other contexts. Potential extensions under consideration include schools, health institutions with changing rooms, and universities. A special council will examine permanent national regulation of wearable technology. This move follows similar restrictions in US states and cities and sales halts by Dutch retailer Hans Anders due to privacy issues.
At the EssilorLuxottica SWITCH congress in Monte Carlo, Stefano Genco, Global Head of Nuance Audio, detailed the product's strategy to normalize hearing aid use through invisible eyewear. Designed specifically for mild to moderate hearing loss, which affects approximately 1.2 billion people globally, the glasses weigh 39–40 grams and feature directional audio technology that amplifies voices based on head orientation. Users configure the device via a Bluetooth app using four simple profiles rather than complex audiograms. The initiative leverages optical channel integration, providing retailers with training via the Leonardo platform and demonstration units. Genco emphasized eliminating stigma associated with traditional aids by utilizing popular frame designs and unisex styles, positioning the product as a discreet alternative to invasive in-ear devices.
SILMO Paris will take place from September 25 to 28 at Paris Nord Villepinte, gathering approximately 34,000 visitors and over 900 exhibitors. The fair emphasizes technological evolution through dedicated spaces like SILMO NEXT and The Tech Village, which focus on smart glasses, artificial intelligence, and digital services. Amélie Morel, President of SILMO Paris, stated the event aims to help professionals navigate industry transformation. Additional programming includes the Trends Forum for design aesthetics, the CSR Area for sustainability solutions, and the SILMO d'Or awards ceremony on September 26. The event serves as a global meeting point for brands, opticians, and technology experts to explore new retail models and visual health applications.
The SILMO d’Or 2026 awards have announced winners across various categories, recognizing excellence in design, technology, and craftsmanship within the optical industry. Notable innovations include GetD & Marienfeld’s Luxury AI Glasses, which integrate artificial intelligence and health tracking into carbon fiber frames, and Mega Optic’s Evosight VR, a progressive lens customized via virtual reality eye-tracking data launched on March 1, 2026. Other recognized products feature Nidek’s Phantom open-field refraction system, Eschenbach’s iPad-based visual aid, and Laclarée’s autofocus glasses for presbyopia. The awards also highlighted designer frames from brands such as Victoria Beckham, Lancel, and Rolf Eyewear, emphasizing material innovation and aesthetic trends.
SILMO Paris 2026 concluded at Paris Nord Villepinte, attracting 32,108 professional visitors, with 53% from international markets. The event featured over 950 exhibitors across 80,000 m², emphasizing the convergence of design, technology, and health. Key areas included SILMO Next, which showcased smart glasses and AI-driven predictive health tools, and a hackathon where the winning project 'Kimoo' offered an ADHD assistance assistant for HTC platforms. The Trends Forum identified four aesthetic directions: FANCY, CHARISMA, ADRENALINE, and AURA. Awards recognized innovation in autofocus lenses and luxury smart eyewear. Sustainability efforts were highlighted by the CSR Spot and Andy Wolf receiving the Committed Company Award for reducing product footprints. The next edition is scheduled for September 2027.