Silmo Paris 2026 convened more than 32,108 industry visitors from nearly 150 countries at its 80,000-square-meter exhibition. The event featured over 950 exhibitors and 1,500 brands, emphasizing the convergence of optics, digitalization, and health. Key areas included Silmo Next, which showcased smart glasses, artificial intelligence, and preventive healthcare solutions, alongside a Tech Village for hands-on technology testing. The Trends Forum presented four design themes: Fancy, Charisma, Adrenaline, and Aura. Sustainability efforts were highlighted in the CSR Spot, covering materials and responsible business concepts. The Silmo d’Or awards recognized innovations such as autofocus glasses for presbyopia, personalized progressive lenses, and smart eyewear. With 53% of attendees coming from abroad, the fair underscored international market dynamics. DOZ Verlag reported that detailed coverage will appear in issue 11/26, while the next edition is scheduled for September 24–27, 2027.
Optical retailer Hans Anders, part of Nexeye Group, has suspended the sale of Ray-Ban Meta glasses across its 776 stores in Europe. The decision follows warnings from the Dutch Data Protection Authority regarding filming identifiable individuals and threats of legal action from consumer group Consumentenbond over recording indicator visibility. This move occurs amid broader European scrutiny, including criminal complaints in Germany involving EssilorLuxottica brands and retailers, usage bans in UK venues, and investigations by French authorities. While Hans Anders cites public and political questions about technology use, analysts note the strategic contrast with competitor Pearle, owned by EssilorLuxottica, which continues to promote these devices alongside new audio-only AI models.
Innovative Eyewear reported preliminary unaudited net sales of approximately $1.04 million for Q3 2026, a 55% year-over-year increase and the highest quarterly figure in its history. Growth was driven by a 25% rise in direct-to-consumer and online marketplace sales, alongside initial shipments under new wholesale programs. The company expanded into three key channels: shipping an initial order to a major U.S. big-box retailer for Lucyd Armor rollout across 150+ stores; commencing retail placement with FYihealth Group in Canada across ~345 locations; and receiving orders for over 3,000 units from Directed Electronics in Australia/New Zealand, expected to ship in October 2026. Nine-month net sales reached ~$2.8 million, exceeding full-year 2025 totals. Management anticipates these new channels will significantly impact Q4 2026 and 2027 results.
California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 1130, which would have made it unlawful to secretly record people using wearable devices. Newsom cited the bill’s imprecise definition of "wearable recording devices" and noted that existing state laws already provide similar protections. The legislation aimed to address concerns over always-listening tech, such as Meta and Snap glasses, by requiring explicit consent for recording in public places. Had it passed, violators faced fines or prison time, and non-compliant manufacturers could also be fined. This move prevents California from becoming the first state to regulate smart glasses usage, a step other countries like Norway are considering.
Innovative Eyewear reported preliminary Q3 2026 net sales of approximately $1.04 million, a 55 percent year-over-year increase and its highest quarterly revenue to date. Nine-month net sales reached approximately $2.8 million, surpassing full-year 2025 figures. Growth reflected a 25 percent increase in direct-to-consumer and online marketplace sales alongside first shipments under new wholesale programs. The company opened three new channels: a major U.S. big-box retailer, FYihealth Group in Canada, and Directed Electronics in Australia and New Zealand. Initial purchase orders from Directed Electronics for more than 3,000 units are expected to ship in October 2026 and are not included in Q3 results. Full financial results are scheduled for mid-November 2026.
ENGO has launched engo Titanium, a 28.9-gram augmented reality smart glass designed for road runners and cyclists. Made in France with adjustable 3D-printed titanium temples, the glasses feature a high-brightness color HUD OLED readable in sunlight, displaying over 40 customizable metrics like heart rate and pace via ActiveLook Light AR technology. The company excluded camera, audio, and AI features to prioritize weight, comfort, and battery life, which exceeds 24 hours per charge. Control is managed through a double-tap sensor, with Bluetooth connectivity compatible with Garmin devices. Available as a limited edition exclusively on engoeyewear.com, the classic version costs EUR €599 (USD $689.95), while the photochromic lens version is priced at EUR €649 (USD $759.95).
US-based smart eyewear manufacturer Innovative Eyewear reported preliminary unaudited net sales of approximately $1.04 million for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026, marking a 55% year-over-year increase and the highest quarterly sales in company history. Growth was driven by a 25% rise in direct-to-consumer and online marketplace sales, alongside initial wholesale shipments. The company announced new distribution channels, including an initial purchase order to a US big-box retailer for Lucyd Armor products (expected in-store October 2026), a Canadian launch with FYihealth Group across ~345 locations, and orders from Australian distributor Directed Electronics for over 3,000 units (shipping October 2026). Nine-month sales reached $2.8 million, surpassing full-year 2025 revenue. CEO Harrison Gross stated these results clear the way for the planned fourth-quarter launch of Lucyd Aero smartglasses.
Silmo Paris 2026 attracted 32,108 visitors from nearly 150 countries, with 53% international attendance, featuring over 950 exhibitors across 80,000 square metres. The event emphasized connected optics, hosting the first international hackathon for health applications on smart glasses platforms like HTC and EverySight, won by Kimoo. The Silmo d'Or awards recognized innovations such as autofocus glasses and luxury smart eyewear. Sustainability was highlighted through the CSR Spot and Andy Wolf's Committed Company Award. Over 60 talks covered AI and healthcare trends, setting the stage for the industry's evolution ahead of the fair's 60th anniversary in 2027.
Cellid, an AR display developer, has announced a business partnership with Japanese eyewear retailer Megane Top to develop and sell AR glasses under the Megane Top brand. The collaboration spans product development through market expansion, with Cellid leading optical and hardware engineering while Megane Top contributes eyeglass expertise and its nationwide store network, including the Megane Ichiba chain. The jointly developed 'Linse Display' AR glasses feature navigation, notifications, translation, AI notes, and entertainment functions. Preorders via crowdfunding on GREEN FUNDING begin October 23, 2026, followed by in-store sales after the campaign ends. Current images show prototypes, indicating final designs may differ.
Optical Prism published a post titled "These $999 AI glasses are for people with hearing loss." The source body contains no substantive details, only a redirect notice pointing visitors back to the original article in Optical Prism Magazine. Consequently, specific information regarding the product's features, manufacturer, availability, or technical capabilities is not present in the provided text. The only verifiable facts are the headline's claim of a $999 price point and the target audience being individuals with hearing loss, as stated in the title itself.
Samsung’s smart glasses, developed with Google and Qualcomm, received FCC clearance under two product codes (SM-O200P for Gentle Monster and SM-O200J for Warby Parker), a step preceding US commercialization. Separately, Snap opened its first SPECS pop-up store at Westfield Century City in Los Angeles, allowing public trials until November 7th. The source notes no other major industry announcements this week. Additionally, some INMO Air3 units were recalled due to overheating reports, while Meta VR Glasses faced debate over perceived field-of-view limitations compared to nominal specs.
Aynak Inc., a startup incubated at the University of California San Diego Qualcomm Institute, is recruiting San Diego-area participants to test its AI-enabled hearing technology embedded in eyewear. The company plans to distribute approximately 35 prototype pairs through local optical stores before the upcoming holidays, with a second distribution scheduled for January 2027. Founder Ramesh Chandrasekhar aims to address the hearing care gap, noting that about 15% of U.S. adults report hearing trouble, yet roughly three-quarters have never used hearing aids. The prototypes use multimodal sensors and on-device AI to enhance speech clarity in noisy environments without sending sensitive data to the cloud.
PaprDoll has launched the Courtesy Cover, a removable camera cover designed specifically for Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. The product aims to provide users with a physical means to obscure the device's camera lens when not in use. This launch introduces an accessory that addresses privacy concerns associated with wearable technology by allowing owners to manually block the recording component. No further details regarding pricing, specific material composition, or additional compatibility features were provided in the available source text.
Samsung’s forthcoming smart glasses have cleared FCC testing, indicating a release is near. Two product codes, SM-O200P and SM-O200J, correspond to Warby Parker and Gentle Monster frames respectively, with three Warby Parker variations and two Gentle Monster styles identified so far. Built in collaboration with Google, these devices will be the first to run Android XR. They feature onboard cameras, microphones, off-ear speakers, and integration with Google Gemini. Reported specifications include a Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 chipset, a 12MP front-facing camera with an indicator LED, and up to 9 hours of battery life per charge. No pricing or specific launch date has been announced beyond a Fall 2026 window.
Following the launch of its debut model DRIFT, EYEFLY by HOUSE of MODO expanded its smart audio eyewear range with three new styles: AXIS, NOVA and AMP. Built around "Sound in Motion," these frames combine contemporary design with open-ear audio technology for music, calls and voice assistant access while maintaining environmental awareness. The collection features distinct silhouettes—rectangular AXIS, cat-eye NOVA and navigator-inspired AMP—in various colourways including Black, Blue, Smoke, Olive, Burgundy and Havana. Each model is available as an optical frame with blue-light filtering lenses or as a ready-to-wear sunglass. A key feature is the interchangeable temple system; frames include both Smart Tech Temples for Bluetooth connectivity and regular temples, allowing users to switch between connected and classic eyewear. Weighing 30 grams, the glasses support navigation, real-time translation, health tracking and audio notes via smartphone applications.
SILMO Paris 2026 attracted 32,108 professionals, including 53% international visitors, across four days. The event featured over 950 exhibitors and 1,500 brands showcasing innovations in connected optics, artificial intelligence, and predictive health tools. A notable highlight was the first international hackathon for smart glasses health applications, won by Kimoo, an ADHD support assistant developed on the HTC platform. The Trends Forum identified four stylistic themes: Fancy, Charisma, Adrenaline, and Aura. The SILMO d’Or awards recognized winners such as Laclarée for autofocus glasses and GETD & Marienfeld for Luxury AI glasses. Additionally, Andy Wolf received the Committed Company Award for its sustainability efforts, including Acetate Renew materials and European production. The next edition is scheduled for 2027.
SILMO Paris 2026 attracted 32,108 trade visitors from nearly 150 countries, with 53% international attendance. The fair featured over 950 exhibitors across 80,000 square meters, emphasizing 'SILMO Next' innovations including smart glasses, AI, and predictive healthcare. A key highlight was the first international hackathon for smart-glass health applications, won by 'Kimoo,' an ADHD assistant developed on the HTC platform. The SILMO d’Or awards recognized advancements such as autofocus glasses for presbyopia and VR-customized progressive lenses. Additionally, Andy Wolf received the CSR award for reducing acetate frames' ecological footprint by 53% between 2021 and 2024. The next edition will celebrate the fair's 60th anniversary in September 2027.
According to China's Ministry of Commerce, sales of smart glasses on major platforms rose 120% year-on-year during the first eight months of 2026. This surge aligns with a broader consumer shift toward smart and health products, as electrocardiogram monitor sales increased by 75%. The growth occurred alongside a 2.5% rise in combined retail sales of goods and services. Services outpaced goods, growing 4.9% compared to a 1.0% increase for goods. Rural retail sales reached $651.65 billion (4.4 trillion yuan), up 2.3% year-on-year. To support this trend, the government expanded its 2026 consumer goods trade-in programme, offering a 15% subsidy capped at 500 yuan per item for smart glasses.
Health Canada has issued a recall for a brand of AI smart glasses. The provided source material consists solely of a redirect notice to an original article published by Optical Prism Magazine and contains no further details regarding the specific product name, the nature of the safety defect, the scope of the distribution, or consumer remediation steps. Consequently, factual specifics beyond the existence of the regulatory action are unavailable in this text.
At the opening of SILMO Paris 2026, Meta-Bounds showcased two reference design solutions for consumer-level display AI eyewear. The company presented a 25g ultra-light model featuring replaceable front frames and proprietary resin diffractive waveguide technology, supporting AI voice assistance, real-time translation, navigation, and teleprompter functions. Additionally, they displayed a 42g binocular model designed for professionals and specific user groups, integrating a 2000-nit high-brightness display, 12-MP cameras, and a 5-MIC+VPU noise-reduction audio system. These designs aim to address market demands for both stylish everyday wear and high-performance usage while reducing development cycles for brand partners. Meta-Bounds also revealed two original industrial design concepts focusing on natural organism-inspired and geometric aesthetics. The firm cites three CES Global Innovation Awards and collaborations with companies including SoftBank, OPPO, Lenovo, ZTE, Otsuka Corporation, and Transsion.
Tender Claws announced Body Proxy, a location-based immersive game designed for Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. Players wear the glasses to complete randomized physical challenges while AI agents monitor their actions through the device's camera and audio features. The experience, which won the SXSW 2026 XR Experience Jury Award and was selected for TIFF: The Market 2026, relies on real-world objects rather than digital visual immersion. Co-director Danny Cannizzaro stated that versions for free-roaming spaces are in development, with plans to tour events this year and next. Additional prototypes running on phones and webcams are also being created. The current installation includes approximately 100 unusual tasks and generates video reports analyzing player performance.
Ray-Ban Meta has announced its first audio-only AI glasses, Ray-Ban Meta Audio, alongside the next-generation camera-equipped models, Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3). The Ray-Ban Meta Audio features open-ear listening and Meta AI assistance in Clubmaster and Burbank frames, weighing 43 grams. The Gen 3 models introduce a slimmer profile, a 3K Ultra HD camera, six-array microphone, and up to 9 hours of battery life across Wayfarer, Aviator, and Zena silhouettes. This expansion includes new seasonal colorways for Blayzer Optics (Gen 2) and Scriber Optics (Gen 2). Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3) is available starting September 23 via Ray-Ban stores, Ray-Ban.com, select EssilorLuxottica banners, and Meta.com. Ray-Ban Meta Audio launches October 13 through similar channels. Global rollout continues with planned launches in markets including Hong Kong, South Africa, and Portugal.
Editorial relevance: The release of audio-only AI glasses and Gen 3 smart eyewear expands the product portfolio available through major retail channels, directly impacting consumer choice in the smart eyewear segment.
At Meta Connect, EssilorLuxottica and Meta announced new AI glasses lines, including the camera-free Ray-Ban Meta Audio in Clubmaster and Burbank styles, and the slimmer Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3. The portfolio expands with new Oakley Meta Capri and Nova styles, plus LISA-designed models, aiming for over 100 styles by year-end. New features include the Muse AI agent, Hearing Enhancement (US only), and private processing. Retail expansion covers ten new markets including Poland and South Africa. Meta Ray-Ban Display is now available online, launching today in the UK and Canada, with pre-orders starting in France, Italy, and Germany.
Editorial relevance: The release of camera-free audio glasses and expanded retail markets directly impacts the smart eyewear segment within online optical retail channels.
At Snapdragon Summit 2026, Qualcomm announced the Sound Elite Gen 2 chipset, designed to enhance voice input and neural processing for audio devices within its 'personal AI' ecosystem. The initiative aims to enable agentic AI workflows across a constellation of devices, including phones, watches, and glasses, by running models directly on silicon for efficient context-aware execution. Qualcomm confirmed that its Snapdragon AR1+ Gen 1 chip will power upcoming AI glasses from Warby Parker and Gentle Monster, which are set to release later this year and compete with Ray-Ban Meta Smartglasses. Additionally, the company highlighted partnerships with Samsung and Google for Android XR devices and introduced the START program to lower barriers for eyewear manufacturers entering the AI glasses market.
At Connect, Meta announced Ray-Ban Meta Audio, its first audio-only glasses, priced from $349 USD with pre-orders open and shipping on October 13. The company also launched Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3) starting at $449 USD, featuring a slimmer design, longer battery life, and a 6-mic array. Additionally, Meta expanded its EssilorLuxottica partnership to include new styles like the LISA collaboration and Kylie Jenner Ivory colorway, plus more affordable options starting at $249 USD. By year-end, Meta plans to offer over 100 glasses options across Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Meta brands. New markets including Singapore, South Korea, Mexico, and the UAE are receiving Meta Glasses today, while other regions will see broader brand availability later this year.
Editorial relevance: This release expands Meta's AI glasses portfolio with new audio-only and camera-equipped models, broadening price points and market availability for eyewear ecommerce.
On September 16, Snap began selling augmented-reality (AR) glasses to the public for the first time while simultaneously opening an enterprise sales channel. The consumer product, named Specs, marks the culmination of eleven years of development across five hardware generations, two of which were previously withheld from the public market. This dual launch expands Snap's reach from restricted developer access to both general consumers and business clients.
Rokid has globally launched AIUI Studio, a browser-based agentic AI development platform for building spatial applications on its Rokid AI Glasses. Announced at IFA Berlin 2026, the platform offers an AI-native workflow from design to publishing, featuring built-in hardware simulation that allows developers to create and test apps without physical devices. It integrates the AIUI Skills Library and AIUI Code assistance to optimize latency, memory, and power consumption, enabling users to generate apps via plain language without coding experience. Rokid reports over 35,000 registered developers and more than 500 agents in its Agent Store. Concurrently, Rokid expanded its European retail presence with a new UK website and availability through Krys in Paris, Selfridges Tech Bar in the UK, and Coolblue in Germany and Benelux.
According to a leak reported by The Information, Meta is developing a camera-free pair of smart glasses internally codenamed "Luna," which could ship as soon as October. Neither Meta nor its manufacturing and commercial partner EssilorLuxottica has commented on the report. The source article discusses the potential reasons for dropping the camera feature but notes that the timing, motive, and scope remain unconfirmed by the companies involved.
ENGO has announced the engo3 Cyclist, a heads-up display (HUD) smart glass model designed specifically for road and gravel cyclists. Powered by ActiveLook technology, the glasses project over 40 data points into the rider's field of view, including real-time power zones, heart rate, and estimated watts. A key feature is the integration with Garmin-compatible bike radars (such as the Varia range), which displays alerts for approaching vehicles based on distance and speed to enhance safety. The device offers customizable screens via a companion app, double-tap controls, and compatibility with Garmin watches and Edge devices. ENGO states the glasses feature an IP55 rating, adjustable temples for helmet compatibility, and a battery life exceeding 20 hours. The standard version is priced at €349.95/$399.95/£299.95, while the photochromic version costs €399.95/$449.95/£349.95.
Show organizers for Silmo Paris have announced the nominees for the 33rd Silmo d'Or Awards, an annual juried ceremony celebrating eyewear design and innovation. Joachim Froment, co-founder of Futurewave, will serve as jury president. The winners will be revealed at the awards ceremony on September 26, 2026, during the Silmo 2026 show scheduled for September 25–28 at Paris Nord Villepinte. Categories include children, sport, vision, materials, technological innovation, smart eyewear, optical frames, and sunwear. Notable nominees feature products from EssilorLuxottica (including Ray-Ban Meta Display), Oakley, Hoya Vision Care, and various independent designers across multiple segments.
TDK Corporation announced the acquisition of assets from OQmented (kiiz Technologies GmbH), a Germany-based developer of MEMS-based laser beam scanning and display technologies. The acquired assets will be integrated into TDK AIsight, established in 2026 to accelerate TDK’s smart glasses solutions business. TDK stated that this move supports its strategy to build a vertically integrated light engine platform for AR display systems, combining eye intent technology, Full-color Laser Module (FCLM), and MEMS mirrors. This follows TDK’s June 2025 purchase of SoftEye, Inc. Financial terms were not disclosed. TDK expects steady growth in the smart glasses market over the medium to long term.
Best Buy is rolling out 30-by-30-foot Meta AI shop-in-shops in select stores, aiming for 50 locations selling Ray-Ban Meta frames by the end of this year and potentially over 200 by next year. Executive Vice President Patrick McGinnis stated that more than 50% of customers prefer seeing the glasses in person before purchase, with over 175,000 demos completed since smaller displays launched last October. The new spaces feature untethered frames for easy try-ons and are positioned front-and-center to revamp store layouts for flexible experiential retail. To support this initiative, 300 associates underwent weeklong training to address customer needs and privacy concerns regarding the AI-powered eyewear.
At Galaxy Unpacked in London, Samsung Electronics introduced its latest intelligent eyewear, developed in collaboration with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. Building on designs announced by Google at I/O in May 2026, the new frames feature extended battery life (up to nine hours per charge), Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen1 processors, and Gemini multimodal AI integration via Android XR. The devices offer hands-free assistance, live translation, and visual context capture. While specific pricing and exact availability dates remain unannounced, Samsung has targeted a fall 2026 launch. The collaboration emphasizes everyday wearability and distinct brand aesthetics, with Warby Parker offering brown hues and Gentle Monster providing slim black frames.
Editorial relevance: Samsung's introduction of intelligent eyewear with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster signals a significant expansion of smart glasses into the mainstream optical retail channel.
Gentle Monster has revealed the second design from its upcoming intelligent eyewear collection, developed in partnership with Google and Samsung. The new optical frame features a square silhouette and integrates audio, camera, microphones, and Google Gemini. It connects to Android (Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel) and iOS (Apple iPhone) devices via a companion app, supporting voice commands for music, calls, photography, translation, navigation, and contextual AI assistance. The frames offer up to 9 hours of battery life per charge, with a charging case providing seven or more additional charges. This second style joins the initial design ahead of the full collection's launch, scheduled for later this fall. A campaign photographed by Éamonn Zeel Freel, starring models Anok Yai and Alex Consani, accompanies the reveal.
A leak has disclosed the "Galaxy Glasses Manager" app, offering an early look at Samsung’s upcoming smart glasses. The screenshots depict a black charging case used for pairing, requiring users to remove a protective film and slide a power switch. The app reportedly enables phone-based controls, software updates, photo imports, and a "Find my glasses" feature. It suggests the device will run on Android XR with Samsung’s customized One UI XR layer, integrating Google’s Gemini for AI tasks like live translation and directions. While reports indicate a possible appearance at the July 22 Unpacked event in London, Samsung has not confirmed launch dates, pricing, or specifications. The product is positioned as a camera-centric alternative to Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses rather than a full mixed-reality headset.
House of Modo officially launched its EYEFLY smart eyewear collection in stores starting this June. The line features open-ear audio and hands-free connectivity integrated into the temples, allowing users to listen to music, make calls, access navigation, and interact with AI assistants without earbuds or screens. Designed for everyday wear, the collection combines premium aesthetics with understated technology, avoiding visually dominant interfaces. Key features include photochromic lenses for adaptive light control and interchangeable smart audio temples that can be swapped with standard temples to switch between connected and unplugged modes. The launch is accompanied by a new advertising campaign positioning the glasses as stylish, wearable products rather than futuristic gadgets.
Gentle Monster has announced a partnership with Google and Samsung to release its first collection of intelligent eyewear, revealed at Google I/O 2026. The audio glasses feature built-in speakers, microphones, and a discreet camera, integrating Google Gemini AI for functions such as live translation, navigation, and image editing. Designed to combine Gentle Monster’s fashion-forward aesthetic with wearable technology, the frames allow users to listen to music, make calls, and capture photos. A debut style was showcased at the event, while the full collection is scheduled to launch later this fall. The specific audio glasses with voice-assisted support are set for official release in the same timeframe.
Editorial relevance: The announcement of a partnership between Gentle Monster, Google, and Samsung for intelligent eyewear signals a significant entry of major tech players into the premium smart glasses market, potentially influencing consumer demand and retail strategies in the eyewear sector.
Following the February launch of EyeFly, a new smart eyewear brand by House of MODO, CEO Giovanni Lo Faro outlined the company’s vision for the category. The debut exceeded expectations, indicating mainstream demand for lighter, simpler, and more affordable smart glasses. Unlike complex tech devices, EyeFly focuses exclusively on audio functionality to avoid intrusive visual displays while preserving privacy and real-world interaction. The design prioritizes wearability comparable to premium eyewear, positioning the product as eyewear first rather than a tech gadget. Lo Faro noted that consumers prefer natural connectivity methods over additional screens, marking a shift toward integrated, unobtrusive solutions in the evolving smart eyewear market.
A leaked YouTube video, subsequently removed, displayed internal structures resembling Lumus waveguides in Meta’s upcoming monocular AR glasses. The product, codenamed Hypernova and expected to be named Celest, is scheduled for disclosure during Mark Zuckerberg’s keynote at Meta Connect on September 17, 2025. Visual evidence from the leak shows diagonal slats characteristic of Lumus 2-D pupil expansion technology. Bloomberg reports the base model without prescription correction will cost approximately $800. This leak corroborates earlier speculation from May 2025 that Meta utilizes Lumus optics. The video was captured before deletion, with multiple copies circulating online. The official launch remains pending until the keynote presentation.