Could the next batch of Google Glass come with frames made by Oakleys or Ray-Bans?
Wearable technology is evidently set to be everywhere, from the likes of LG’s G Watch and Motorola’s Moto 360 smart watches unveiled last week to Google’s face-furniture Glass goggles and that made-up company based out of Bratislava that’s still banking on the smart-shoe, one thing seems inevitable when it comes to the future of communication: it’ll be on you.
Which is why it’s important that, once the tech is in place, manufacturers spare a thought for design – we don’t want to come across as shallow, but if it ain’t aesthetically pleasing, it ain’t being worn – if we have to walk around looking like we’re wearing a leg-tag on our wrist or a broken pair of pound-shop glasses specs on our heads, then we’re not going to be happy.
So today’s announcement that Google is working with Italian four-eyed frame fashionista Luxottica to add an edge of flair to its Google Glass is excellent news indeed for those of us who take a bit of pride in our appearance; even if it’s just a bit. Owner of brands like Oakley and Ray-Ban, Luxottica is in the perfect place to slap some style into Google’s internet-specs, converting the concept from geek-cool to mainstream-cool in the blink of an eye. And, apparently, the deal works both ways:
“We believe that a strategic partnership with a leading player like Google is the ideal platform for developing a new way forward in our industry and answering the evolving needs of consumers on a global scale,” said Luxottica CEO, Andrea Guerra, suggesting that sales of sunglasses might be in a bit of a slump due to, presumably, being painfully low-tech.
So, with the gadget-side designed by Google and the glasses by Ray-Ban or Oakley, when Glass finally arrives commercially, not only will you be able to look at the e-world with no effort, you’ll also be able to look cool while you do so. Just remember to also look where you’re going…
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