Warby Parker partners with Google to develop intelligent eyewear

Warby Parker (WRBY) announced a partnership with Google (GOOGL) to develop AI-powered glasses intended for all-day wear. “The partnership will combine Warby Parker’s signature approach to eyewear design with Google’s industry-leading technology ecosystem, bringing the next generation of computing to a new form factor: glasses,” the company stated. The companies are working closely on the development of future smart glasses and intend to launch a series of products over time. The partners’ first line of intelligent eyewear, planned to launch after 2025, will incorporate multimodal AI with prescription and non-prescription lenses. As part of this collaboration, Google has committed up to $75M for Warby Parker’s product development and commercialization costs. In addition, Google has committed to investing up to $75M in Warby Parker, at Warby Parker’s option and subject to reaching certain collaboration milestones. “Since our launch we’ve set out to transform the optical industry by leveraging pioneering technology to design better products and experiences-and over the past 15 years, we’ve done just that. Looking ahead, we believe multimodal AI is perfectly suited for glasses, enabling real-time context and intelligence to augment a wearer’s surroundings as they move through the world. We couldn’t be more excited to be partnering with Google to bring together the best of AI and the best of eyewear” said Warby Co-Founder and Co-CEO Dave Gilboa. “We’re excited to work with Google to develop intelligent eyewear that will enhance our everyday lives. The eyewear we wear and the technology we use are core parts of our identity and our daily experience. Our teams share a commitment to leverage design, utility, and innovation to build products to help customers in every aspect of life,” added Warby Co-Founder and Co-CEO Neil Blumenthal.