Google won't just be positioning Glass as a wearable for tech enthusiasts: the company has announced a partnership with the world's largest eyewear company, Luxottica, to produce exclusive frames for Glass. The deal struck will focus on the United States market, and concerns two popular brands in Oakley and Ray-Ban.
Bringing Oakley and Ray-Ban frames to Google Glass is a joint effort between the two companies. Design will be handled by both Luxottica and Google, while all manufacturing and distribution will be handled by Luxottica. A press release from Luxottica states that the first range of frames "will combine high-end technology with avant-garde design offering the best in style, quality, and performance."
At this stage it's not clear when Oakley or Ray-Ban frames for Glass will be available to the public, but according to Google the partnership marks "the start of a new chapter in Glass’s design". The launch of branded frames may coincide with the official public launch of Glass itself, as the technology is currently only available to select testers and 'Explorers'.
Back in January, Google announced the first prescription frames that are compatible with Glass. Only four in-house designed frames were launched with a price tag of $225 each (one of them can be seen above), which is a rather limited selection, but the new partnership with Luxottica is sure to see the selection expand significantly.
Luxottica controls glasses retailers LensCrafters and Sunglasses Hut, meaning the company could sell Google Glass with Oakley and Ray-Ban frames in over 5,000 stores. Speculation is also rife surrounding Google's mystery floating barge, with rumors suggesting it might be a retail store for Glass and other products.
https://www.techspot.com/news/56119-oakley-and-ray-ban-frames-coming-to-google-glass.html
