Smartglasses manufacturer Vuzix announced last week that it has entered a manufacturing partnership with a major consumer electronics brand to develop a next generation of see-through smart glasses.
According to Vuzix, this will be a first for the company, and paves the way for a possible new OEM partner to support the commercialization of its next generation optics technology for smartglasses. Vuzix is the company behind the current M100 Smart Glasses and the Wrap 1200DX 2D/3D glasses. The company also holds 36 patents, 12 additional patents pending, and numerous IP licenses in the Video Eyewear field.
According to the new contract, Vuzix and the "Tier 1" brand will work together to create smartglasses that use Vuzix's see-through optic engines. The first phase is expected to be completed by 2015, followed by a series of programs that will result in the possible commercial release. The final goal is to create a line of smartglasses that resemble designer sunglasses.
"Many analysts and industry executives are expecting this space to exhibit continued rapid growth. This was evident at CES last week. With the anticipated growth in this sector, those wearable products that address the real needs of the customer stand to garner the largest market share," commented Paul Travers, President of Vuzix.
At the request of the customer, both the name of the brand and details of the contract are being withheld, the company reports.
