The US Federal Reserve maintained interest rates despite high inflation, with Chairman Warsh facing scrutiny over the decision. Meanwhile, Meta's AI strategy and future revenue projections are causing investor concern.
South Korean prosecutors have indicted a man in his 40s for using AI-powered smart glasses to cheat on a national certification examination, marking the country's first legal action involving such a device.
The Maharashtra government announced it will establish an expert panel to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for AI smart glasses, following concerns raised by legislators.
Meta has launched a new, cheaper range of AI smart glasses, starting at $299, in collaboration with EssilorLuxottica, including a Kylie Jenner edition. These glasses integrate AI features and are designed to be more accessible, with new reports confirming the lineup's pricing.
Reports continue to indicate that Apple's highly anticipated AI-powered smart glasses will not be released until 2027, with new details emerging about the rumored device.
As AI smart glasses become more prevalent, concerns are growing regarding covert filming, consent, and child safety, highlighting the inadequacy of current privacy laws to address these new technological challenges.
The London Marathon will see visually impaired runners utilizing AI smart glasses to navigate the course, alongside participants who have progressed from Couch to 5K training programs. The event highlights diverse groups taking on the iconic race.
Google, Meta, Samsung and Apple are developing AI-powered smart glasses that combine cameras and voice assistants to capture and immediately modify photos using generative AI.
Samsung has provided initial details about its upcoming AI smart glasses, which are slated for launch in 2026 and will mark the company's entry into this product category.
EssilorLuxottica Logs Worst Week In Nearly Four Years As Apple Eyes AI Smart Glasses
Shares of EssilorLuxottica SA are on track for their worst weekly decline in nearly four years, as competition in the smart-glasses market intensified this week following reports that Apple plans to launch AI-powered smart glasses in 2027.
EssilorLuxottica manufactures the smart glasses that Meta sells under the Ray-Ban partnership. These glasses are in the sub-$500 category, which proves that affordability wins. Meta nailed that sweet spot in pricing, while Tim Cook's $3,500 Vision Pro has been an epic bust and failed to achieve mass adoption.
It's not just Apple. Citigroup analyst Veronika Dubajova noted this week that her team "expects a number of competitive launches in the smart eyewear market over the next 12 to 24 months."
Bloomberg-tracked Wall Street analyst ratings show no meaningful wave of downgrades following this week's Apple news, with roughly 93% of covering analysts maintaining a "Buy" recommendation.
Stifel analyst Cedric Rossi said that the entry of Apple and Google into the smart-glasses market represents more of a catalyst than a threat. "Their presence should accelerate consumer awareness and expand the total addressable market," he told clients earlier this week, adding that EssilorLuxottica "retains several key competitive advantages."
Shares of EssilorLuxottica in Paris are down about 10% this week, marking their largest weekly decline since the first week of March 2022.
From the 2025 peak, shares are down 26%.
Goldman analyst Jerry Shen recently published a detailed view of the AI and AR glasses supply chain, breaking it down by the companies that supply the critical components behind these devices (see report).
Tim Cook blew it with Vision Pro ... Meta takes the win.
Apple has to focus on affordability ...
Tyler Durden
Fri, 02/20/2026 - 08:20
Samsung has introduced new AI-powered smart glasses running on Android XR, emphasizing user privacy despite the inclusion of a camera. The device marks Samsung's entry into the smart eyewear market with a focus on extended reality experiences.
A man in Seoul is under investigation for allegedly using AI smart glasses to secretly film women he dated and subsequently sharing the footage online.
China has introduced its first industry code of conduct for AI-powered smart glasses, responding to public outcry and privacy concerns stemming from users covertly filming strangers with these devices.
Meta has introduced a new, more affordable line of AI-powered smart glasses, with prices starting at $299, including a special Kylie Jenner edition, further expanding its wearable technology offerings and widening its lead over competitors like Apple and Snapchat.
Google has unveiled new AI-powered smart glasses, marking its return to the smart glasses market over a decade after the initial Google Glass. The company, in collaboration with Samsung, provided a first glimpse of the device ahead of its anticipated fall launch.
TMZ highlights current deals on AI smart glasses on Amazon, noting their evolution beyond simple vision aids to include features like grocery list tracking.
Details regarding the potential features, design, and anticipated release timeline for Apple Glasses have been revealed, positioning them as a possible major upcoming wearable device.
Meta's AI smart glasses are under scrutiny due to growing privacy concerns, following allegations that intimate footage was exposed to contractors in Kenya, leading to potential legal action.
The UK data watchdog is writing to Meta following a "concerning" report claiming outsourced workers were able to view sensitive content filmed by the company's AI smart glasses.
Apple is reportedly developing new AI-powered gadgets, including smart glasses with integrated cameras, a pendant designed for continuous Siri interaction, and advanced AirPods.
Samsung has unveiled new AI-powered smart glasses capable of reading whiteboards and summarizing meetings. However, the company acknowledges that privacy concerns related to such devices require an industry-wide solution.
The near-eye display market is projected to recover in 2026, with revenue climbing to $675 million, as tech giants increasingly pivot their focus from virtual reality to AI-powered smart glasses.
Meta has introduced new AI-powered smart glasses, priced from 309 euros, dropping the previous Ray-Ban branding. The company launched these display-less, affordable smart glasses with Kylie Jenner.
South Korea has detected its first cheating attempts using AI-powered smart glasses during recent TOEIC exams, prompting authorities to review preventive measures for major state exams.
Google has unveiled new AI-powered smart glasses featuring real-time translation capabilities and voice control. This development aims to enhance communication and user interaction through advanced wearable technology.
New AI-powered smart glasses are set to assist visually impaired runners participating in the London Marathon, providing guidance and enhancing their ability to navigate the race.
Meta and EssilorLuxottica have officially launched their Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta AI smart glasses in Singapore, making them available to consumers.
ICE and Border Patrol agents are reportedly using Meta AI smart glasses for recording and surveillance during deployments in U.S. cities, raising questions about who they are recording and why.
A review of the Xgimi Memomind AI glasses highlights their voice control, minimalist display, and lack of a camera, aiming to appeal to skeptical early adopters.