AR Investment

Google Reportedly to Invest $100M in Smart Glasses Partner Gentle Monster

June 24, 2025 From roadtovr

Ahead of Google’s planned rollout of Android XR-equipped smart glasses, the company is reportedly making a $100 million investment in hardware partner Gentle Monster, the South Korean fashion eyewear brand.

According to a Korean Economic Daily report, Google is slated to sign a deal worth around 145.0 billion Korean won (~$100 million) in Gentle Monster.

Citing investment banking sources, the report maintains talks are now at final stages, wherein Google will obtain a 4% stake in the South Korean eyewear brand.

Google announced in May that it was partnering with both Gentle Monster and US-based eyewear brand Warby Parker to release the company’s first generation of Android XR-based smart glasses.

Android XR smart glasses seen at Google I/O | Image courtesy Google

Expected to release sometime in 2026, the smart glasses are said to prominently feature Google’s Gemini AI, with some even including on-board displays for visual output.

Meanwhile, its competitors are maneuvering to capture what could be the next big push in wearable computing.

Meta revealed last week that it’s deepening its ties with Ray-Ban Meta partner EssilorLuxottica with the upcoming release of Oakley Meta HSTN—the company’s next smart glasses following the release of Ray-Ban Meta in 2023.

Previous reports additionally suggest that both Samsung and Apple are looking to launch their own smart glasses at some point in the future; reports allege Samsung could release a device this year, and Apple as soon as 2026.

Japan’s TDK Acquires Smart Glasses Maker SoftEye to Advance Wearable AI Tech

June 20, 2025 From roadtovr

TDK, the Japan-based electronic component and software company, announced it’s acquired SoftEye, the US-based smart glasses hardware and software maker.

TDK calls the acquisition of SoftEye a “key milestone in the development of TDK’s contribution to the entire AI ecosystem and reinforces the business portfolio to establish a leadership position in this critical market.”

While financial terms have not been made public, a Reuters report claims the deal is worth “less than $100 million,” according to a source familiar with the matter.

SoftEye, a San Diego-based company, manufactures custom chips, cameras and algorithms for use in AI-linked smart glasses, something TDK calls “a critical element in delivering a complete AR/VR display system and will also create a new Human Machine Interface (HMI) for interacting with AI through eye movement.”

“We are building technologies for AI glasses connecting the user with generative AI, which fits directly in line with TDK strategy for smart glasses which can connect people with AI for a more intuitive and compelling user experience,” says SoftEye CEO Te-Won Lee. “SoftEye’s novel, low power eye intent system unlocks a new type of Human Machine Interface that allows the user to communicate with AI simply through their eye movements. Together, we believe we can deliver even more advanced integrated solutions – spanning systems, software and machine learning and custom chips.”

Widely known for its major position in the cassette tape and CD-R disc industry in the ’90s and early 2000s, TDK has since focused on electronic components, including everything from sensors, transformers, capacitors, and application specific IC (ASIC).

In recent years, the company has also heavily invested in AI infrastructure—from neuromorphic “spin memristors” to reduce power consumption for AI applications, to ultra‑fast spin photo detectors to increase data speeds for AR/VR applications and data centers.

TDK’s SoftEye acquisition follows increased market interest in smart glasses, with industry veteran Vuzix recently securing a $5 million investment from Quanta Computer, the Taiwan-based ODM and major Apple assembler.

Meanwhile, familiar names in the consumer-focused XR segment are preparing what could shape up to be strong competitors to the field’s leader, Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses.

Ray-Ban Meta Glasses, Image courtesy Meta, EssilorLuxottica

Google announced last month it’s working with eyewear firms Warby Parker and Gentle Monster to release a line of fashionable smart glasses running the company’s forthcoming Android XR operating system—expected to release sometime after 2025.

Rumors additionally suggest that both Samsung and Apple are aiming to release their own smart glasses at some point, with reports claiming Samsung could release a device this year, and Apple as soon as 2026.

Meanwhile, Meta recently confirmed it’s expanding its partnership with Ray-Ban Meta-maker EssilorLuxottica to create Oakley-branded smart glasses, expected to launch today, June 20th.

Vuzix Secures $5M Investment as Veteran Smart Glasses Maker Sets Sights on Consumers

June 17, 2025 From roadtovr

Vuzix, the veteran smart glasses maker, announced it’s secured a $5 million investment from Quanta Computer, the Taiwan-based ODM and major Apple assembler.

The latest investment was the second tranche following an initial $10 million investment made by Quanta in September 2024, which included the purchase of Vuzix common stock at $1.30 per share. At the time, Vuzix anticipated a total of $20 million from Quanta.

Paul Travers, President and CEO of Vuzix, notes the funding will be used to enhance Vuzix’s waveguide manufacturing capabilities, something he says will help Vuzix deliver “the world’s most affordable, lightweight, and performance-driven AI smart glasses for mass-market adoption.”

Additionally, Travers says the investment “marks another important milestone in strengthening our partnership with Quanta and expanding the capabilities of our cutting-edge waveguide production facility.”

Vuzix Z100 Smart Glasses | Image courtesy Vuzix

Founded in 1997, Vuzix has largely serviced enterprise with its evolving slate of smart glasses, which have typically targeted a number of industrial roles, including healthcare, manufacturing, and warehousing.

The company also produces its own waveguides for both in-house use and licensing. In the past, Vuzix has worked to integrate its waveguide tech with Garmin, Avegant, an unnamed US Fortune 50 tech company, and an unnamed U.S. defense supplier.

While the company has made a few early consumer devices in the 2010s, including V920 video eyewear and STAR 1200 AR headset, in November 2024, Vuzix introduced the Z100 smart glasses, its first pair of sleek, AI‑assisted smart glasses, priced at $500.

Its Z100 smart glasses include a 640 × 480 monochrome green microLED waveguide, and were designed to pair with smartphones to display notifications, fitness metrics, maps, targeting everyday consumers and enterprise customers alike.

Notably, the investment also coincides with greater market interest in smart glasses on the whole. Google announced last month it’s partnering with eyewear companies Warby Parker and Gentle Monster to release a line of fashionable smart glasses running Android XR.

Meta also recently confirmed it’s expanding its partnership with Ray-Ban Meta-maker EssilorLuxottica to create Oakley-branded smart glasses, expected to launch on June 20th, 2025.

Meanwhile, rumors suggest that both Samsung and Apple are aiming to release their own smart glasses in the near future, with reports maintaining that Samsung could release a device this year, and Apple as soon as next year.