There is a large segment of people who scoff at Google Glass, and couldn't imagine wearing such a contraption on their face in public--but maybe some of them could be convinced if the smart device were more fashionable. Google is attempting to make this so by partnering with Luxottica Group, which owns major eyewear designers Ray-Ban and Vogue, and manufactures the products of many more such as Burberry, Armani, and Versace.
Glass looks fairly sleek and minimalistic already, in my opinion, but the idea of walking around wearing the device is something with which a lot of people are uncomfortable. The high-end fashion brands Luxottica makes eyewear for might be able to offer a solution that turns Glass into an attractive glasses-like fashion statement.
"Luxottica understands how to build, distribute, and sell great products that their clients and consumers love--something we care deeply about at Glass, too," a post on Glass' Google+ page said.
"They'll bring design and manufacturing expertise to the mix, and, together, we'll bring even more Glass style choices to our Explorers. In addition, Luxottica's retail and wholesale distribution channels will serve us well when we make Glass available to more people down the road."
An increasingly popular trend over the past few years has been wearing glasses as an outfit accessory, even if the individual doesn't need a pair to see. The frames in these cases may have non-prescription glass or plastic lenses, or none at all. This move by Google would ride that fashion wave: Luxottica can turn Glass into wearable technology fit into fashionable glasses frames.
The move also removes more or less any doubt that Google is going to try to make Glass a mass-consumer product. If it were just a development or private device, they would likely leave the form as it is because it's perfectly suitable for a niche enthusiast crowd.
Google tells us not to expect Glass combined with your favorite brand right away, but that the partnership "marks the start of a new chapter in Glass's design."
Source: CNET
