Google Partners With Ray-Ban Maker for Smart Eyewear

SAN FRANCISCO -- Google on Monday said it is joining forces with the frame giant behind Ray-Ban and other high-end brands to create and sell Glass Internet-linked eyewear in the United States.

The California-based technology titan billed the partnership with Luxottica (IW 1000/475) as its "biggest step yet into the emerging smart eyewear market."

Luxottica brands include Oakley, Alain Mikli, Ray-Ban, and Vogue-Eyewear.

The first smart glasses by Luxottica for Google Glass will go on sale in 2015, the head of the Italian eyewear group said Tuesday.

The tie-up between the firms "is an incredible example of the period were are living in," Andrea Guerra said in an interview with Italy's La Repubblica daily.

"In five to seven years gigantic new markets have opened up around the world. We are in the middle of a process of creative destruction, the boundaries between sectors are collapsing," Guerra said.

Google suggests Glass wearers be polite and offer demonstrations to possibly win over the wary. Glass fans were advised to follow the same rules set down for smartphone use in businesses.

"If you're asked to turn your phone off, turn Glass off as well," Google said. "Breaking the rules or being rude will not get businesses excited about Glass, and will ruin it for other Explorers."

Google early this year unveiled a partnership with U.S. vision insurer VSP to make prescription Glass and to reimburse some of the costs under health benefits.

That does not include the $1,500 price for Glass.

Glass connects to the Internet using Wi-Fi hot spots or, more typically, by being wirelessly tethered to mobile phones. Pictures or video are may be shared through the Google Plus social network.

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2014