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Google's Sergey Brin had better be careful; while he's busy staring ahead through rose-colored Google Glasses, famous glasses-maker Oakley is gunning for Google's back with a virtual glasses project of its own. Actually, according to Oakley CEO Colin Baden, Oakley's had its eyes on the technology since 1997.
Unlike Google's Project Glass, which is rumored to have a $250 to $600 price point when/if it eventually launches, Baden says Oakley's connected glasses would be a bit more expensive. Oakley's vision of interactive glasses includes self-standing functionality, the ability to sync with a smartphone via Bluetooth, and possible voice commands.
“There’s a lot of interesting optical issues that come up when you’re trying to create a positive experience when interacting with these devices,” Baden told Bloomberg. “So the technology barrier to success is significant.”
For that reason, initial units would be targeted towards athletic and military uses -- assuming the ever made it to market, that is. Oakley could get into the Google Glasses game not through actual product manufacturing, but technology licensing instead; Baden says that Oakley holds over 600 patents related to optical and HUD technology.
Image credit: Oakley.com, of an existing 3D Gascan Eyewear model. No, they aren't Oakley's Google Glasses!
Comments are closed on this article
OCFRED
April 21, 2012 at 9:15pm
Oakley is a premium brand, they have always provided excellent service and I would be wearing a piratical eye patch today if they made junk. Google now has Motorola, which does hardware brilliantly though nothing with optics. What I could see is collaboration of both parties strengths to overcome mutual weaknesses so end users win. I'm sure knockoffs will trickle down to the masses eventually but just like Apple anything good goes $500+ in perpetuity with above average resale residuals (value).
NcOle
April 18, 2012 at 7:02pm
It would be nice if they could work together and create an awesome pair of connected glasses.
Zoandar
April 17, 2012 at 3:24pm
Oakley could "go fruit" on Google and sue them with the claim that Oakley "inwented" the technology (ala Chekov) and use the settlement money to fund their own project.
Walnut
April 17, 2012 at 1:26pm
In other words: "We have no chance of competing against Google, but hey, look, we had the idea first."
MaxPower99w
April 17, 2012 at 10:34am
Why would you want your sensitive information floating out of your pocket and up to your face via Bluetooth?
Why not just hold a big ass sign that says "Look at me, i have these great glasses. Please intercept my Bluetooth transmissions!"
How much is a bit?
Sorian
April 17, 2012 at 2:16pm
It would be easier for a would-be thief to steal the phone then trying to jack a Bluetooth signal.
Brad Chacos
April 17, 2012 at 10:58am
Re: "How much is a bit more expensive?" It's not clear. From the Bloomberg interview:
Early versions of the product would not be cheap, Baden said
