While many VR headset users may have found it inconvenient to use the devices while wearing glasses, this could soon change as Facebook parent Meta acknowledged its acquisition of Luxexcel, which makes prescription lenses for smart glasses.
Luxexcel first gained recognition for its 3D-printed prescription glasses, but more recently, the company has expanded its focus to include the development of lenses for smart glasses that can be produced with embedded technology such as LCD and holographic film.
There has been speculation that the two companies had collaborated on Meta’s Project Aria, a prototype device that can be “used like normal glasses” and that Meta will use to develop the hardware and software for potential augmented reality (AR) technologies.
This isn’t the first time Meta has tried to break into the AR smartwear market.
Geeky Nigeria reports that in September 2021, Meta introduced Ray-Ban Stories, a set of smart glasses that allow users to make hands-free, voice-controlled calls on Facebook and WhatsApp while taking photos and videos.
It seems expected that Meta will use Luxexcel’s technology after acquiring it to create augmented reality prescription glasses, a device long touted as the result of Meta’s billion-dollar investment in its Reality Labs.
The Meta headphones have recently received criticism for their heaviness, heat output, and inconvenience. Through a relationship with a company like Luxexcel, Meta is better able to target people who wear glasses and have access to the expertise of a company with a deeper understanding of optics.
Meta is committed to continuing to advance AR/VR hardware and software even as its metaverse division, Reality Labs, suffers multi-billion dollar losses.
