The future is bright for consumer augmented reality.

Facebook announced Wednesday it is teaming up with Ray-Ban maker EssilorLuxottica to launch its first pair of smart glasses in 2021.

"After spending time with [EssilorLuxottica's] team and visiting their factory, I knew that they were the right partner for us to help bring the best technology together with the best glasses," Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said during a live stream for the Facebook Connect virtual conference.

The new advanced lens technology aims to "help people stay better connected to their friends and family," according to the two companies.

More details about the new product's name, specifications, software capabilities, and pricing will be released closer to the glasses' launch in 2021. 

"With EssilorLuxottica we have an equally ambitious partner who'll lend their expertise and world-class brand catalogue to the first truly fashionable smart glasses," Andrew Bosworth, vice president of Facebook Reality Labs, said in a statement

The glasses aren't Facebook's only push into AR wearables. Facebook Reality Labs also announced Project Aria on Wednesday. Researchers will use a proprietary set of glasses, not available for sale publically, to gather information to build and improve software and hardware necessary for augmented reality glasses. Testing by Facebook employees and contractors is set to begin later this month in the United States.

Share:
More In Business
Macy's Rejects $5.8B Takeover Bid From Investors
Macy’s is rejecting a $5.8 billion takeover offer from investment firms Arkhouse Management and Brigade Capital Management, saying they didn’t provide a viable financing plan. The firms offered $21 per share for the stock they don’t already own.
Tech Stocks Still on the Rise
Pete Najarian, co-owner of Market Rebellion, shares what sectors he's watching as the S&P 500 and Dow notch historic highs.
Load More