Intel Corp. will collaborate with Luxottica Group SpA to produce
smart eyewear, another expansion of the semiconductor giant's push
into wearable tech.
The first product from the companies' multiyear research and
development collaboration will launch in 2015.
Luxottica, a leader in premium and sports eyewear, is best known
for brands such as Ray-Ban, Persol and Oakley.
Chips produced by Santa Clara, Calif.-based Intel run most
personal computers and servers used in data centers, but the
company has set its sights on the red-hot wearable tech market and
collaborations with fashion brands. Earlier this month, Intel
revealed details of a computerized bracelet called MICA it
developed with the fashion label Opening Ceremony.
The Wall Street Journal reported Monday that Intel will supply
the chip for Google Inc.'s Google Glass next year, replacing a
processor from Texas Instruments Inc. that was used in the first
version of the glass. In addition, Intel will promote Glass to
companies such as hospital networks and manufacturers, while
developing new workplace uses for the device, according to one of
the people.
"The growth of wearable technology is creating a new playing
field for innovation," Intel Chief Executive Brian Krzanich said in
Wednesday's news release.
Intel was late to the mobile market, and Mr. Krzanich, who
became Intel's chief executive in May 2013, is determined to avoid
the same fate in wearable technology. Since Mr. Krzanich's
appointment, Intel has targeted wearables with products that use an
ultra-small processor called Quark, a tiny circuit board for
wearable devices called Edison and a chip called SoFIA that
combines a processor with cellular communications.
Write to Angela Chen at angela.chen@wsj.com
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