A three-way split of labor

Google has opened pre-orders for its intelligent eyewear. The frames are designed by Warby Parker and Gentle Monster, while Samsung handles the engineering. The split leaves the fashion side to eyewear specialists and the hardware side to a device maker.

What is known

  • Design: Warby Parker and Gentle Monster
  • Engineering: Samsung
  • Status: Pre-orders open

Google's announcement shows the product lineup; details such as pricing, specifications and shipping dates were not included in the source material.

Why it matters

Smart glasses have long lingered in the trial phase. Google moving ahead with established eyewear brands and Samsung's manufacturing muscle could signal that these devices are edging closer to mainstream retail.