Smart glasses with AI from Europe – an overview

Smart glasses as a niche product for tech nerds? Data from a recent US study contradicts this preconception. Here, 42% of respondents said they were considering buying smart glasses in the coming year (full interview on page 30). Another surprise: many manufacturers of these products are not based in special tech hubs in Asia or Silicon Valley. Instead, promising suppliers come from Italy, Finland, France, and Serbia, for example. This article focuses specifically on European manufacturers of AI glasses (part 1) and autofocus and hearing glasses (part 2). Some of these products are already on the market, while others are still in the development phase. This overview is not exhaustive and is based on information provided by manufacturers and our own research.

The bestseller: Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2

It is no exaggeration to say that Ray-Ban Meta has opened up the world of smart glasses to the mainstream. Thanks to the collaboration with Meta, these smart glasses have become by far the best-selling smart glasses worldwide. The second generation of Ray-Ban Meta is now on the market. Will Ray-Ban once again become cult eyewear – only this time for the new tech generation? We will know it soon.

Availability: In most countries across the world with a few exceptions.

Interaction with device: Via app, voice control, button for photos and video recording, touchpad for volume.

Battery life: Five hours of audio for example. The glasses are charged in the charging case. This, in turn, has a USB-C charging option.

Prescription lenses: Spectacle lenses can be ordered from local opticians at EssilorLuxottica in a usual power range.

Data protection: The manufacturer has not provided any specific information on data protection. However, when taking photos and videos, an LED light on the glasses lights up to signal that recording is in progress.

Certificates: CE and water resistance: IPX4

Features: ✓ Speakers ✓ Microphones ✓ Camera in the lens ✓Recognition of objects/people ✓ Translation of text/images via camera recording ✓ Live translation of speech ✘ Navigation ✘ Recording of health data ✘ Autofocus ✘ Display of information

Sporty and smart: Oakley Meta HSTN

The smart Oakley Meta HSTN comes also from manufacturer EssilorLuxottica. Following on from RayBan Meta, it is set to expand the range of smart glasses and also appeal to sports enthusiasts. Meta AI offers features designed to support athletes during training and preparation. Using voice commands such as “Hey Meta” or by tapping, users can access information during training – such as answers to questions, tide times, or hiking routes nearby. The application can be used hands-free and, according to the company, is designed to help optimize various aspects of athletic performance.

Availability: With a few exceptions, the glasses are now available in countries around the world.

Interaction with device: The glasses are controlled on various levels. This includes the app, but also voice control, a button for taking photos and videos, and a touchpad for volume control.

Battery life: The manufacturer specifies the actual battery life for audio use, for example, as five hours. The glasses are charged in the charging case. This, in turn, has a USB-C charging option.

Prescription lenses: Spectacle lenses can be ordered from local opticians at EssilorLuxottica in a usual power range.

Data protection: The manufacturer has not provided any specific information on data protection. However, when taking photos and videos, an LED light on the glasses lights up to signal that recording is in progress.

Certificates: CE and water resistance: IPX4

Features: ✓ Speakers ✓ Microphones ✓ Camera ✓ Recognition of objects/people ✓ Translation of text/images via camera recording ✓ Live translation of speech ✘ Navigation ✘ Recording of health data ✘ Autofocus ✘ Display of information in the lens

Departure Collection: Berlin, Milan, Antwerp

“We imagine a future where smart eyewear doesn’t feel like tech – it just fits,” states manufacturer L’Atitude 52°N on its website. At first glance, the model is strongly reminiscent of similar AI glasses. It will be officially launched in February. L’Atitude 52°N presented itself at Silmo 2025 as a European smart glasses brand based in Berlin. However, development and manufacturing take place in Asia.

Availability: The collection will be launched in the EU, USA, and UK with pre-sales on January 28, 2026,  and open sales on February 12, 2026.

Interaction with device: The device is linked to the L’Atitude 52°N app. Users can interact via the touch panel or voice controls, and there is also a shutter button for capturing photos and videos for those who prefer physical feedback.

Key technologies: The AI technology is based on Gemini AI. The tech specifications are: Open-air speakers for music and calls, 12 MP HD camera with 107° field of view and easy reframing, plus 6nm AI processor for 40% more data, enriching colors, smoothing gradients, and defining textures. AI noise reduction and HDR ensure brilliant contrast and clarity in any light.

Battery life: The glasses last for six hours of continuous use and are charged with the charging case. The charging case is IP67 rated. It offers 5-6 additional full charges; quick charge gets to 70% battery in just 20 minutes.

Prescription lenses: Prescription lenses are available at trusted opticians.

Privacy: A LED light on the right side of the glasses is activated whenever a photo or a video are taken, for privacy. If covered, no capture can be made. The storage is done in a local cloud for every country  (voice or photos do not get stored). Photos and videos can only be taken via the companion app, and they are deleted from the glasses once successfully transferred to the phone.

Certifications: FCC (US), CE and 2014/53/EU RED (Radio Equipment Directive)

Further developments: In the next 12 months, the company plans to improve the departure collection experience, especially the imaging and AI features. They are also considering creating even more styles or different collections.

Features: ✓ Speakers ✓ Microphones ✓ Camera ✓ Recognition of objects/people ✓ Translation of text/images via camera recording ✓ Live translation of speech ✓ Navigation (audio only, connecting the glasses to the phone. When the phone is connected to google maps it will give audio indications via the glasses’ speakers) ✓ Other features (please specify): AI tour-guide: Recognize landmarks, discover local spots, explore museum collections – all hands-free. Trained in cultural exploration, powered by Google Gemini Intercom strap: The world’s first Intercom Strap for smart glasses. Using a Bluetooth + Mesh network, it enables group voice chat for 8 people with a 500m range. No phone or internet required. Keeps your team connected anywhere. ✘ Recording of health ✘ Autofocus ✘ Display of information in the lens

Smart and with display: Meta Ray-Ban Display

The Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses are only available in the US at the moment. They feature a display for hands-free viewing and the Meta neural band, which allows the glasses to be operated via gesture control. With these glasses, the user has the impression that the image is being created in the right lens and allows messages, images, videos, notifications, text, visual responses to questions, and much more to be displayed. The display is only visible to the user and appears and disappears on command. This means, for example, that conversations can be “subtitled” live in the lens. Camera shots can be viewed before the shutter is released, messages can be read in the lens, and translations can be displayed directly on the glasses (available in English, Spanish, French, and Italian).

Availability: The glasses are currently available in the US from selected retailers. Canada, France, Italy, and the UK will follow in 2026.

Interaction with device: Via gesture control with Meta Neural Band or tapping glasses, for example, to control the volume.

Key technologies: The Meta Neural band’s innovative EMG technology interprets the natural signals created by your muscle activity to navigate the features of Meta Ray-Ban Display.According to the Meta website the monocular display features a highly custom light engine and geometric waveguide.

Battery life: According to the website, Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses offer a battery life of up to six hours per charge in various application scenarios.

Prescription lenses: According to the website, the eligible Rx range is -4.00 to +4.00 diopters, but single vision only.

Data protection: N/A

Certificates: N/A

Features:  ✓ Speakers ✓ Microphones ✓ Camera ✓ Display of information in the lens  Recognition of objects/people ✓ Translation of text/images via camera recording ✓ Live translation of speech ✓ Navigation ✘ Recording of health data ✘ Autofocus

Collect fitness data with Oakley Vanguard

The Oakley Vanguard sports glasses appeal to athletes with their curved lenses and special technical features. They are compatible with several apps and Garmin and Strava devices, such as smartwatches and bike computers, which also track fitness data and similar information. In addition, the camera can also be used to record slow motion and hyperlapse videos. The glasses cannot yet be fitted with prescription lenses, but that could change in the future.

Availability: In most countries around the world with a few exceptions.

Interaction with device: Via app, voice control, button for photos and video recording, touchpad for volume

Key technologies: Prizm lenses. According to the website, the Prizm dyes alter the light falling on the lenses. This enhances contrasts and renders colors more accurately.

Battery life: The manufacturer specifies the actual battery life for audio use, for example, as six hours. The glasses are charged in the charging case. This, in turn, has a USB-C charging option.

Prescription lenses: Prescription lenses are not yet available, but as soon as it comes to market it can be done by any optician who has Oakley Meta, announced EssilorLuxottica.

Data protection: The manufacturer did not provide specific information on data protection. However, when taking photos and videos, an LED light on the glasses lights up to signal that recording is in progress.

Certificate: CE and IP67

Features: ✓ Speakers ✓ Microphones ✓ Camera ✓Recognition of objects/people ✓ Translation of text/images via camera recording ✓ Live translation of speech ✓ Recording of health data ✓ Other features (please specify): Slow motion Video recording, Hyperlapse recording ✘ Navigation ✘ Autofocus ✘ Display of information in the lens