Luxottica, Intel Pair Up For Virtual Reality Eyewear

The virtual reality game just got more competition.

Intel is pairing up with Italian eyewear company Luxottica to help launch new “smart” glasses with a voice-activated coaching system. The glasses — named “Radar Pace” — fall under Luxottica’s subsidiary sports brand, Oakley, which was acquired by Luxottica in 2007.

Radar Pace glasses are aimed at athletes and are said to create a personalized training program that will interpret running and cycling performance data in real time.

Radar Pace glasses are intended to be “hands-free” and able to respond conversationally to users’ questions through Intel Real Speech. The Bluetooth audio headset connects athletes for phone calls and texts, as well as listening to music.

“One of the biggest benefits is the accountability — the coach being there with the athletes to help get the most out of every workout. It was a true collaboration that we hope will redefine the future of sport,” said Ryan Saylor, vice president of advanced product development at Oakley.

Santa Clara-headquartered Intel has recently picked up the pace in advancing its VR footprint. Last week, Intel announced that it was collaborating with Chicago-based InContext Solutions to develop VR hardware and software for the retail industry. According to a release, the plan is to provide the “best-in-class VR solution” and meet the changing needs of the retail ecosystem.

Radar Pace glasses are now available in retail stores.