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ARTICLE · 22 NOVEMBER 2023

When Consumer Products Companies Launch Smart Tech

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It's not just about adding a touch screen: Product design, supply chain, and manufacturing concerns for CP firms.

United StatesConsumer Protection
Robert DeNardo
Robert DeNardo
John Breuninger
John Breuninger
Albert Sang
Albert Sang
James Stevens
James Stevens
Bhavik Mistry
Bhavik Mistry
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It's not just about adding a touch screen: Product design, supply chain, and manufacturing concerns for CP firms.

Read Part 1 in the series on CP firms pursuing smart tech here.

Earlier this year, Google ceased production of its smart glasses, Google Glass, launched in 2013 as a breakthrough product that allowed users to access and navigate wireless functions via a frame and clear lens designed to augment the user's frame of sight. Critics at the time noted issues with the design and cost.

Ten years later, Meta Connect has taken a different approach, engineering smart functionality into the frame and lenses of sunglass mainstay Ray-Ban, owned by EssilorLuxottica. The sunglasses look as good as they did in 1952 when the Wayfarer was first sold but include a camera, voice-activated commands, and audio functions. As of October, consumers will be able to buy a smart version of their favorite styles in matte and shiny black as well as some transparent colors. They

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