Watch out, Google Glass?

Lenovo, which recently filed for patent coverage of a Google Glass-like device, is partnering with New York-based Vuzix Corporation to launch “smart glasses.” The devices will launch first in China beginning in September.

Lenovo, the world’s No. 1 PC manufacturer, has made diversification into Internet-connected devices from smartphones to tablets, smart TVs and gaming consoles. It also is rolling out other so-called “smart devices” such as air purifiers and what are called “intelligent routers,” according to media reports out of China.

Lenovo operates its executive headquarters in Morrisville. 

Vuzix announced the “Video Eyewear” deal involving its “M100 Smart Glasses” early Thursday. The firm is based in Rochester, N.Y.


For WRAL TechWire Insider subscribers: M100 is a CES-award winning product available now for $999. We provide product details and snapshots of product reviews.


Financial terms were not disclosed.

“Lenovo is always seeking new and innovative products that merge and integrate technology into products that offer our customers a high degree of functionality and convenience,” said Yuli Bai, Vice-President, general manager for New Business Development, at Lenovo.

“The advent of wearable technologies and specifically Smart Glasses, exceeds that goal and provides a new level of mobility in computing and communications systems. As an established and leading supplier of smart glasses technology, Vuzix was an obvious choice for this strategic partnership,” Bai added.

Lenovo’s smart glasses patent filing emerged in U.S. Patent Office documents a month ago. WRAL TechWire reached out to Lenovo more than once for more information on the filing but received no further details.

In the announcement Vuzix said it the new devices will be branded as “Vuzix 100 Smart Glasses powered by Lenovo.”

The glasses will be marketed exclusively by Lenovo.

The companies said they plan to sell the glasses in other markets beyond China. 

The initial devices will feature:

  • Chinese language
  • Voice recognition
  • Mapping
  • Numerous “cloud” computing services

The glasses will be the first such devices made available in China, according to the companies.

“China is a significant milestone for us and for the wearable industry,” said Paul Travers, chief executive officer of Vuzix.

“Lenovo is world renowned for its high quality products and exceptional engineering, making them the most ideal partner with which to bring our M100 Smart Glasses to China. As Lenovo is number one worldwide in supplying computers to business and the public sector and the number 3 supplier of smart-connected devices (smartphones and tablets), we see strong market opportunities for our M100 as it was specifically designed for those markets. Additionally we hope the M100 is just the first in a line of future products the companies may introduce together incorporating Vuzix’ video eyewear technology for sale in China and perhaps elsewhere.”

The full announcement can be read online.

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