Meta Platforms has invested $3.52 billion to acquire a 3% stake in EssilorLuxottica, the maker of Ray-Ban, signaling a strategic move into AI-driven smart glasses technology and aiming to bring more intelligent eyewear to a broader audience.

This partnership, which extends into the next decade, reflects Meta's focus on integrating fashion, vision, and advanced technology in wearable AI products, positioning itself to lead in this emerging market.

Smart glasses are a key part of Meta's broader strategy to grow in the wearable technology space, enhancing connectivity and multimedia capabilities through joint products with EssilorLuxottica.

The collaboration exemplifies a broader trend of AI integration in consumer tech, which could reshape user engagement and consumer behavior across industries.

The company is aggressively recruiting top AI talent, including former Apple foundation models team lead Ruoming Pang, with packages worth tens of millions annually, to bolster its AI development.

This alliance marks a significant milestone in the AI wearables market, opening new opportunities for investors and influencing industry growth.

Meta is investing tens of billions into AI infrastructure, including data centers and custom chips, emphasizing AI as its core focus.

Market enthusiasm for innovative eyewear was reflected as Warby Parker's shares rose by up to 4.3%.

Meta’s hiring spree includes experts from Scale AI, OpenAI, and Anthropic, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg personally engaging with recruits to build 'superintelligence'—AI surpassing human capability.

Meta holds an edge over competitors like Apple, Google, and Microsoft, due to its cohesive hardware and AI expertise, giving it a competitive advantage in the market.

Following the announcement, Meta's stock experienced slight after-hours gains, with strong growth prospects indicated by Benzinga’s rankings.

The partnership aims to lead the integration of fashion, vision, and advanced technology in wearable AI products amidst increasing competition.

Meta and EssilorLuxottica plan to extend their collaboration into the next decade, continuing to innovate in smart eyewear technology.

EssilorLuxottica’s stock surged nearly 7% following the announcement, indicating investor optimism about the partnership and Meta’s increased involvement.