The connected eyewear market - France

As of 2020, the global market for connected eyewear is witnessing rapid growth, driven by professional demand across various sectors such as logistics, healthcare, and remote operations. The market has seen an exponential growth with a CAGR of 125.8%. This demand surge is fueled by the efficiency gains and immediate access to information that connected glasses offer to enterprise users.

French companies have adopted targeted approaches, successfully operating in specific market segments and forming strategic partnerships for distribution, such as Ellcie Healthy's partnership with Optic 2000. Innovations continue to be a significant investment area, with newer, more specialized versions being developed, and prices for these smart eyewear products have become more attractive. However, consumer mistrust regarding data privacy continues to affect the market, with many expressing concerns over the security of their personal data associated with connected objects.

Market Analysis of Connected Glasses: Trends and Demand in France

In the burgeoning market of connected glasses, France presents a significant growth trajectory marked by diverse applications for both individual and professional use. Projected to escalate from a market size of between $300 and $350 million to nearly $20 billion, the leap in the global market size is anticipated to be a staggering nearly 60-fold increase. This remarkable expansion is driven predominantly by workplace applications in domains such as logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing. For instance, 'vision picking' in logistics allows information to be directly relayed to the glasses' user, enhancing efficiency in warehousing operations.

In the health sector, connected glasses facilitate hands-free communication and precision in surgical procedures, underscoring the multifaceted benefits these devices bring to various industries. Consumer interest in France follows a parallel path. Regarding connected objects, the French market surged from approximately $150 million to over $1 billion. There are, however, indications of a slowdown, possibly associated with concerns around data privacy and a decrease in device prices. Despite these concerns, the French populace exhibits a keen interest in connected glasses. Around 14% of the populace expressed interest in such innovations, primarily in the male demographic. However, ownership and purchase intent remain relatively modest, with purchase plans at 12 months witnessing an uptick within a two-year period—especially among the younger audience. As users' fascination with technology advances, connected eyewear finds utility in daily life, entertainment, and personal assistance. This is particularly pronounced in the over-55 demographic, although they showcase the least intent on future purchases; they are paradoxically the most equipped segment.

On the business front, companies increasingly recognize the productivity gains attributed to connected eyewear. Hands-free operations and instant access to information have made these devices especially attractive in fields like construction, maintenance, and healthcare. Competing in the high-tech market, both international tech heavyweights and French startups have made significant bets in this field. Despite some initial setbacks, companies like Google and Snapchat have pivoted their strategies to focus more on professional markets or specific consumer niches. Distribution channels remain limited, with e-commerce being the primary outlet for individual consumers, whereas professional offerings tend to be bundled with specialized services.

Key Market Players Shaping the Future of Connected Eyewear

The landscape of connected eyewear is dotted with a mix of tech giants, innovative startups, and traditional optical firms, each contributing to the burgeoning market with distinctive strategies and product offerings:

• Google - An early entrant to the smart glasses market with its Google Glass, which faced setbacks due to privacy concerns and high costs, Google shifted its focus towards enterprise solutions, resulting in the Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2. This move signified a strategic pivot from consumer to professional applications, where the product has found better traction.
  
  
• Snapchat - With its Spectacles, Snapchat ventured into this sector targeting social media enthusiasts. Despite an initial financial hiccup, the company persisted, releasing updated versions aimed at content creators and influencers, prioritizing camera functionality and social media integration.
  
  
• Microsoft - Stepping into the professional sphere with its HoloLens, Microsoft addressed the high-end market of augmented reality with a product catered towards business applications like training, remote assistance, and complex data interaction, despite the premium price tag.
  
  
• Huawei - Partnering with high-fashion brand Gentle Monster, Huawei introduced a line of stylish eyewear that doubles as an audio device. Opting for a more subtle incorporation of technology, Huawei targeted consumers seeking tech-enhanced everyday wear rather than high-powered AR experiences.
  
  
• Bose - Known for its audio products, Bose developed a line of audio sunglasses that provide an immersive sound experience without isolating the wearer from their environment, marking a blend of fashion, functionality, and audio excellence.
  
  
• Amazon - Entering the market with the Echo Frames, Amazon tied its smart glasses closely to its voice assistant, Alexa, focusing on hands-free access to information and task management, indicating a commitment to integrating their ecosystem into the day-to-day life of consumers.

In the realm of French startups, two players stand out:

• Ellcie Healthy - This startup made strides in health and safety with its smart glasses designed to aid in fall detection, monitor physical activity, and prevent driver fatigue. They've established a strategic distribution partnership with Optic 2000, tapping into existing optical retail channels.
  
  
• Tikaway - Initially aimed at consumers, Tikaway found its niche in offering connected eyewear to businesses, allowing for seamless communication between field technicians and remote experts, thereby reducing downtime and enhancing operational efficiency.
  
  
• On the innovation front, companies continue to explore and develop new technologies. For example, AMA, a French startup, created software that enhances the capabilities of smart glasses.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 25/01/2022

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Marché mondial des lunettes connectées
• Marché en volume des lunettes connectées
• Marché des objets connectés
• Intérêt des Français pour les objets connectés
• Quels appareils seriez-vous susceptible d'acheter au cours des 12 prochains mois ?
• Pour vos loisirs, vos autres activités et votre santé, pensez-vous avoir un jour une montre conenctée
• Part des adultes français portant des lunettes, par classe d'âge
• A quelle(s) occasion(s) avez-vous besoin de lunettes de vue ?
• Parts de marché des distributeurs d'optique