October 19, 2025
Tech News
Austin Russell, the former CEO of Luminar, has made a striking bid to acquire the lidar company through his new venture, Russell AI Labs. His proposal, disclosed in an SEC filing, aims to purchase all outstanding shares, potentially merging Luminar with a larger automotive technology company, creating a “Luminar 2.0”.
In the realm of wearable technology, shares for EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban, surged to an all-time high, increasing nearly $20 billion in market value. This surge comes amid strong sales for their AI-powered Ray-Ban Meta glasses, credited with a significant sales growth, suggesting a booming future for smart eyewear.
Meanwhile, Indian engineering firm Tata Technologies reported a modest 5% increase in profit for the second quarter, spurred by its non-core business despite sluggish demand in its primary automotive sector. The company anticipates greater recovery in the coming quarter, underlining optimistic projections for improved operational performance.
In a notable development for digital shopping, VLGE, a platform aimed at revolutionizing how brands interact with consumers, announced plans to launch 50 fashion brands’ shoppable worlds on Roblox for World Fashion Week. This move aims to bridge gaming and e-commerce, democratizing world-building within the gaming platform.
Lastly, the flourishing market for wearable technology continues to capture investor attention, with analysts predicting that smart glasses could transform consumer electronics. There’s growing belief that these innovative glasses will lead to substantial sales increases, reshaping how consumers integrate technology into their daily lives.
Tech Explained
Lidar – Lidar, or Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method used to examine the surface of the Earth. It uses laser light to measure distances, making it essential for the development of autonomous driving technologies, enabling the detection of obstacles and mapping of surroundings.
Augmented Reality (AR) – Augmented Reality is a technology that overlays digital information, such as images or sounds, onto the real world. In the context of wearable technology, AR enhances the user experience by integrating information with everyday activities, notably seen in smart glasses like the Ray-Ban Meta.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) – AI refers to computer systems designed to perform tasks that would typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception and decision-making. It plays a crucial role in developing products like Meta’s smart glasses, enabling features like image recognition and personalized user experiences.
Roblox – Roblox is an online platform that allows users to create and play games made by other users. It serves as a virtual universe where brands and designers can build interactive worlds, facilitating engagement with younger audiences through gamified experiences and e-commerce opportunities.
E-commerce – E-commerce, or electronic commerce, involves buying and selling goods or services using the internet. Platforms like VLGE demonstrate how e-commerce is evolving by integrating gaming and social interactions, creating immersive shopping experiences that appeal to contemporary consumers.
