What smart shoppers are wearing in 2015

While retailers are sorting how to capitalize on wearable technology, Intel is betting that that smart glass manufacturer Vuzix will play a role.

Vuzix began selling its flagship M100 Smart Glasses on Amazon prior to the holiday and more recently Intel invested $24.8 million in the company. The investment gives Intel 48,626 shares of Vuzix’ preferred stock and the opportunity to convert those shares into common stock that would give Intel a 30 percent ownership stake in the company.

The M100 Smart Glasses cost $999 on Amazon.com. The price and obtrusive design, much like Google Glass, ensures most people won’t be wearing the devices any time soon. However, Vuzix contends its wearable display technology is focused on next generation optics and displays that have the potential to fit in fashion-based wearable glasses. Intel's investment will be used for general working capital to accelerate the introduction of Vuzix next generation fashion-based wearable display products into the consumer market.

Just as smartphones are so much more than a device for making calls, Vuzix Smart Glasses are wearable computing devices that happen to be worn on ones face. From this perch, the device pairs with a user's smartphone or available WiFi connection, offering text, video, email, mapping, and augmented reality through a personal display and computing system. The Vuzix M100 contains a virtual display with integrated camera for videos and snapshots and runs on an Android OS.