Technology

Lens maker launches AR sunglass experience via the smartphone

Photo provided by Bollé.

July 2, 2020

Lens maker Bollé is offering an augmented reality sunglass experience that lets shoppers try out its Phantom lens technology without ever touching the glasses.

The 'try on' experience is available via a smartphone and Instagram and built by QReal and M7 Innovations, according to a press release.

The Instagram experience invites users to try out Bollé's Phantom lens through one of the brand's models — the Chronoshield. After seeing the glasses on their face, users simply flip their camera from selfie-view to front-facing and Phantom lenses are superimposed on their actual view.

Users can then introduce effects like high contrast, anti-fog, and light-adaptive into their real surroundings to see Phantom lenses in action. Once users decide to buy a lens, they can search for a retailer that carries Bollé.

"AR is routinely used for try-on and certainly enhances the buying experience. But AR for try-out, this is a first," Louis Cisti, vice president of global marketing for Bollé Brands, said in the release. "In the new normal of retail, Bollé recognizes that safety is now the most important thing. Consumers demand shopping encounters that minimize physical interaction. However, when it comes to buying premium sunglasses, they still have high expectations and expect to see tangible benefits. Bollé's AR try-out does all that heavy lifting. Shoppers get to see perceivable performance benefits before making a purchase."