TNB Tech Minute: Ray-Ban Maker Says Smartglasses Sales Nearly Doubled In Latest Quarter

Jul 28, 2026 · Summarized Jul 28, 2026

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Key takeaways

Smart glasses sales are rapidly growing, with major brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley seeing doubled sales, but market competition remains stiff with Google and Apple preparing to enter.
The chip industry is optimistic, with ASM International raising its sales outlook due to increased demand for AI-related chips and equipment.
SpaceX's stock performance reflects volatility, with significant declines from its initial post-IPO surge, highlighting the cautious investor outlook on tech and space stocks.

Summary

Growth and Competition in the Smart Glasses Market

Loro Laxatica, a Franco-Italian manufacturer, reports a near doubling of sales in its Ray-Ban and Oakley smart glasses during the second quarter, driven by AI-powered features made in partnership with Meta. Despite a slowdown from the previous quarter, the company's bold focus on tech-infused eyewear aims at long-term growth. However, they face upcoming competition from major players like Google and Apple, who are planning to release their own smart glasses models, potentially disrupting the market dynamic.

Chip Industry Outlook and AI Infrastructure Demand

ASM International, a Dutch chip equipment supplier, has revised its sales forecast upwards for the upcoming year, expecting to surpass earlier targets of $4.2 billion to $5.2 billion, driven by increased demand for chips and manufacturing tools spurred by AI development and new device production. The company also reported a 24% increase in second quarter sales year-over-year, with its shares significantly appreciating since the start of the year, reflecting optimism in the chip manufacturing sector.

SpaceX Market Performance and Valuation Trends

SpaceX's stock, which debuted on Wall Street in June at an IPO price of $135, has experienced significant volatility, falling about 18% below its IPO value as it scales back from recent peaks above $200. The company's market capitalization has shrunk by approximately $1.2 trillion from its early gains, illustrating the fluctuating investor sentiment towards Elon Musk's space exploration and AI ventures despite the company's continued trading activity and the overall interest in its innovative pursuits.

Show notes

Plus: Dutch chip-equipment supplier ASM International lifts sales outlook as AI fuels orders. And SpaceX shares are trading at a big discount from its IPO price. Julie Chang hosts.

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