Tokyo: Japanese electronics manufacturer TDK Corporation has announced the acquisition of SoftEye, a US-based company specialising in software and hardware for smart glasses, as part of a broader strategy to capitalise on the growing intersection of artificial intelligence and next-generation wearable technologies.
Headquartered in San Diego, California, SoftEye is known for its advanced eye-tracking and object recognition technologies. The company was founded by Te-Won Lee, who brings significant industry pedigree as a former executive at Samsung Electronics and Qualcomm.
Although the financial terms of the transaction were not officially disclosed, a source familiar with the matter indicated the deal is valued at under $100 million.
The acquisition marks a strategic move by TDK, which, having transitioned from its legacy as a cassette tape maker, has become a prominent supplier of electronic components and battery systems. The company already provides battery technology for smart glasses, aligning this acquisition with its existing capabilities and forward-looking growth plans.
As the broader tech industry seeks to diversify hardware portfolios beyond smartphones, interest in smart glasses continues to surge. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, along with Alphabet’s Google and Snap Inc., are actively developing AI-integrated eyewear. Google showcased smart glasses at its recent developer conference, while Snap has announced plans to bring consumer-ready models to market in 2026.
Qualcomm, a key player in mobile and wearable chipsets, also unveiled a new processor tailored for smart glasses earlier this month, further underscoring industry momentum.
TDK’s acquisition of SoftEye positions the company at the forefront of this accelerating convergence of AI and wearable technology.
-Reuters
