Finland-based IXI is unveiling a new prototype design of its prescription- and autofocus-based smart eyewear designed as an alternative to traditional progressive lenses.
Notably, this follows the company’s latest $36.5 million funding round from earlier this year.
Let’s begin with a look at IXI.
Launched in 2021 and headquartered in Espoo, Finland, the tech startup was originally founded under the name Pixieray by former Nokia and Microsoft executives Niko Eiden (current CEO) and Ville Miettinen (chief algorithm officer).
- Interestingly: These co-founders also launched Varjo, a Finnish manufacturer of military-grade XR (virtual and augmented reality) headsets, software, and eye-tracking technology.
And take note: Up until earlier this spring, the company was largely operating under “stealth mode.”
Where does its funding come from?
Based on that aforementioned $36.5 million Series A raised in April, the company has secured financing from investors such as Plural (its lead), as well as the Amazon Alexa fund (yes, the very same Jeff Bezos-owned Amazon).
- See the full list of all investors here.
Now to its adaptive eyewear.
IXI’s first generation of glasses are reportedly based on a liquid crystal element in a traditional single-vision lens, featuring:
- Frames embedded with eye-tracking technology
- Continuously operating with ultra-low power consumption to measure a wearer’s gaze
- Reportedly, 50 to 100 times more power efficient than others on the market
- Adaptive lenses designed to instantly adjust the focal depth based on where a wearer is looking (near or far)
- In sphere and cylinder diopter ranges, reportedly
Explain this autofocus component.
As Eiden previously noted to news outlets, the intent is to create the same experience with its glasses as that of an autofocus camera.
- The idea is to have a single-power experience,” he stated. “When you are looking far, you have the full view from the traditional lens … and for reading or computer work, you will have a very large field of view from the liquid crystal lens.”
Essentially, IXI is looking to replace or improve on traditional bifocals, progressive lenses, and multiple-pair systems by offering real-time optical correction across all distances—via just one pair of smart glasses.
So what do we know about this first prototype?
The company refers to the new design as “the world’s lightest smart eyewear,” with its frame—sans lenses—clocking in at a weight of just 22 grams (embedded technology included).
Its “true-fit” frame architecture allows for:
- Precise adjustments at the temples and nose piece
- Adjustable pantoscopic tilt (enabling the lens tech to be naturally aligned with the wearer's eyes)
Interesting … have the glasses undergone clinical testing yet?
Yes, according to IXI. In fact, they’ve reportedly been part of an ongoing clinical research program since 2021.
But most recently: The company shared that its latest research phase has focused on ergonomic testing of the glasses among an estimated 360 participants (aged 20 to 70) with varied sight-related issues (including reading and multifocal (MF)-glasses wear
- Specifically: This phase involved one clinical study conducted over the last year in London and Finland, as well as a follow-up study conducted across four countries (the U.K., France, Sweden, and Germany).
And what do we know about their outcomes?
While the clinical research is ongoing, the resulting data thus far has reportedly shed light on a consistent issue notable among traditional and smart eyewear:
- “Wearers are forced to make significant compromises on optical ergonomics, leading to extreme strain in the eyes, neck, and posture,” IXI noted.
As such: The findings confirmed the company’s adaptive eyewear as setting “a completely new benchmark for comfort and fit in smart glasses.”
Is there any additional information available on this clinical program?
Not at the moment—and we asked.
In response to Glance’s request for more details regarding the program’s design, participant demographics, and clinical outcomes, Eiden stated:
- “Work is progressing on the regulatory path, and we’ll share more of our clinical studies and evaluation program next year.”
Duly noted. So could these autofocus glasses be headed to the United States?
Potentially! However, IXI’s focus is currently on launching clinical trials and seeking regulatory approval across Europe.
For the future: Eiden said the company will “then look at the FDA pathway for the U.S. market at a later stage.”