Boston's Laforge Optical launches crowdfunding campaign for fashionable smart glasses

By VCPOST Staff Reporter

Feb 19, 2014 06:35 AM EST

Smart eyewear startup Laforge Optical launched its new fashionable smart eyeglasses called Icis through a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. A beta version of the product was offered for $200 on its official site, but this campaign was launched to invite other people to help the firm in testing and developing new apps for Icis, according to VentureBeat.

Laforge Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Corey Mack explained to VentureBeat: "We really wanted to make sure the product that debuts next year isn't lacking, so we've opened up our process to other developers."

Right now, the product looks similar to other trendy glasses in the market. What separates Icis from Google Glass is its prescription lenses. Users don't have to attach another device to their glasses in order to transform it into a hands-free mobile gadget. According to Laforge, the Icis battery can last up to six hours. The SocialFlo mobile app turns a user's eyewear into a main smartphone notification hub. The premium version of Icis, which is Icis Bold, has a camera, speaker, and microphone, the report detailed.

As of late, Laforge has already raised around $5,000 on Indiegogo. The company has 30 more days to complete its $80,000 funding goal. Backers of the product receive Icis beta kits with the option of customizing their Icis frames for $6,000, VentureBeat reported.

© 2024 VCPOST, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

Join the Conversation

Real Time Analytics