EssilorLuxottica, the world’s largest eyewear company, has acquired Lynx, a French XR startup that recently entered compulsory liquidation. The acquisition includes Lynx’s intellectual property, assets, and most of its team. This development confirms that Lynx’s planned R2 headset will not be launching as scheduled this summer, and raises questions about the future of Lynx’s technology.

In July 2023, Lynx founder and CEO Stan Larroque confirmed that EssilorLuxottica had purchased the company after Lynx’s liquidation in March. Financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed. The acquisition encompasses Lynx’s core assets, including its intellectual property and team members, but it is not yet clear whether EssilorLuxottica intends to revive the R2 headset or simply utilize its IP for other projects.

The Lynx R2 was announced earlier this year and was set to be released this summer. It was designed to feature the widest field of view of any standalone VR headset, with 126° horizontal and 103° vertical coverage, powered by the XR2 Gen 2 chipset. The headset’s development involved partnerships with Israeli startup Hypervision for aspheric pancake lenses, which promised a significant leap in visual immersion.

However, following Lynx’s liquidation, Larroque stated that “it might take a few months for the operations to be smooth again, pending all legal approvals,” indicating delays or uncertainty about the product’s future. Industry analysts suggest that it is unlikely the R2 will launch in the near term, if at all, under the new ownership.

Implications for XR Industry and Future Headsets

This acquisition signifies the consolidation of XR technology and IP by a major player in the eyewear industry, potentially influencing the development of future mixed reality devices. The uncertain future of the Lynx R2 highlights challenges faced by startups in bringing innovative hardware to market amid financial and legal hurdles. For consumers and developers, it underscores the volatility and unpredictability of emerging XR hardware projects.

Moreover, EssilorLuxottica’s involvement suggests a possible shift in focus toward integrating XR capabilities with existing eyewear brands and retail channels, though the company has not publicly outlined specific plans for Lynx’s technology.

Lynx’s Development and Market Expectations for R2

Lynx, founded in France, aimed to push the boundaries of standalone VR headsets with the R2, announced early this year. The headset was notable for its wide field of view, which aimed to surpass existing consumer products like Quest 3 and Pico 4 Ultra. The device was expected to leverage the XR2 Gen 2 chipset, offering high-quality displays and sensors, with a focus on immersive visuals through innovative pancake lenses developed with Hypervision.

Despite initial excitement, Lynx faced financial difficulties, leading to its compulsory liquidation in March 2023. The liquidation process resulted in the loss of the R2’s launch window, which was scheduled for summer 2023. The acquisition by EssilorLuxottica was seen as a potential lifeline, but it remains uncertain whether the new owner will prioritize the headset’s development or repurpose the IP for other ventures.

Prior to liquidation, Lynx had garnered attention for its technical ambitions and partnerships, positioning itself as a serious contender in the standalone VR market. Its liquidation underscores the financial risks faced by startups in the highly competitive XR space.

“It might take a few months for the operations to be smooth again, pending all legal approvals.”

— Stan Larroque

Future of Lynx’s Headset and Company

It remains unclear whether EssilorLuxottica plans to revive the Lynx R2 headset, develop a new product, or simply acquire the IP for licensing or integration into other eyewear products. Larroque’s departure to Parrot indicates a shift away from Lynx’s hardware ambitions, and no official statements have clarified the company’s future plans for the technology or brand.

Additionally, the timeline for any potential revival or new development remains unknown, and industry insiders suggest that the R2 launch is highly unlikely in the foreseeable future.

Next Steps for Lynx Technology and Ownership

Further updates are expected as EssilorLuxottica evaluates Lynx’s assets and determines strategic priorities. The company may choose to license or integrate Lynx’s IP into existing eyewear lines or explore new XR hardware projects. Stakeholders and backers of Lynx are awaiting official announcements regarding the future direction of the technology.

Meanwhile, Lynx’s backers and the XR community will be monitoring whether any new hardware developments emerge under EssilorLuxottica’s ownership or if the company shifts focus entirely to other applications of Lynx’s IP.

Key Questions

Will the Lynx R2 headset still launch?

Based on current information, it is unlikely that the Lynx R2 will launch in the near future, if at all, as the company has been acquired after liquidation and no official plans have been announced.

What does EssilorLuxottica plan to do with Lynx’s technology?

It is not yet clear whether EssilorLuxottica will develop new XR hardware based on Lynx’s IP, license it, or use it for integration into eyewear products. No official statements have been made.

Why did Lynx go into liquidation?

Lynx entered compulsory liquidation in March 2023 due to financial difficulties, which halted its operations and prevented the R2 headset’s launch.

Who is the new owner of Lynx’s assets?

EssilorLuxottica, the largest eyewear company globally, acquired Lynx’s assets and IP in July 2023 following the liquidation.

What impact does this have on the XR market?

This development highlights the financial and developmental challenges faced by startups in the XR space and suggests that major companies may prefer acquiring IP rather than developing hardware from scratch.

Source: UploadVR