Summary3 min read

WSJ Tech News Briefing – Tech Minute: Ray-Ban Maker Says Smartglasses Sales Nearly Doubled In Latest Quarter

Date: July 28, 2026
Host: Julie Chang, The Wall Street Journal

Episode Overview

In this concise afternoon tech news update, Julie Chang delivers notable business and technology headlines, spotlighting EssilorLuxottica’s surging smartglasses sales, the semiconductor market’s bullish outlook, and the dramatic direction of SpaceX’s recently IPO'd stock. The episode zeros in on trends in wearable tech, AI-fueled chip demand, and the volatility of high-profile tech listings.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. EssilorLuxottica’s Smartglasses Surge (00:31–01:09)

Sales Growth: Despite a slowdown in overall second-quarter sales growth compared to Q1, EssilorLuxottica (the Franco-Italian eyewear giant) saw sales of their AI-powered Ray-Ban and Oakley smartglasses, developed in partnership with Meta, nearly double.
Strategic Importance: The company is heavily banking on tech-infused eyewear to sustain long-term growth.
Market Landscape: Anticipation of new competitors—Google and Apple are reportedly poised to introduce their own smartglasses models, signaling a fresh wave of competition in the wearable tech space.

Quote @ 00:39 – Julie Chang:
“Sales of Ray Ban and Oakley smart glasses powered by AI and produced with Meta nearly doubled in the second quarter.”

2. Semiconductor Sector Growth: ASM International (01:10–01:37)

Upbeat Revenue Outlook: Dutch chip equipment supplier ASM International raises its sales expectations for the coming year, crediting the demand surge from the buildout of AI infrastructure and new device manufacturing.
Outperforming Targets: The company now expects to exceed its previous 2027 revenue target ($5.2B top end), propelled by a 24% year-over-year second-quarter sales increase.
Stock Performance: ASM International shares have risen 46% year-to-date, overcoming sector volatility.

Quote @ 01:21 – Julie Chang:
“ASM International also reported that second quarter sales rose 24% on year. Its shares are up 46% since January despite bouts of volatility that have weighed on the sector.”

3. SpaceX Post-IPO Volatility (01:38–01:56)

Stock Dip: SpaceX shares have fallen to about 18% below their IPO price ($135), following an initial surge to over $200 after its June debut.
Market Fluctuations: The stock has lost $1.2 trillion in market capitalization, erasing early post-IPO gains. Nevertheless, it showed a modest recovery, up 2% in mid-afternoon trading.

Quote @ 01:46 – Julie Chang:
“It has since shed some $1.2 trillion in market cap as it wipes those early gains and continues to fall below its IPO price.”

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

EssilorLuxottica’s Bet on Smartglasses:
“The company is banking on the tech infused glasses to help fuel its growth over the long term.” — Julie Chang, 00:48
Rising Competition in Wearables:
“The group could face competition from other smart glasses models in the near future, with Google and Apple preparing their own models of the wearable tech.” — Julie Chang, 00:54
On Semiconductor Demand and Chip Tools:
“The race to build AI infrastructure and new devices fuels demand for chips and the tools needed to make them.” — Julie Chang, 01:13
SpaceX Market Drama:
“The stock climbed above $200 shortly after its hotly anticipated market debut. It has since shed some $1.2 trillion in market cap...” — Julie Chang, 01:43

Timestamps for Important Segments

00:31 — Smartglasses sales surge, EssilorLuxottica outlook, future competition
01:10 — ASM International’s outlook, AI-driven chip demand, share performance
01:38 — SpaceX post-IPO stock volatility, market cap loss, midday price uptick

Tone and Style

Julie Chang delivers the news in the Wall Street Journal’s signature brisk, factual tone—clear, authoritative, and focused on the financial and strategic implications for each story.

This episode efficiently spotlights three of tech’s hottest business developments: surging smartglasses demand, semiconductor boom, and the unpredictable fate of newly public tech giants. Whether you’re an investor, tech watcher, or industry insider, the concise update delivers the essential numbers and context you need.

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Transcript3 lines

[00:01]
A
The thing about AI for business, it may not automatically fit the way your business works. At IBM, we've seen this firsthand. But by embedding AI across hr, IT and procurement processes, we've reduced costs by millions, slash repetitive tasks and freed thousands of hours for strategic work. Now we're helping companies get smarter by putting AI where it actually pays off, deep in the work that moves the business. Let's create smarter business IBM
[00:32]
B
here's your afternoon TNB Tech Minute for Tuesday, July 28th. I'm Julie Chang for the Wall Street Journal. Eyewear company Essler Luxottica said sales growth slowed a little in the second quarter from the first, but it's still seeing a continued rapid increase in revenue from its smart glasses. The Franco Italian manufacturer said sales of Ray Ban and Oakley smart glasses powered by AI and produced with Meta nearly doubled in the second quarter. The company is banking on the tech infused glasses to help fuel its growth over the long term. But the group could face competition from other smart glasses models in the near future, with Google and Apple preparing their own models of the wearable tech chip equipment supplier ASM International said it expects next year's sales to grow more than previously thought as the race to build AI infrastructure and new devices fuels demand for chips and the tools needed to make them. The Dutch company's previous 2027 revenue target was between $4.2 to $5.2 billion. It announced today that it expects to exceed the top end of that range. ASM International also reported that second quarter sales rose 24% on year. Its shares are up 46% since January despite bouts of volatility that have weighed on the sector. And shares of SpaceX are trading about 18% below its IPO price of $135. Elon Musk's and AI company debuted on Wall street mid June. The stock climbed above $200 shortly after its hotly anticipated market debut. It has since shed some $1.2 trillion in market cap as it wipes those early gains and continues to fall below its IPO price. It was up about 2% in mid afternoon trading. And that's your TMB Tech minutes. We'll have another quick tech update in the morning.
[02:21]
A
The thing about AI for business, it may not automatically fit the way your business works. At IBM we've seen this firsthand. But by embedding AI across hr, IT and procurement processes, we've reduced costs by millions, slashed repetitive tasks and freed thousands of hours for strategic work. Now we're helping companies get smarter by putting AI where it actually pays off. Deep in the work that moves the business. Let's create smarter business. IBM.