Japan’s TDK Buys SoftEye to Strengthen Smart Glasses Capabilities

The acquisition aligns with TDK’s broader efforts to diversify beyond its core business of smartphone batteries and electronic components, tapping into emerging technologies that combine AI with wearable devices. According to Reuters, the transaction is valued at under $100 million, though specific terms were not disclosed.

SoftEye, headquartered in San Diego, California, specializes in advanced software and hardware solutions that power smart glasses, including eye-tracking and object recognition capabilities. These features are increasingly seen as critical for next-generation augmented reality (AR) devices that seek to integrate AI for real-time interaction with the physical world.

The company’s founder and CEO, Te-Won Lee, brings a strong pedigree in the tech industry, having previously held senior positions at Samsung Electronics and Qualcomm. Per Reuters, TDK is looking to leverage SoftEye’s expertise to strengthen its presence in the growing AR and smart wearables market.

The acquisition comes as global tech giants continue to invest heavily in smart glasses and other wearable technologies. Facebook parent Meta, along with Alphabet’s Google, has been showcasing smart glasses designed to interface with users through AI-driven features. Snap has also announced plans to release consumer smart glasses in 2026. Meanwhile, Qualcomm recently unveiled a new processor tailored specifically for AR devices, underlining the sector’s momentum.

Once a household name in cassette tapes, TDK has reinvented itself in recent decades as a key player in battery and component manufacturing, supplying technology for smartphones and now increasingly for wearables, including smart glasses.

Source: Reuters