Bollé launches AR try-out experience for its sunglasses on Instagram

Bollé, which makes sport and lifestyle sunglasses, cycling helmets, ski goggles, and ski helmets, has launches an augmented reality (AR) sunglass experience that enables consumers to try-out Bollé’s flagship lens technology, Phantom, via AR without ever having to physically touch the glasses.

Bollé partnered with QReal and M7 Innovations for the AR experience, which is accessed via Instagram, where a demonstration invites users to try out Bollé’s Phantom lens through one of the brand’s iconic models – the Chronoshield. After seeing the glasses on their face, users simply flip their camera from selfie-view to front-facing and Phantom lenses are superimposed on their actual view. Users can then introduce sunglass effects such as high contrast, anti-fog, and a photochromatic filter into their real surroundings to see Phantom lenses in action. Once a user finds a lens that suits their style and needs, they can search for a retailer that sells it.

“AR is routinely used for try-on and certainly enhances the buying experience,” said Louis Cisti, Vice President of Global Marketing for Bollé Brands. “But AR for try-out, this is a first. In the new normal of retail, Bollé recognizes that safety is now the most important thing. Consumers demand shopping encounters that minimize physical interaction. However, when it comes to buying premium sunglasses, they still have high expectations and expect to see tangible benefits. Bollé’s AR try-out does all that heavy lifting. Shoppers get to see perceivable performance benefits before making a purchase.”

You can try the AR experience for yourself on a phone here.