Meta Teams Up with Oakley for Next-Gen Smart Glasses Aimed at Athletes
Meta has officially announced its latest foray into smart eyewear, partnering with Oakley to launch a new line of smart glasses designed with athletes in mind. The new collection, which starts at USD399, boasts significant upgrades including 3K video capture and extended battery life.
Limited Edition and General Availability
The limited-edition Oakley Meta HSTN (pronounced “how-stuhn”) model, priced at USD499, will be available for preorder starting 11th July. Other Oakley models featuring Meta’s integrated technology are expected to follow later this summer, with prices beginning at $399.
Advanced Capabilities and AI Integration
Similar to the popular Meta Ray-Ban glasses, the Oakley models come equipped with a front-facing camera, open-ear speakers, and built-in microphones. When paired with a smartphone, users can enjoy music and podcasts, make phone calls, and interact with Meta AI. Leveraging the onboard camera and microphones, Meta AI can provide real-time information about what the user is seeing and even translate languages.
Designed for Performance: Battery Life and Durability
Meta is strategically positioning these new glasses towards the athletic demographic. The Oakley smart glasses feature an IPX4 water resistance rating, making them suitable for active use. A notable improvement is the doubled battery life compared to the Meta Ray-Bans, offering up to 8 hours of continuous use, with a charging case that extends total usage to an impressive 48 hours. The camera has also seen a significant upgrade, now capturing crisp 3K video, a jump from the 1080p offered by the Meta Ray-Bans.
Style and Customisation
The new lineup will be available in five Oakley frames and lens combinations, all of which are compatible with prescription lenses for an additional cost. Frame colours include warm grey, black, brown smoke, and clear, with various lens options, including transitions. The premium $499 limited-edition model will feature distinctive gold accents and gold Oakley PRIZM lenses.
Global Rollout
These new smart glasses will be available in a wide range of markets, including the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Australia, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark. Meta is also working to bring Oakley Meta HSTN to Mexico, India, and the United Arab Emirates later this year. Unfortunately, there isn’t any information on a Malaysian release at the time of writing.
Strengthening a Strategic Partnership
This launch follows Meta’s multi-year deal with EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of both Ray-Ban and Oakley. The existing Meta Ray-Ban glasses have already achieved significant success, with over two million pairs sold to date. EssilorLuxottica recently revealed ambitious plans to sell 10 million smart glasses with Meta annually by 2026, signalling strong confidence in the future of smart eyewear.
