Meta and Oakley Introduce New Smart Glasses with Enhanced Features
Meta and Oakley have announced a new line of smart glasses, starting with a $499 limited-edition model featuring 3K video recording capabilities.
Meta has announced a collaboration with Oakley to release a new line of smart glasses. The limited-edition Oakley Meta HSTN model is priced at $499 and will be available for preorder starting July 11. Additional Oakley models incorporating Meta's technology will be available later this summer, starting at $399.
Similar to the existing Meta Ray-Ban glasses, the Oakley model includes a front-facing camera, open-ear speakers, and microphones integrated into the frame. Once paired with a smartphone, users can listen to music or podcasts, make phone calls, or interact with Meta AI. Utilizing the onboard camera and microphones, Meta AI can provide information about the user's surroundings and translate languages.
Designed with athletes in mind, the Oakley smart glasses feature an IPX4 water resistance rating and offer up to 8 hours of battery life, double that of the Meta Ray-Bans. The accompanying charging case can extend usage up to 48 hours. The built-in camera supports 3K video recording, an upgrade from the 1080p capability of the Meta Ray-Bans.
The new lineup offers five Oakley frame and lens combinations, all compatible with prescription lenses at an additional cost. Frame colors include warm grey, black, brown smoke, and clear, with various lens options available, including transitions. The limited-edition $499 model, available for order starting July 11, features gold accents and gold Oakley PRIZM lenses. The glasses will be available in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Australia, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark.
Meta recently signed a multi-year agreement with EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban, Oakley, and other eyewear brands. To date, over two million pairs of Meta Ray-Ban glasses have been sold. EssilorLuxottica has disclosed plans to sell 10 million smart glasses with Meta annually by 2026. Alex Himel, Meta's head of wearables, stated, "This is our first step into the performance category. There's more to come."
