Meta reveals its Oakley smart glasses

Meta's Oakley glasses capture 3K video, lasting 8 hrs, starting at $399.

: Meta introduces Oakley smart glasses with extended battery life, capturing 3K video, aimed at athletes and fans in collaboration with EssilorLuxottica. The glasses are designed as Oakley’s HSTN model, featuring a camera, open-ear speakers, Meta AI assistance, and compatibility with prescription lenses. Available for preorder from July 11th starting at $399, these glasses will launch in multiple countries later with additional advancements like quick charging and Prizm Lens technology. Former Ray-Ban models sold over two million units, showcasing Meta's ongoing success in the smart eyewear market.

Meta has unveiled its new Oakley smart glasses following months of anticipation, marking another step in Meta's expanding product lineup. The announcement confirms the partnership with well-known eyewear manufacturer Oakley, a subsidiary of EssilorLuxottica. These glasses are designed using Oakley’s HSTN model and are particularly aimed at athletes and fans, highlighting a deliberate focus on sports wearables. Meta is promoting the glasses as being able to capture 3K video, doubling the battery life seen in previous Meta eyewear like the Ray-Bans.

The limited-edition Oakley Meta HSTN with gold accents is priced at $499, while the broader range starts at $399. Preorders begin on July 11th, with availability planned for later in the summer. An assortment of six color combinations is offered, and the glasses can also be ordered with prescription compatibility at an additional cost. Some versions come equipped with Oakley Prizm Lens technology and are designed to work effectively in various lighting conditions, further enhancing their usefulness for outdoor activities.

These smart glasses feature several technological enhancements like a front-facing camera, open-ear speakers, and microphones, which allow users to execute various tasks. Alongside these, they integrate Meta AI, enabling voice-activated queries about weather conditions or immediate video recording. The AI's capabilities extend to providing information about visual surroundings and offering translation services, which broadens their functionality.

In terms of technical specifications, the glasses provide up to eight hours of use from a full charge, along with an impressive 19-hour standby duration. Another standout feature is the charging case that delivers up to 48 hours of power, and a rapid charging option allows the glasses to replenish 50% of their battery in just 20 minutes. Currently, the glasses will hit markets in countries including the US, UK, Canada, and across Europe, with further plans to expand into Mexico and other regions later.

Meta's partnership with EssilorLuxottica has taken significant strides over the years, driving innovations in smart eyewear through collaboration. EssilorLuxottica has declared over two million sales of the previous Meta Ray-Ban model, underscoring the growing consumer interest in advanced wearable technology. Meta's strategic vision and its continued emphasis on the integration of AI and wearable tech underline this effort to secure a foothold in the evolving smart glasses market.

Sources: Meta blog, TechCrunch, EssilorLuxottica FY2024

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