Meta & Oakley Unveil New AI Smart Glasses: 3K Video, Longer Battery, and Performance Tech

Image: Meta

The world of AI is rapidly expanding its horizons, now making deeper inroads into the realm of wearable technology. Leading the charge, Meta, an already dominant force in the wearables market, has collaborated with Oakley to introduce groundbreaking new AI smart glasses. These innovative smart glasses seamlessly integrate Meta AI, alongside significant enhancements in video resolution and battery life. Starting at a competitive price of $399, this new lineup aims to redefine the smart eyewear experience.

Today marks a pivotal moment as Meta, in partnership with Oakley, officially unveiled their latest AI smart glasses, aptly named the "Oakley Meta HSTN." These cutting-edge AI glasses are meticulously designed with athletes and active individuals in mind. The new Oakley Meta HSTN model features a discreet front-facing camera, open-ear audio, and an integrated microphone, all cleverly housed within Oakley’s signature O-Matter frame. This material is renowned for its lightweight yet exceptionally durable properties. Meta explicitly stated, "Oakley and Meta have joined forces to bring AI glasses to sports and everyday lifestyles, combining innovation." This clearly underscores the strategic purpose of these new smart glasses: to blend advanced AI capabilities with the needs of athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.

While Meta's existing Ray-Ban smart glasses have already achieved considerable success in the wearable arena, the introduction of the Oakley Meta HSTN model signifies a clear shift. It's engineered for a more demanding, performance-oriented audience, moving beyond casual use cases to cater to intense workouts and dynamic adventures.

Key Innovations: Powering Your Performance with Meta x Oakley AI Glasses

Meta and Oakley have equipped these AI glasses with features that position them as strong contenders, even alongside the popular Ray-Ban Meta glasses:

Unrivaled Video Quality: Capture Every Moment in Stunning 3K

Close-up of the Oakley Meta HSTN smart glasses with camera lens visible. Image: Meta

A significant upgrade in the Oakley Meta HSTN is its integrated front-facing camera, now capable of recording breathtaking 3K video. This marks a substantial leap from the 1080p resolution found in the Ray-Ban Meta models. Imagine capturing every triumphant finish line or a breathtaking mountain biking trail with unparalleled clarity and vivid detail. For content creators and sports enthusiasts, this translates to truly immersive, high-resolution POV footage, offering a unique perspective on their experiences.

Power Through Your Day: Doubled Battery Life for Active Lifestyles

Long-lasting battery life is a crucial desire for any wearable device, especially for active users. As these AI glasses are specifically dedicated to athletes and workout enthusiasts, this improvement is a game-changer. The Oakley Meta HSTN boasts an impressive 8 hours of typical use, effectively doubling the battery life of its Ray-Ban counterpart, and an astounding 19 hours on standby. The accompanying charging case further extends this, providing up to 48 hours of total power. This enhancement directly addresses a critical need for users seeking reliable, long-lasting smart glasses for extended activities and daily wear.

Built for Performance: Oakley's Heritage Meets Meta's Advanced AI

Man wearing Oakley Meta HSTN smart AI glasses, asking "Hey Meta, how strong is the wind today? Image: Meta

The collaboration with Oakley transcends mere branding; it's a fusion of design and technology. The HSTN design itself, celebrated for its bold aesthetics and ergonomic comfort, is complemented by features essential for athletes. An IPX4 water resistance rating means these glasses can confidently handle sweat and light rain, making them perfect companions for diverse outdoor pursuits. The integration of Meta AI extends beyond general queries, offering sports-specific insights, such as real-time wind speed for golfers or current surf conditions. This truly transforms them into an intelligent assistant for performance enhancement.

Seamless Integration for Effortless Connectivity

Mirroring their predecessors, the Oakley Meta HSTN glasses effortlessly pair with your smartphone, offering hands-free access to music, calls, podcasts, and direct interaction with Meta AI. This allows users to ask questions about their surroundings, translate languages on the fly, and even receive intelligent suggestions, all without interrupting their stride. As Meta highlighted, "Rock out with Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and more," emphasizing the comprehensive entertainment integration.

Global Availability and How to Preorder Your Oakley Meta HSTN

These remarkable AI smart glasses are set for a wider release this summer, with pre-orders for the limited-edition $499 model having commenced on July 11th. They will be available across major global markets, including the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Australia, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark. The availability of prescription-compatible frames further expands their appeal to a broader audience.

The Road Ahead: What This Means for Wearable AI and the Industry

Meta’s multi-year agreement with EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of both Ray-Ban and Oakley, signals a clear and ambitious vision for the future of smart eyewear. With over two million Ray-Ban Meta pairs already sold, the ambitious goal of selling 10 million smart glasses annually by 2026 is a strong testament to the immense growth potential within this burgeoning sector. From a broader perspective, this launch isn't merely a standalone initiative by Meta. It represents a strategic and timely response to the evolving competitive landscape, especially with new AI glasses from industry giants like Apple and Samsung potentially on the horizon this year. This makes Meta's move a critical step in solidifying its position in the competitive wearable tech market.