Meta and Oakley Set to Unveil New Smart Glasses This Week: What to Expect

Meta’s new smart glasses in collaboration with Oakley are set to make their debut this week, specifically on Friday, June 20. The tech giant has been expanding its smart glasses lineup and, after confirming a partnership with Ray-Ban two years ago, it now seems Meta is venturing into the realm of sports-oriented glasses through its collaboration with Oakley. The official announcement came via the creation of an Instagram account bearing the name "Oakleymeta," which has already begun to follow key figures and brands, including Meta, Oakley, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Rocco Basilico, chief wearables officer at Luxottica, and Caloa Mato, head of global marketing at Oakley. This profile hints at the significance of the collaboration and the level of involvement from both companies. The Oakleymeta account currently features only one post, a visually striking rotation of the Oakley and Meta logos, accompanied by a philosophical caption: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. @oakley & @meta, together, amplifying human potential as never done before." This statement underscores the companies’ shared vision of pushing technological boundaries to enhance user experiences. While specifics about the glasses remain under wraps, a Bloomberg report earlier this year suggested that these glasses would cater to athletes and might feature a more centrally located camera. This design choice aligns well with the needs of athletes who often record videos during their activities, requiring a central viewpoint for better footage. In terms of pricing, there are no official figures yet, but Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses cost between $240 and $300, depending on the model. These benchmarks could give us an idea of what to expect for the Oakley version. Additionally, Google and Apple are also developing their own smart glasses, signaling a growing market interest in wearable technology. For those keeping an eye on Meta’s ongoing developments, a third generation of Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses with a built-in display is reportedly in the works. However, more detailed information about this update is likely to be unveiled at Meta Connect, the company's annual developers conference, which typically takes place in the fall. Snapchat, another major player in the augmented reality (AR) space, has also announced its upcoming AR glasses, which offer some unique features that set them apart from Meta’s current offerings. As the competition in the smart glasses market heats up, consumers can look forward to a variety of innovative products tailored to different needs and preferences. To stay informed about the official launch and announcement of the Meta-Oakley smart glasses, be sure to follow Meta’s social media channels and the Oakleymeta account. These platforms will likely be the first to share any additional details, images, and pricing information as the release date approaches. For more insights and recommendations on the latest tech products, visit ZDNET Recommends, where you can find expert reviews and trusted advice to help you make informed decisions.