Meta Unveils Oakley AI Smart Glasses, Raising GoPro Concerns

Meta and Oakley have joined forces to introduce a new line of Performance AI glasses, aiming to enhance the experience of athletes and enthusiasts alike. The Oakley Meta HSTN, pronounced "how-stuhn," is the first product in this collaboration, combining Oakley's iconic design and Meta's advanced AI technology. This innovative addition to the world of wearable tech will hit the market with a limited-edition model available for preorder on July 11, 2023, priced at $499 USD. The standard collection, starting at $399 USD, will follow later in the summer. The HSTN glasses feature a sleek, sporty design that aligns with Oakley’s aesthetic legacy, making them appealing to both casual users and serious athletes. They come equipped with several high-tech functionalities, including a front-facing camera, open-ear speakers, and microphones integrated into the frames. These features allow users to capture and share their experiences hands-free, listen to music or podcasts, and conduct phone calls, all while maintaining a lightweight and comfortable fit. The built-in Meta AI assistant provides real-time information and assistance, answering questions ranging from weather conditions to surf and wind speeds. This AI integration is particularly beneficial for athletes seeking to optimize their performance and share their achievements on social media. One of the standout features of the Oakley Meta HSTN is its battery stamina. A fully charged pair can last up to eight hours of typical use and up to 19 hours on standby. Additionally, a quick 20-minute charge can provide 50% battery life, ensuring that users stay connected and informed during their activities. The glasses are also delivered with a charging case capable of extending their battery by up to 48 hours, making them ideal for long trips or extended periods of use. The onboard camera supports Ultra HD (3K) video, marking a significant upgrade from the 1080p capability of the Meta Ray-Bans. This higher resolution allows users to capture detailed and vivid footage of their training sessions, competitions, or spontaneous adventures. The water resistance rating of IPX4 ensures that the glasses can withstand sweat and light rain, making them durable enough for intense sporting activities. Meta is emphasizing the versatility of the HSTN glasses, showcasing a variety of frame and lens combinations. Each model is compatible with prescription lenses for an additional fee, broadening their appeal to individuals who require corrective eyewear. The limited-edition model boasts gold accents and PRIZM lenses, a proprietary technology by Oakley that enhances visual clarity and depth perception across varying light and weather conditions. This feature is particularly useful for outdoor sports where visibility can make or break performance. To promote the launch, Meta and Oakley have launched a global campaign featuring prominent athletes such as World Cup winner Kylian Mbappé and three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes. These athletes, along with others like Gabriel Medina, J.R. Smith, Ishod Wair, Boo Johnson, and Bicho Carrera, demonstrate the glasses’ capabilities in diverse sports settings. From checking surf conditions on the beach to analyzing wind directions on the golf course, the Oakley Meta HSTN is positioned to be a versatile tool for modern athletes. The product’s debut will coincide with major sporting events, starting with Fanatics Fest from June 20 to 22, followed by UFC International Fight Week from June 25 to 27. This strategic rollout aims to engage the athletic community and highlight the practical benefits of the technology. The glasses will be available in several countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Australia, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark. Plans are underway to introduce them to Mexico, India, and the United Arab Emirates later this year. Alex Himel, Meta’s head of wearables, stated that the Oakley Meta HSTN represents their first step into the performance category, with more products and innovations to follow. This move underscores Meta’s commitment to expanding its smart wearables portfolio and tapping into new markets. Industry insiders are optimistic about the potential of smart glasses, particularly those targeted at athletes. According to a report by CNBC, Meta’s smart glasses, under the Ray-Ban brand, have already sold over two million pairs, indicating strong consumer interest. EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Oakley and Ray-Ban, has ambitious plans to sell 10 million smart glasses powered by Meta AI annually by 2026. This partnership is seen as a strategic move to solidify Meta’s position in the wearable tech market, leveraging Oakley’s well-established brand and technological expertise. Other tech giants, such as Alphabet and Snap, are also making significant strides in the development of smart glasses. Alphabet recently announced a $150 million partnership with Warby Parker to create smart glasses powered by Google’s Gemini AI. Snap, on the other hand, is set to unveil its sixth-generation augmented reality smart glasses next year. Despite increasing competition, the Oakley Meta HSTN stands out due to its robust design, enhanced features, and targeted marketing to the athletic segment. Meta’s collaboration with Oakley is a testament to the company’s vision of integrating AI into everyday wearables to improve user experiences and performance. As the market for smart glasses continues to grow, this partnership is likely to play a crucial role in shaping the future of wearable tech, particularly in the sports and fitness industry.