Meta and Oakley have joined forces to launch a new line of "Performance AI" smart glasses, called Oakley Meta HSTN, designed for athletes and fans alike. These glasses combine Oakley's signature design with Meta's AI technology, offering features like a 3K video camera, open-ear audio, and a hands-free Meta AI assistant. The first product in this line, the Oakley Meta HSTN, is based on the HSTN style of Oakley glasses and is engineered to amplify human potential.

The Oakley Meta HSTN glasses will be available for preorder starting July 11, with a limited-edition version priced at $499. The rest of the collection will be available later this summer, starting at $399. They will be available in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Australia, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark. Meta is also working to bring the glasses to Mexico, India, and the United Arab Emirates later this year.

These glasses are packed with features designed to enhance athletic performance and everyday life. The built-in camera captures Ultra HD (3K) video, a significant upgrade from the 1080p video offered by the Meta Ray-Ban glasses. The glasses also have open-ear speakers, allowing users to listen to music, podcasts, and more without blocking ambient sounds. With an IPX4 water resistance rating, the Oakley Meta HSTN glasses can withstand sweat, splashes, and light rain.

The Oakley Meta HSTN glasses boast up to eight hours of typical use and up to 19 hours on standby. The included charging case can deliver up to 48 hours of charging on the go and can charge the glasses up to 50% in just 20 minutes. The glasses also feature five onboard microphones for clear communication and voice commands.

With Meta AI built-in, the Oakley Meta HSTN glasses can provide contextual information and assistance. Athletes can ask Meta AI for information like wind speed during a golf game or record epic moments hands-free. Meta AI can also describe what the camera sees, which can be helpful for users with limited vision. Users can also connect to the Be My Eyes network to receive assistance from sighted volunteers.

The Oakley Meta HSTN glasses come in five frame and lens combinations, with customization options for prescription wearers. Select pairs feature Oakley PRIZM lens technology, which enhances vision and amplifies contrast in various lighting conditions. The glasses are based on Oakley's HSTN frame, blending street-wear style with sports-specific durability.

Meta's collaboration with Oakley reflects a deeper partnership with EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of both Ray-Ban and Oakley. This partnership aims to scale connected eyewear offerings and make wearable AI as common as smartphones. While Meta has seen success with its Ray-Ban Meta glasses, the Oakley Meta HSTN represents a move into performance wearables, targeting athletes and active individuals.

The launch of the Oakley Meta HSTN glasses includes a global campaign featuring athletes like Kylian Mbappé and Patrick Mahomes. The campaign showcases real-world uses of the glasses in activities like surfing, golf, and skating. The glasses will also be showcased at events like Fanatics Fest and UFC International Fight Week.

The Oakley Meta HSTN glasses mark a significant step in the evolution of smart eyewear. With their combination of stylish design, advanced technology, and AI capabilities, these glasses offer a unique and compelling experience for athletes and everyday users alike. As Meta continues to invest in wearables and AI, the future of smart glasses looks brighter than ever.

While the Meta and Oakley partnership is creating buzz, other companies are also vying for a spot in the smart glasses market. Xiaomi recently debuted its AI Glasses as a competitor to the Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses, boasting a longer battery life. Other notable players include Xreal, RayNeo, and Amazon, each offering unique features and capabilities.