Oakley Meta, the new AI smart glasses for sports: features and price

Meta continues to invest heavily in wearable devices with artificial intelligence . Together with Oakley , the tech giant unveiled a new line of smart glasses that combine cutting-edge technology with a sporty design, designed for those who train , move outdoors, or simply want to capture their daily routines without relying on their cell phone.

The new Oakley Meta HSTN joins the family of smart glasses that the company led by Mark Zuckerberg had already developed with Ray-Ban . But unlike the iconic urban style model, this new collaboration is focused on physical activity , hands-free functionality, and seamless connectivity.

The global campaign is spearheaded by Kylian Mbappé , one of the current leaders of world football and "a symbol of inspiration for young people around the world," according to a statement sent by the company.

“I’m excited to collaborate with a brand that wants to share my story off the field and support what I want to do to help inspire young people around the world,” said Mbappé, who is not only an Oakley ambassador but also the star of a special collection bearing his signature, including the HSTN and Latch Panel models.

Among its main new features, the Oakley Meta incorporates an integrated 12-megapixel camera with an ultra-wide-angle lens, allowing you to record videos in 3K resolution and take high-quality photos hands-free. Control can be done by voice or with a discreet button on the temple.

Sound is provided by integrated Bluetooth speakers with an open-ear design, allowing you to listen to music or take calls without being isolated from your surroundings , a key feature for those who train outdoors or play sports on the go.

Plus, they feature five microphones strategically placed around the frame, allowing you to capture immersive audio with clarity, even during video calls or live streams.

All of this is complemented by the presence of the integrated Meta AI assistant, which responds to the command “Hey Meta” and can offer everything from useful information to connecting to the Be My Eyes network, which provides visual assistance to people with disabilities.

One of the highlights of this new generation of lenses is the battery , which offers up to eight hours of continuous use, a significant improvement over other models on the market.

In terms of eye protection and durability, the lenses include Oakley's proprietary optical technology, with Prizm and Prizm Polarized lenses, which improve visual contrast, block UV rays, and resist impacts.

The experience is completed with the Meta View app , from which you can manage lens settings, edit photos and videos, and access new features as they are updated.

The price ? They'll cost $499 and will be available for pre-order starting July 11 , while the other models in the collection will cost $399.

Although both models—Oakley Meta and Ray-Ban Meta—share a common technological foundation, such as access to Meta AI, music, calling, and camera functions, there are clear differences between them.

While the Ray-Ban Meta is geared toward urban, casual use with a more classic design, the Oakley Meta has a much more functional and athletic focus . Image quality is one of the first differences: the Oakleys feature a 12 MP camera and 3K recording, compared to the Ray-Ban model's 5 MP camera and Full HD video.

Another highlight is the battery life of these sunglasses. These sports sunglasses offer up to 8 hours of normal use, surpassing the average of 4 to 6 hours of the Ray-Ban Meta. Added to this is a more robust design, adapted for outdoor use , and Oakley's proprietary technological lenses, which offer greater protection and visual performance.

With this new proposal, Meta aims to diversify its wearable ecosystem and conquer more specific niches, such as sports.

For Mark Zuckerberg, it's no longer just about showing off these kinds of disruptive devices or providing innovative tools for influencers to create content, but about taking it to places it couldn't reach before: the training track, the mountain trail, or the sports field.