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Digital Trends
a day ago
- Business
- Digital Trends
The eye-catching Oakley x Meta smart glasses are now available to pre-order
Meta recently inked a deal with lifestyle brand Oakley to create a line of smart glasses that look fresh and also bring a bunch of meaningful upgrades, as well. Following their introduction in June, the Oakley Meta HSTN smart glasses are now up for grabs from Meta and Oakley's online storefronts starting at $399 per pair. What's on the table? The latest smart eyewear from Meta and Oakley is created with sports and adventure activity enthusiasts in mind. The standout element, aside from the tech upgrades, is the proprietary PRIZM lens that is claimed to reduce visual noise and 'manipulate light at a molecular level,' allowing clear vision and amplified colors. Recommended Videos The Limited-Edition Oakley Meta HSTN glasses already went up for pre-orders in July starting at $499. Now, the full selection is going up for grabs. The latest selection of Meta X Oakley smart glasses will be available in a total of six lenses and color combinations, which are listed below: Oakley Meta HSTN Warm Grey with PRIZM Ruby Lenses Oakley Meta HSTN Black with PRIZM Polar Black Lenses Oakley Meta HSTN Brown Smoke with PRIZM Polar Deep Water Lenses Oakley Meta HSTN Black with Transitions Amethyst Lenses Oakley Meta HSTN Clear with Transitions Grey Lenses Oakley Meta HSTN Black with Clear Lenses What's new this time around? Compared to the Ray-Ban edition smart glasses, which are now marketed as Meta Stories, the Oakley-branded eyewear has a more sporty design. As far as the capabilities go, they enable deep integration with Meta AI, let you handle calls, music playback, messages across WhatsApp and Messenger, and more. The big upgrade is the onboard 12-megapixel camera sensor, which can now record videos in 3K resolution. Compared to the Ray-Ban variants, which are still on the shelves, the Oakley-branded smart glasses can last eight hours on a single charge, while the charging case supplies enough juice for 40 hours — significantly higher on each front. In the coming weeks, Meta also plans to launch smart glasses that come with a built-in screen and could cost around $800 in the US market.
Engadget
29-07-2025
- Engadget
Oakley Meta glasses review: A familiar formula with some upgrades
If you're at all familiar with Meta's Ray-Ban-branded smart glasses, there won't be many surprises when it comes to its latest Oakley frames. The Oakley Meta glasses rely heavily on what's already been a successful playbook for the company: the style of a popular eyewear brand mixed with juuust enough tech to let you keep your phone in your pocket a little longer. But the Oakley Meta glasses are also the social media company's first collaboration with a non-Ray-Ban brand (though both share a parent company in EssilorLuxottica). And while Meta stays pretty close to the strategy it's used for the last four years, its latest frames offer some hints about its longterm ambitions in the space. Meta has described its Oakley-branded frames as "performance glasses," which isn't entirely surprising given Oakley's longtime association with athletes. But there are only a few actual upgrades compared to the Ray-Ban lineup. The Oakley Meta glasses have a notably longer battery life, both for the glasses themselves and the charging case. They are also able to capture higher quality video than previous versions. With a starting price of nearly $400, though, I'm not sure those upgrades are worth an extra $100 - $200. There are some solid upgrades that will appeal to serious athletes and power users, but they don't quite justify the higher price. $399 at Meta Meta's debut pair of Oakley-branded glasses are based on the brand's HSTN (pronounced how-stuhn) frames and there's really nothing subtle about the design. The first of these is a limited edition version with shiny gold lenses and bright white frames (which Meta inexplicably calls "warm grey"). Like previous Ray-Ban models, they don't look overtly techy, but I still wasn't a big fan of the design. The glasses felt just a little oversized for my face and something about the bright white paired with gold lenses reminded me a little too much of a bug. The color combo also accentuates just how thick the frames are, particularly around the awkwardly wide nosepiece. Karissa Bell for Engadget I posted a selfie on my Instagram Story and polled my friends on what they thought. And while a few politely said they thought I was "pulling them off," the majority said they looked too big for my face. A few told me they looked straight-up weird, and one summed up my feelings pretty well with "something looks off about them." Style is subjective, of course. And depending on your face shape and tolerance for contrasting colors, I could see others enjoying the design. I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the HSTN collection, which is coming later this summer, and will hopefully have some more flattering color variations. Looks aside, the glasses function almost identically to the Ray-Ban glasses Meta introduced in 2023. There's a 12-megapixel POV camera over the left eye, and an indicator light over the right that lights up when you snap a photo or start recording a video via the capture button. There are open-ear speakers in the arms so you can listen to music and hear notifications. Much like the Ray-Ban glasses, the speakers here are pretty good at containing the sound so others can't hear when you're listening at lower volumes, but it's definitely noticeable at higher levels. You can control music playback and volume pretty easily, though, with a touchpad on the right side of the glasses. The most important upgrade that comes with the Oakley glasses is the battery. Meta claims the glasses can last up to eight hours with "typical" (non-constant) use and up to 19 on standby. I was able to squeeze a little over five hours of continuous music playback out of the battery in one sitting, which is about an hour better than the Ray-Ban frames. The charging case can provide up to 48 hours of additional runtime, according to Meta. It's been well over a week and I haven't yet had to plug in the case. The charging case is, however, noticeably bigger and heavier than the Ray-Ban case. It's not a dealbreaker, but the case is too big for any of my pockets and just barely fits into my small sling bag. My other gripe with the charging case is the same complaint I had about the Ray-Ban case: there's no way to see the charge level of the case itself. There's a small LED in the front that will change from green to yellow to red based on the battery level, but it's hardly a precise indicator. Karissa Bell for Engadget The other major upgrade is the 12MP camera, which can now shoot in 3K compared to 1080p on previous models. The higher resolution video is, notably, not the default setting, but I appreciated having the option. I could see it being especially useful for creators looking to shoot POV footage, but I mostly use the glasses for still shots rather than video. San Francisco is currently having a record-breaking cold summer so most of my testing has been in fairly overcast conditions. It might be a product of the gray weather, but I found the photos I've shot with the glasses a bit overly saturated for my taste. They looked fine on an Instagram Story, though. The camera has a bit of a wide angle with a 100-degree field of view, so there's still a bit of a learning curve in terms of figuring out how best to frame the shots. Another issue is that it's very easy for a hat or a piece of hair to make it into your photos without realizing. My previous experience with the Ray-Ban Meta glasses meant I was careful to pull my hair back before snapping a picture, but I was bummed to realize after a long bike ride that the visor on my helmet was visible in the frame of every photo and video. It seems like Meta may have a plan to address this: I noticed a setting called "media quality" that's meant to alert you when something is partially obstructing the camera. The feature is apparently still testing, though, and it wasn't functional. A Meta spokesperson did confirm it would be added in a future update, though. "Media Quality Check is a feature we're working to bring to our AI glasses collection in the future that will alert users when photos are blurry or if something like your hair or a hat blocks what you capture," Meta said. Meta describes this color as "warm grey." The Meta AI app (formerly known as Meta View) can help fix other issues, though. It has a "smart crop" feature that can automatically straighten your pics to correct for any head tilt. It also has built in AI-powered edits for photos and video so you can restyle your clips directly in the app. And while the functionality isn't limited to clips shot with the glasses, the possibility of adding AI edits after the fact makes shooting otherwise mundane clips a bit more appealing. The ability to restyle video, however, is only "free for a limited time," according to the Meta AI app. While the core features of Meta's smart glasses have largely stayed the same since it first introduced the Ray-Ban Stories in 2021, one of the more interesting changes is how Mark Zuckerberg and other execs have shifted from calling them "smart glasses" to "AI glasses." As the company has shifted away from the metaverse and made AI a central focus, it's not surprising those themes would play out in its wearables too. And while none of the Meta AI features are unique to the Oakley frames, Meta has added a couple of abilities since my last review that are worth mentioning. The first is live translation. The feature, which you have to enable in the Meta AI app, allows the onboard assistant to translate speech as you hear it. If both sides of a conversation have a pair of Meta glasses, then you can carry on a full conversation even if you don't speak the same language. The feature currently supports Spanish, French, Italian and English. Karissa Bell for Engadget I tried it out with my husband — a native Spanish speaker who was also wearing a pair of Meta glasses — and we were both fairly impressed. I would say something in English and Meta AI on his glasses would relay it to him in Spanish. He would then respond in Spanish and Meta AI would translate the words into English. It's not the most natural way to speak because you have to pause and wait for a translation, but it was mostly effective. There were a few bugs, though. Because we were sitting close to each other, sometimes Meta AI would overhear the translated audio from the other person's glasses and translate it back, which made the whole thing feel like a bizarre game of telephone. And over the course of a several-minute conversation, there were a handful of times when Meta AI wouldn't pick up on what was said at all, or would only begin translating halfway through a statement. We also encountered some issues with Meta AI's translations when it came to slang or regional variations of certain words. While it wasn't perfect, I could see it being useful while traveling since it's much smoother than using Google Translate. There was also something endlessly amusing about hearing my husband's words relayed back to me by the voice of AI Judi Dench (Meta tapped a bunch of celebrities last year to help voice its AI). Stills from a video of a walk through a parking lot (left), and the same image after using the "desert rave" effect in Meta AI app. (Screenshots (Meta AI)) The other major AI addition is something called "Live AI," which is essentially a real-time version of the glasses' multimodal powers. Once you start a Live AI session, Meta's assistant is able to "see" everything you're looking at and you can ask it questions without having to repeatedly say "hey Meta." For example, you can look at plants and ask it to identify them, or ask about landmarks or your surroundings. The feature can feel a bit gimmicky and it doesn't always work the way you want it to. For example, Meta AI can identify landmarks but it can't help you find them. While on a bike ride, I asked if it could help me navigate somewhere based on the intersection I was at and Meta AI responded that it was unable to help with navigation. It also didn't correctly identify some (admittedly exotic) plants during a walk through San Francisco's botanical gardens. But it did helpfully let me know that I may want to keep my distance from a pack of geese on the path. I'm still not entirely sure what problems these types of multimodal features are meant to solve, but I think it offers an interesting window into how Meta is positioning its smart glasses as an AI-first product. It also opens up some intriguing possibilities whenever we get a version of Meta glasses with an actual display, which the rumor mill suggests could come as soon as this year. While I don't love the style of the Oakley Meta HSTN frames, Meta has shown that it's been consistently able to improve its glasses. The upgrades that come with the new Oakley frames aren't major leaps, but they deliver improvements to core features. Whether those upgrades justify the price, though, depends a lot on how you plan to use the glasses. The special edition HSTN frames I tested are $499 and the other versions coming later this year will start at $399. Considering you can get several models of Meta's Ray-Ban glasses for just $299, I'm not sure the upgrades justify the added cost for most people. That's probably why Meta has positioned these as a "performance" model better suited to athletes and Oakley loyalists. But the glasses do offer a clearer picture of where Meta is going with its smart glasses. We know the company is planning to add displays and, eventually, full augmented reality capabilities — both of which will benefit from better battery life and cameras. Both are also likely to cost a whole lot more than any of the frames we've seen so far. But, if you don't want to wait, the Oakley Meta glasses are the closest you can get to that right now.
Indian Express
22-07-2025
- Indian Express
Ray-Ban Meta or Oakley Meta HSTN? The battle of smart glasses
Meta made a leap into the eyewear segment with Ray-Ban Meta in 2023. The smart glasses which are now available in India are essentially a sleek headset that comes with a 12MP ultra-wide camera, open-ear audio, and a five-mic array. So far, the tech giant has sold over two million pairs globally. Fast-forward to 2025, Meta partnered with Oakley to introduce the Oakley Meta HSTN line, which comes with a sporty spin on the company's AI eyewear. With the Oakley HSTN Meta limited edition now entering the market, there seems to be some tough competition for Ray-Ban Meta. If you are planning to buy a Meta-backed pair of smart glasses, it is likely you may have many questions about how Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta stack up against each other. To make things easy, here is an instant comparison between the two wearables. For starters, both models feature 12MP ultra-wide cameras, capturing 3024 x 4032 images and 1440 x 1920 video at 30 FPS. However, the Oakley HSTN takes a slight lead with a 100-degree field of view and the ability to record 720p video at a super-smooth 120 FPS. The Wayfarer's field of view remains unlisted, making the HSTN a more versatile choice for action-packed moments. In terms of performance and AI integration, both smart glasses are somewhat similar. They offer full access to Meta AI for vocal queries, live translation, and seamless interaction through the Meta AI app. Making calls, sending texts, and managing settings are equally intuitive on both. For audio, both feature open-ear speakers. While the Ray-Ban Wayfarer specifies 'open-ear Bluetooth speakers' with Bluetooth 5.2, the Oakley HSTN simply states 'open-ear' but comes integrated with Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. This minor upgrade in the HSTN could translate to slightly more stable and efficient wireless audio. If cutting-edge camera features like a wider field of view and higher frame rate video are your priority, the Oakley HSTN Meta offers a slight edge. However, for core smart glass functionalities and AI integration, both models deliver a similar experience. In terms of size, the Oakley HSTN is available in a single size and weighs 49 grams, whereas the Ray-Ban Meta offers standard and large options, with the standard weighing the same as the Oakley. The Oakley HSTN has a more rounded lens and noticeable notched nose pads, while the Ray-Ban Meta has the recognisable square Wayfarer lens. Users can also opt for many other lens options. The Ray-Ban Meta offers a more extensive selection with transitions between clear, green, brown, and red. More frame colour options, including a special transparent option, are available with Ray-Ban Meta, offering more customisation. On the other hand, the Oakley HSTN is only available in one colour option, and it only gets the Prizm 24K polarised lens, which is designed for sports and outdoor settings. Between the Oakley HSTN and the Ray-Ban Meta, a key difference lies in battery life, with Oakley claiming a substantial eight hours on a single charge, double Ray-Ban's stated four hours. The charging cases also present a notable contrast. Oakley's case promises an impressive 48 additional hours of use, surpassing Ray-Ban's 36 hours. While Ray-Ban offers a sleek leather case, Oakley's more rugged design caters to active lifestyles. The decision ultimately comes down to cost and design. The limited-edition Oakleys are significantly more expensive, and it depends if the improvements, such as a better camera and better battery, truly make more than a marginal difference. The Ray-Ban Wayfarers, which start at Rs 29,900 and go up to Rs 35,700, will be slightly less expensive than the Oakley smart glasses, which come at $499 (about Rs 43,000). The Wayfarer provides a more affordable access into the world of smart glasses, while the HSTN appeals to more experienced users due to its better cameras as well as extended battery life.
Hypebeast
25-06-2025
- Business
- Hypebeast
Why Google Bought a $100 Million Stake in Gentle Monster
Multiple sources have reported thatGooglehas invested approximately $100 million USD for a 4% stake in the fast-growing Korean eyewear labelGentle Monster. The news comes one month after the tech giant revealed partnerships with Gentle Monster andWarby Parkerto develop design-forward smart lenses for its newAndroid XRinitiative. Google's latest move sends a strong message to competitorMeta, which has ramped up its AI-powered glasses rollout with partnersRay BanandOakley. Meta unveiled its partnership with Ray-Ban in 2023 and has since launched multiple models, including the recentOrion glasses, touted as 'the most advanced pair of augmented reality (AR) glasses ever made.' And just days ago,Oakley and Meta unveiled the HSTN, their first product from a new long-term partnership in 'a new category of Performance AI glasses.' However, it's not the first time Google has attempted to enter the smart glasses market. In 2012, Google unveiled its now obsolete Google Glass device, equipped with a camera, a small information display, and internet than 10 years later, the growth of augmented reality (AR) technologies and highly advanced AI has paved the way for more user-friendly and convenient wearables. Additionally, hardware advances have allowed new designs to accommodate slimmer profiles and more attractive silhouettes. In December, Google announced its revamped efforts withAndroid XR, 'a new operating system built for the next generation of computing,' focused on bringing heightened experiences to headsets and glasses. Fast forward to late May, Gentle Monster took to Instagram to share the news of theirpartnership, saying the collaboration 'represents a pivotal step in the evolution of smart eyewear into essential, lifestyle fashion items.' 'Creativity and sophistication are essential design features for the integration of technology into everyday life,' the brand added. So, what could Google x Gentle Monster smart glasses look like? Compared to Ray-Ban, Oakley, and fellow Android XR partner Warby Parker, Gentle Monster is the youngest eyewear label, and the most experimental. Founded in Seoul in 2011, the brand has garnered international appeal for its trend-driven silhouettes and collaborations with innovative designer brands likeMaison MargielaandMugler. A pair of Gentle Monster smart specs could bring big tech's dream of merging its services with fashion's cultural appeal into reality like never before, paving the way for wearable concepts beyond eyewear altogether. As of the time of writing, an official launch of Gentle Monster and Google's collaboration has not been confirmed. Stay tuned to Hypebeast for the latest fashion and tech industry insights.
Canada News.Net
25-06-2025
- Business
- Canada News.Net
Meta deepens eyewear push with Oakley smart glasses launch
MENLO PARK, California: Meta is taking another swing at smart eyewear—this time with a sporty edge. The company announced a new partnership with Oakley to launch AI-powered glasses, broadening its footprint in the growing world of wearable technology. The launch follows Meta's recent success with Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses and deepens its collaboration with eyewear giant EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of both Oakley and Ray-Ban. The first product from this expanded partnership is the Oakley Meta HSTN, a limited-edition smart glasses model that blends Oakley's athletic design with Meta's artificial intelligence. The glasses feature a hands-free high-resolution camera, open-ear speakers, water resistance, and Meta AI capabilities built into the frame. Meta said pre-orders for the HSTN glasses will open on July 11 and start at US$499. More models will roll out later this summer and begin at $399. The Oakley Meta HSTN will debut at several high-profile sports events this month, including UFC International Fight Week and Fanatics Fest, to target a fitness-focused audience. The product will initially be available in North America, Australia, and several European markets, with Mexico, India, and the United Arab Emirates set to follow by the end of the year. Since their launch, Meta has already sold millions of Ray-Ban Meta glasses, driven by rising interest in AI-enhanced accessories that blend fashion and function. With this new offering, Meta aims to cement its lead in the smart glasses space ahead of rivals like Snap, which said earlier this month that its Specs smart glasses will hit the consumer market in 2025. Other major tech players, including Google, are also exploring opportunities in the AI wearables space.
