Image Courtesy : oakley.com
Meta's Oakley Smart Glasses: A Leap Forward in Performance AI Wearables
In the ever-evolving landscape of wearable technology, Meta has once again pushed boundaries with its latest collaboration. Released in late August 2025, the Oakley Meta HSTN Performance AI Glasses mark a significant expansion of Meta's smart eyewear lineup. Building on the success of the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, this new offering targets athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and tech-savvy users seeking seamless integration of AI and performance features into their daily routines. Priced starting at $399, these glasses combine Oakley's renowned optical expertise with Meta's advanced AI capabilities, promising enhanced functionality for activities like running, cycling, and everyday multitasking.
The launch comes amid Meta's broader push into augmented reality (AR) and AI-driven devices, following a multi-year partnership with EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of both Oakley and Ray-Ban. Announced in June 2025, the Oakley Meta glasses were initially teased as a "new category of performance AI glasses," with preorders opening in mid-August and full availability on August 26. This release includes six non-limited edition variants, plus a $499 limited edition set for an earlier drop on July 11. Early adopters have praised the glasses for their blend of style, durability, and tech, but questions remain about their value proposition in a market still grappling with privacy concerns and the practicality of smart eyewear.
Meta's foray into smart glasses began with the Ray-Ban Stories in 2021, evolving into the more advanced Ray-Ban Meta in 2023. The success of these—boasting features like hands-free photography, audio playback, and Meta AI integration—prompted Meta to expand its portfolio. In January 2025, reports emerged of Meta planning Oakley-branded smart glasses as part of a high-end push, aiming to appeal to a more active demographic. The Oakley Meta HSTN (pronounced "Houston") represents this vision, leveraging Oakley's performance-oriented designs like the HSTN frame, which draws inspiration from urban cycling and skate culture.
Development focused on addressing pain points from the Ray-Ban Meta, such as battery life and video quality. Meta invested in a 3% equity stake in EssilorLuxottica to deepen the collaboration, ensuring access to premium lens technologies like PRIZM, which enhances color contrast and visibility in various environments. The result is a product positioned not just as a gadget, but as "performance eyewear" for sports and daily use, with built-in resistance to sweat and splashes.
The Oakley Meta HSTN glasses are engineered for robustness and longevity, weighing approximately 180-200 grams—light enough for extended wear without causing fatigue. They feature an IPX4 water resistance rating, making them suitable for workouts or light rain. The frame is available in multiple colors, including black, amethyst, and transitions lenses that adapt to light conditions. Users can customize with Oakley lenses, including polarized and prescription options.
At the heart of the glasses is a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera discreetly embedded in the frame, capable of capturing photos and videos hands-free. A major upgrade over previous models is the 3K video resolution (up from 1080p in the Ray-Ban Meta), delivering sharper, more detailed footage with improved dynamic range and reduced chromatic aberration. Videos can be recorded for up to three minutes continuously, ideal for capturing workouts or quick moments. The camera also supports live streaming to platforms like Instagram and Facebook, with a simple voice command like "Hey Meta, take a photo."
Open-ear speakers are integrated into the arms, providing immersive audio without blocking ambient sounds—a safety feature for runners and cyclists. These speakers handle music playback, calls, and AI responses with clear quality, even in noisy environments. Directional audio ensures privacy, as sound is focused toward the wearer. The glasses include microphones for voice commands and noise cancellation during calls.
Battery life is a standout improvement: up to eight hours of normal use (e.g., mixed audio, calls, and captures), doubling the Ray-Ban Meta's four-hour runtime. Heavy usage, like continuous video, reduces this to about two hours. The included charging case—resembling a premium sunglasses pouch—provides up to 48 hours of additional power, with a 50% charge achievable in under 30 minutes. The case weighs around 200 grams, slightly bulkier than competitors, but it's designed for portability.
Powered by Meta AI, the glasses offer voice-activated assistance for tasks like translations, reminders, and object recognition. Say "Hey Meta, what am I seeing?" and it describes surroundings, translates text, or provides reviews—hands-free. Integration with Google Calendar and Outlook allows event management via voice. Connectivity is via Bluetooth to iOS or Android devices, with the Meta View app handling settings, media transfer, and firmware updates. No onboard display means it's not full AR, but future models like the 2026 Hypernova hint at screen additions.
Under the hood, the glasses use a Qualcomm chipset for efficient processing, supporting AI tasks without draining the battery quickly. Storage is limited to onboard capture (up to several hours of video), with automatic syncing to your phone. The frame incorporates touch controls on the arms for volume, playback, and captures, plus an optional EMG (electromyography) wristband for gesture controls in advanced setups.
Beyond specs, the Oakley Meta shines in real-world use. For athletes, PRIZM lenses optimize visibility in bright or low-light conditions, enhancing contrast for sports like skiing or running. The AI can track basic workouts via voice logs but lacks advanced biometrics like heart rate monitoring—a noted limitation for serious fitness enthusiasts.
Everyday features include seamless calls, music streaming from Spotify or Apple Music, and AI-driven queries. Privacy indicators, like a white LED during recording, aim to address concerns, though users must manage data sharing via the app. Integration with Meta's ecosystem allows direct posting to social media, turning the glasses into a content creation tool.
Critical Reception
Critics have largely welcomed the Oakley Meta as a refined evolution of smart glasses. Android Central called it "the new gold standard," praising the battery life and video upgrades, though noting the $399+ price as steep for non-essentials. Tom's Guide highlighted the polarized PRIZM lenses and 3K video as "sharper and more vibrant," but lamented the absence of built-in fitness tracking beyond basic AI logs.
TechRadar tested them for running, deeming them "perfect" for hands-free music and calls, but questioned their universal appeal due to the sporty aesthetic. Engadget appreciated the "familiar formula with upgrades," giving high marks for audio quality and durability, while Wired emphasized the competitive edge over Ray-Ban in performance scenarios. Overall, reviews average around 8/10, with Powder magazine awarding a B+ for optics and finish, but docking points for limited "smart" depth in fitness.
Some critiques focus on battery not meeting "doubled" expectations in heavy use, and the Verge noted the limited edition's polarizing design. YouTube reviewers like those from 6 Months Later and ReviewTheBest echoed these sentiments, calling them "worth it" for upgrades but not revolutionary.
Public Reception
Public opinion, gleaned from social media and forums, is enthusiastic yet cautious. On X (formerly Twitter), users like @SmartARGlasses shared hands-on reviews, highlighting the glasses' worth for daily tasks. Enthusiasts praised the integration for workouts, with posts noting how they record rides or runs effortlessly. Influencers and early adopters, such as @dictionaryhill, reported improved fit over Ray-Bans and excitement for prescription options.
However, privacy concerns loom large. Users like @JenkOzOfficial questioned if the constant recording represents "surveillance in disguise," echoing broader debates on data harvesting. Reddit threads and X discussions, including from @BowTiedBroke, warned of eroded privacy in public spaces, with fears of ubiquitous recording. Positive buzz includes accessibility advocates like @carrieona11y appreciating potential for blind users, though style limitations were noted. Overall, adoption seems strong among tech enthusiasts, with sales projections optimistic despite niche appeal.
How They Stack Up to the Ray-Ban Meta
The Oakley Meta directly competes with—and improves upon—the Ray-Ban Meta, Meta's flagship smart glasses. Both share core features: 12MP camera, open-ear audio, Meta AI, and app integration. However, the Oakley edges out in performance specs.
- Battery Life: Oakley's 8 hours vs. Ray-Ban's 4 hours; charging case extends to 48 hours vs. 36.
- Video Quality: 3K resolution with better dynamic range vs. 1080p, making Oakley superior for high-quality captures.
- Design and Durability: Oakley's sporty, IPX4-rated frame with PRIZM lenses suits active lifestyles, while Ray-Ban offers a classic, everyday look. Oakley is heavier (180-200g vs. ~150g) but more rugged.
- Price: Oakley starts at $399 (limited at $499) vs. Ray-Ban's ~$299 base, justifying the premium with upgrades.
- User Experience: Reviews favor Oakley for sports (e.g., running stability), but Ray-Ban wins for versatility and lighter case. YouTube comparisons, like from GregglesTV, note Oakley's "massive upgrades" but question the $100 premium for casual users.
In essence, if you're into fitness or need longer battery/video prowess, Oakley is the better pick; for stylish, affordable daily wear, stick with Ray-Ban.
The Oakley Meta HSTN glasses represent Meta's maturing vision for smart eyewear, blending high-end optics with practical AI. While not without flaws—like limited tracking and privacy debates—they've garnered strong reviews and public interest, signaling a shift toward mainstream adoption. As Meta eyes AR advancements in 2026-2027, these glasses could pave the way for a future where eyewear is as essential as smartphones. Whether they become a staple or a niche hit depends on how users balance innovation with concerns over data and style. For now, they're a compelling option for those ready to embrace performance-driven tech.