META has revealed a new line of AI-powered smart glasses that promise to set a new standard in the category and transform the training and physical activity experience. What can you actually do with the new glasses?
Sports giant Oakley and Meta have unveiled the Oakley Meta HSTN (pronounced "HOW-stuhn") – a new line of AI-powered smart sports glasses that they claim sets a new standard in the smart glasses category. This represents a collaboration between two industry giants, now offering together a solution primarily aimed at sports enthusiasts."
The glasses include a built-in Ultra HD camera for hands-free filming, integrated open speakers for listening to music and podcasts, and a battery that provides up to eight hours of use and 48 hours of charging through a dedicated case. Additionally, they support voice commands powered by Meta AI – an interface that allows, for example, checking wind conditions on a golf course or filming a video clip while cycling or surfing.
The model also includes technology for optimal color and lighting processing, enabling enhanced vision and adaptation to changing weather conditions. The Oakley Meta HSTN models will be offered in six different color combinations, all compatible with prescription lenses. Most notably, they offer double the battery life of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, providing 8 hours of typical use compared to just 4 hours, which makes them far more suitable for extended athletic activities and all-day wear. The camera system has also received a substantial upgrade, with video recording capabilities enhanced from 1080p to 3K resolution, allowing athletes to capture their performances and adventures in much higher detail and clarity.
Additionally, the integration of Oakley's renowned PRIZM lens technology provides superior vision enhancement across varying light and weather conditions, helping users see more clearly and perform at their peak whether they're on a sunny golf course or navigating changing outdoor conditions.
A Limited Edition version, marking Oakley's 50th anniversary, will launch on July 11 at a price of $499, with the full collection to be offered later this summer starting at $399. The launch will take place in several markets, including the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia, with plans to expand to additional countries such as India, Mexico, and the UAE later this year.
For those who want to know the technical details:
Ultra-wide 12MP camera capable of capturing 3K video (vs 1080p on Ray-Ban Meta)
Battery life: 8 hours typical use, 19 hours standby
Fast charging: 50% in 20 minutes, 85% in 45 minutes
Charging case provides up to 48 hours additional power
IPX4 water resistance rating
Five onboard microphones and open-ear Bluetooth speakers
Beyond the technical improvements over older models, the Oakley Meta HSTN glasses have been specifically engineered with athletes in mind, featuring enhanced durability that can withstand the demands of intense physical activities and challenging environments. The glasses are explicitly designed for "life on the field, trail, or track," with construction and materials optimized for sports performance rather than just casual lifestyle use. Perhaps most importantly, the Meta AI functionality has been tailored for athletic contexts, allowing users to ask contextual questions like checking wind speed while playing golf or getting surf condition updates, making the glasses a true performance tool rather than just a lifestyle accessory. This sports-focused AI integration represents a fundamental shift toward making smart glasses an active part of athletic performance and training.
