Meta has introduced a revamped version of its popular smart glasses under the Oakley brand, marking the launch of the Oakley Meta HSTN. This new line, while aligned with the established Meta Ray-Ban product, boasts significant enhancements, particularly in battery life, design, and camera capabilities. Oakley is part of the EssilorLuxottica portfolio, similar to Ray-Ban. According to Alex Himel, Head of Wearable Tech at Meta, the introduction of the HSTN glasses is just the beginning of a broader series of Oakley products, with possible future iterations aimed at sports and fitness user needs.
One of the most anticipated improvements is battery performance. Current Meta Ray-Bans face criticism due to their mediocre battery life, typically lasting between 3-4 hours. In response to customer feedback, the Oakley HSTN glasses are designed to provide a substantial battery enhancement; users can now expect up to 8 hours of use per charge. This enhancement is attributed to advancements in both hardware and software. The initial limited edition of the glasses is priced at $499, with further models expected to be released later in the summer, emphasizing both affordability and premium features.
The HSTN glasses come equipped with upgraded technology, including a side-mounted camera capable of capturing 3K resolution videos. This is a notable improvement over previous models, which targeted lower resolutions. With a wide-angle shot feature, the glasses aim to cater to sports enthusiasts and active individuals looking for high-quality footage during dynamic activities. Noteworthy is the promise of a lower-power camera mode intended to extend the duration of AI-enabled sessions, though more details on this feature remain forthcoming. The new model retains a similar Qualcomm chipset as its predecessor, allowing it to leverage existing technology while optimizing performance.
Nonetheless, despite the significant upgrades, some desired features, such as zoom capabilities, are reportedly not part of the current plans. Instead, Meta’s focus appears to be on leveraging AI for enhancing photo and video functionalities, which is expected to be an area of growth. The anticipated support for iOS 26 may also streamline the way photos and videos are shared with Apple devices, suggesting an evolving interoperability in the digital ecosystem.
The potential for enhanced health and fitness applications is another area of excitement for future iterations of smart glasses. While the current Oakley HSTN lacks direct functionality with popular fitness applications, Himel has indicated a strong belief in the integration of health and wellness features in next-generation wearables. The industry’s trajectory toward more holistic smart eyewear, intersecting with sports and wellness, reflects an increasing consumer demand for these functionalities. Future announcements during Meta’s upcoming Connect conference, scheduled for September, are expected to provide more insight into these advancements.
The competitive landscape for smart eyewear is evolving rapidly, with several brands vying for market dominance. Aside from Meta’s offerings, other companies like Warby Parker and Gentle Monster are also making strides in this space, indicating a growing consumer interest in fashion-forward, AI-enabled eyewear. The advancements in battery life and features like AI capabilities suggest that the future of smart glasses could extend into augmented reality experiences, paving the way for even more sophisticated functionalities and connectivity options in the near future. As Meta works towards refining its Oakley line, the vision of smart glasses that can support more intensive applications, particularly in sports and wellness, may soon become a reality.
