Meta Partners with Oakley on New AI Glasses
Meta has recently announced a collaboration with Oakley to develop a new line of performance glasses that incorporates artificial intelligence technology, dubbed Oakley Meta Glasses. These glasses are intended to provide users with enhanced insights into their physical capabilities, combining Oakley’s design expertise with Meta’s technological innovations.
This partnership follows their earlier work on the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, which were part of a joint effort between Oakley and Ray-Ban, both of which are owned by EssilorLuxottica. The first product from this new line will be the Oakley Meta HSTN glasses.
The Oakley Meta HSTN enables users to capture images and videos through built-in cameras, while also incorporating open-ear speakers within the frame for content playback during activities. Alex Himmel, Meta’s vice president of wearables, expressed in an interview that these glasses are designed to answer inquiries from current Ray-Ban Meta glass users.
Himmel highlighted that the glasses would be beneficial in various scenarios, especially for those who prefer not to hold devices in their hands. There’s a growing interest in performance activities among older demographics, and Himmel is optimistic about how the Oakley Meta Glasses can enhance their experience.
Tech Features and Battery Life
The new Oakley Meta Glasses boast several upgrades, including a significant leap in battery life. According to Meta’s announcement, the glasses can provide up to 8 hours of usage and 19 hours on standby, a notable improvement over the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses, which typically last around 4 hours during use. There’s also a quick charging feature that allows for 40% charge in just 20 minutes, with the charging case offering up to 48 hours of additional battery life.
As for durability, the glasses come equipped with a high-resolution camera and an IPX4 water-resistant rating. They will be available in five different styles, with two options featuring transition lenses.
Overall, Himmel indicated that advancements in AI technology have accelerated the evolution of wearable glasses. He reflected on the initial mindset that augmented reality would require large displays to overlay information in the real world. However, he sees potential for broader adoption of AI glasses in their current form.
Meta’s exploration into AI-driven technologies has led them to conclude that glasses serve as the ideal platform for such advancements. With the release of the Oakley Meta HSTN glasses set for July 11, which coincidentally marks Oakley’s 50th anniversary, this collaboration indicates a promising direction for the future of wearable tech.
The limited-edition Oakley Meta HSTN is available for pre-order at $499, while the rest of the collection will have starting prices at $399 during the summer.
