Meta has introduced its latest generation of smart glasses, developed in collaboration with Oakley. The new Oakley Meta HSTN smart glasses combine sportswear-inspired design with advanced AI capabilities and powerful hardware upgrades, targeting users who lead active, on-the-go lifestyles.
This launch follows the success of Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses and marks a continuation of its broader push into wearable tech.
A Smart Blend of Design and Utility
Built on Oakley’s HSTN (pronounced “Houston”) frame, the glasses integrate:
- A front-facing camera capable of recording 3K ultra-high-definition video
- Open-ear speakers for discreet audio playback
- Microphones for hands-free voice calls and voice-command interaction
The onboard Meta AI assistant supports hands-free control, responding to prompts such as “Hey Meta, take a video” or “Translate this sign,” allowing users to engage naturally with their environment.
Improved Battery Performance
One of the major upgrades is the significantly improved battery performance:
- Up to 8 hours of continuous use
- 19 hours on standby
- A portable charging case that adds 48 hours of additional power
- 50% charge in just 20 minutes
Frame Variants and Visual Enhancements
The glasses will be available in six frame and lens combinations, including:
- Warm grey with ruby lenses
- Brown smoke with polar deep water lenses
Some variants feature Oakley’s Prizm Lens technology, designed to enhance color accuracy and contrast—especially beneficial in dynamic lighting conditions. All versions are also prescription-lens compatible.
Performance-Focused Build
The Oakley Meta HSTN is constructed from Oakley’s proprietary O Matter™ material, offering a performance-grade build that is:
- 25% lighter and twice as strong as standard frame materials
- Rated IPX4 splash-resistant, making it suitable for exercise and light rain
Meta is promoting the device through its global “Performance AI” campaign, which features sports figures like Kylian Mbappé and Patrick Mahomes, emphasizing the glasses’ appeal to both athletes and tech-savvy users.
Global Rollout and Availability
The glasses will come in two pricing tiers:
- The special-edition model with gold accents will retail for $499, with preorders opening July 11
- The standard models will start at $399, launching later in summer
Initial availability includes the US, Canada, UK, Europe, and Australia, with expansions planned for India, Mexico, and the UAE by the end of the year.
Scaling Meta’s Wearables Vision
This release is part of Meta’s ongoing collaboration with EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Oakley and Ray-Ban.
With more than 2 million Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses sold, the companies are now aiming to scale production to 10 million units annually by 2026, with the Oakley line playing a key role in that strategy.
