At Meta Connect 2025 on September 17, Meta and Oakley announced the Oakley Meta Vanguard, a new line of “Performance AI” smart glasses tailored for high-intensity sports and outdoor activities. Priced at $499, these wraparound shades blend Oakley’s iconic athletic design with Meta’s AI technology, positioning them as a direct competitor to action cameras like GoPro while integrating real-time fitness tracking and hands-free content creation.
The Vanguard builds on the earlier Oakley Meta HSTN frames from earlier in 2025, which were more casual, by focusing on extreme performance needs. Featuring a 12MP ultra-wide camera (122-degree field of view) centered in the nosebridge for true POV capture, the glasses support 3K video at 30fps, electronic image stabilization, timelapse modes, and an action button for quick camera switches. Users can record mind-blowing moments hands-free during runs, bike rides, ski sessions, or workouts, with immersive open-ear audio for music or calls—up to 6 hours continuous playback or 9 hours daily use. The charging case adds 36 hours of battery life, and a full charge takes just 75 minutes, with IP67 water and dust resistance for rugged use.
Powered by Meta AI, the glasses offer “Athletic Intelligence” features, including real-time queries for performance stats. Through integrations with Garmin watches and Strava apps, users can ask for heart rate, pace, or elevation data via voice commands like “What’s my current pace?” without glancing at devices. Captured videos can overlay metrics graphically and share directly to Strava communities. Oakley’s Prizm lenses—available in variants like 24K, Black, Road, and Sapphire—enhance contrast and visibility in varying conditions, with a three-point fit system and replaceable nose pads for secure, customized wear.
Available in four color options (Black with Prizm 24K, White with Prizm Black, Black with Prizm Road, White with Prizm Sapphire), the glasses weigh 66g and evoke classic Oakley wraparounds, ideal for athletes but potentially bulky for everyday use. The Meta AI app manages settings, shares content, and provides tips, unlocking features like athlete connections. Pre-orders are live now via the Meta Store and Oakley.com, with shipping starting October 21 in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, and select European and Australian markets.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg highlighted the partnership with EssilorLuxottica (Oakley’s parent) as advancing wearable tech for sports, with endorsements from athletes like Patrick Mahomes, who called them “something completely new.” Hands-on reviews praise the secure fit and potential to replace ski goggles or earbuds, though some note the polarizing style. On X, users like @TechEnthusiast42 shared excitement: “Finally, smart glasses that won’t fog up mid-run! #OakleyMetaVanguard,” while @VRDaily hyped integrations: “Garmin + Strava in AR? Game-changer for cyclists.”
This launch expands Meta’s smart glasses lineup alongside Ray-Ban updates and display-equipped models, emphasizing AI for everyday athletics. As the metaverse evolves, the Vanguard could redefine how athletes capture and analyze performance, blending style, tech, and endurance.
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