Meta is continuing its push into the wearable tech space with a new addition to its growing lineup of smart eyewear. Teaming up with Oakley – a brand long associated with sport and performance – Meta has introduced the Oakley Meta HSTN smart glasses, designed for users who want the intelligence of Meta’s AI-powered features in a sportier, more futuristic aesthetic than the classic Ray-Ban frames.
While the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have been the face of Meta’s wearable AI efforts so far, they’ve leaned heavily on classic style over a sport or tech-forward edge. The Oakley Meta HSTN changes that by offering a bold, modern frame design that’s more aligned with athletic and streetwear trends. Available in six frame and lens combinations, including prescription options (at additional cost), the HSTN caters to a broader spectrum of wearers who may have previously passed on Meta’s smart glasses due to style preference.
Like Meta’s previous smart glasses, the HSTN includes a discreet front-facing camera, open-ear speakers, and built-in microphones embedded in the frame. These allow you to listen to music, take calls, capture photos and videos, and, most importantly, interact with Meta AI – Meta’s always-on voice assistant.
The most noted feature of Meta AI on these glasses is its ability to deliver contextual information using both the camera and microphones. Point your glasses at a sign in a foreign language and have it translated instantly, or ask questions about your surroundings, and Meta AI uses its computer vision and language model smarts to deliver real-time insights.
While the core functionality remains familiar, the Oakley HSTN does come with a few key upgrades over the Ray-Ban versions, including: extra battery life boasting up to 8 hours, which is double that of the Ray-Ban Meta’s version and a higher-resolution camera that captures up to 3K resolution, compared to the 1080p max on the Ray-Bans. These enhancements are likely due to the differences in frame design, which may offer more space for larger or more efficient components.
JR Smith wearing Oakley Meta HSTN Glasses in Black Transition Amethyst
Boo Johnson wearing Oakley Meta HSTN Glasses in Warm Grey Ruby Prism
Boo Johnson wearing Oakley Meta HSTN Glasses in Warm Grey Ruby Prism
Smart glasses have often struggled with mainstream adoption, not due to lack of innovation, but because they haven’t yet solved a true everyday need. However, Meta’s glasses are edging closer to that sweet spot – offering hands-free access to an intelligent assistant, audio playback, and contextual visual understanding in a form factor that’s lightweight and wearable.
For users intrigued by the potential of ambient computing – technology that blends into your environment and daily routine – the Oakley Meta HSTN could be the most stylish and functional option yet. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, athlete, or someone who simply wants to ditch earbuds and stay connected with minimal effort, Oakley’s take on Meta’s AI glasses might finally be the version that sticks.
The limited-edition Oakley Meta HSTN glasses launch today at a price of $499, while the full lineup, priced at $399, will roll out later in the summer.
For more information on the Oakley Meta HSTN smart glasses, visit oakley.com or meta.com.
Photography courtesy of Oakley and Meta.
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