Without a doubt, MetaConnect’s smartglass headliner was packed in a familiar wayfarer-style package packed into one display with the new $800 Metaray-Ban display glasses. In addition to that, Meta showed off two new smart glasses: the Oakley Meta Vanguard and the next generation of Ray-Ban Meta.
Oakley Meta Vanguard – $499 (Use October 21st)
Before Meta and Essiler’s Luxtica released Oakley Meta HSTN in July, we were definitely imagining something like the new Oakley Meta Vanguard. But Meta is never behind as they have just released a sophisticated blade-like frame that they say is “made for high-strength sports.”
Recognised for its IP67 dust and water resistance, Meta Oakley Vanguard is durable enough for sweaty training and rain riding, targeting sports such as cycling, snowboarding and running.
In particular, like many of the traditional specs, the new smart glasses use Oakley’s three-point fit system. This includes three interchangeable nose pads for a safer fit, and Meta is optimized for use with cycling helmets and hats.
It also includes a 122MP, 122° wide camera sensor for capturing video up to 3K resolution, with modes that include slow motion, hyperlapse and adjustable image stabilization.
It also features open-ear speakers, similar to the Ray-Ban Meta, which is particularly rated at 6 dB more than the previous Meta Oakley HSTN models. This includes a wind-optimized 5-MIC array that provides clear audio for using voice commands, voice commands, and listening to music during training.
The latest Oakley is also integrated with Garmin, Strava, Apple Health, and Android Health Connect to provide post-workout summary and real-time statistics via meta-AI. Athletes can use voice prompts to view their heart rate, progress, or other data hands-free.
Available in the four frame/lens color combinations, the glasses weigh 66g, offering up to 9 hours of mixed use (or 6 hours of music) on a single charge, and an additional 36 hours via the charging case. According to Meta, a quick charge will increase the glass to 50% in just 20 minutes.
Like all other Meta Smart Glasses on offer, it includes 32GB of storage for over 1,000 photos or 100 short videos, the company says.
Built for high-intensity sports, this means the company is introducing interchangeable lenses starting at $85. Below we present all four models that can be pre-ordered, including lenses that can be mixed and matched later.
- Oakley Meta Vanguard Black, Prizmtm 24K
- Oakley Meta Vanguard White with prizmtm black
- Oakley Meta Vanguard Black with Prizmtm Road
- Oakley Meta Vanguard White with Prizmtm Sapphire
Oakley Meta Vanguard is now available for pre-orders for Meta or Oakley, which was released on October 21st for $499.
Available in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Australia, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Meta says it should be released in Mexico, India, Brazil and the United Arab Emirates later this year.
Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) – Starting at $379 (currently available)
The company is considering the next Ray-Ban Meta Glass, “Gen 2,” but technically it’s the third generation, following the release of Ray-Ban Facebook Stories in 2021 and Ray-Ban Meta in 2023.
Naming scheme aside, the latest Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses offer the same improvements and essentially the same basic features found on the Oakley Meta HSTN. It can play music, translate in real time, and make hands-free calls, but it also offers better photo and video capture than its predecessor.
Its Ultra Wade 12MP camera sensor is rated from 1200p to 3,024 x 4032 pixels at 60 fps at 1440p at 30 fps and 3k photo capture and video lengths at 30 fps.
Like the Oakley Meta HSTN, the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) boasts up to 8 hours of continuous use from the charging case, plus an additional 48 hours of rapid charging, up to 50% in 20 minutes with the charging case.
And, perhaps not to mention that, all Meta’s smart glasses use a ton of their own meta AI, including voice search queries (“Hey Meta!”), reading QR codes, suggesting recipes, storing notes, and more.
Additionally, the device includes Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6, 32GB of storage, and IPX4 resistance ratings for light rain or splash.
Like the 2023 model, the new Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses offer a total of 27 frame and lens combinations for the Wayfarer and Skyler models, including the option of a larger nose bridge.
It also acquired the first generation price bump, which was released in 2023 for $299. The Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) starts at $379 with standard lens options and is available with polarized lenses ($409), transitional lenses ($459), and prescription lenses (various pricing).
All of these models and lens combinations begin on Meta and Ray-ban.com.
We are currently on the ground at Meta Connect, so be sure to check everything about the XR right away.
