The race to bring AI before our eyes is advancing at high speed and, on this occasion, Meta and Oakley have teamed up to make a splash in the sector.
Meta, in collaboration with Oakley, has launched the Oakley Meta HSTN smart glasses, designed specifically for the sports world. This device integrates a high-resolution camera, open-ear audio, and AI that delivers real-time translations, all powered by Meta’s AI innovations.
Let’s explore key attributes and review the rest of Meta’s releases in recent months, along with the competition’s moves, to try to predict where this technology is headed.
Oakley Meta HSTN: glasses designed for sports
The Oakley Meta HSTN are based on the HSTN silhouette, very popular among cyclists and runners, but reinforced with resistant materials and an IPX4 rating that makes them tolerant of sweat and light rain.
Its dynamic aesthetic, available in five frame and lens combinations (including prescription and Oakley’s PRIZM technology), unites sporting tradition with a modern feel.
Advanced functionality
Inside, they house a 12MP front camera capable of recording 3K video, exceeding the 1080p of the previous Ray-Ban Meta. They also feature open-ear speakers and built-in microphones, making it easy to listen to music, take calls, and chat with Meta’s artificial intelligence.
This AI offers real-time translations (multi-language support) and responds to queries based on what the camera sees, from weather information to object identifications.
Autonomy and recharge
Meta boasts up to 8 hours of continuous use and 19 hours of standby, with a fast charge that reaches 50% in just 20 minutes. The charging case provides another 48 hours of energy, which guarantees coverage for several days without depending on electrical outlets.
Price and availability
Pre-orders start on July 11, 2025 at a price of 399USD. Additionally, there is a limited edition adorned with gold accents for $499. The initial launch includes the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Spain, and will expand to markets such as Mexico and India later in 2025.
Recent Meta Portfolio: Ray-Ban, AR and Prototypes
Ray-Ban Meta: accessible success
Before the alliance with Oakley, Meta had already demonstrated its aspirations with the Ray-Ban Meta.
With more than two million units sold, these glasses combine 1080p cameras, integrated audio and AI assistant, all in a classic Ray-Ban design. Their starting price, around 299USD, made them an attractive option for the general public.
Augmented reality prototypes
After Ray-Ban, Meta is moving towards pure augmented reality with projects like Orion. Presented in September 2024, these AR glasses are not yet on sale, but they promise to integrate digital information in an immersive way, overlaying graphics and data on the real world.
Collaborations and internal developments
Rumors point to future collaborations with luxury brands such as Prada, as well as the development of glasses with an integrated screen, known internally as Hypernova. These projects reinforce Meta’s commitment to innovation in wearables.
Competition: a boiling market
Rivalry in AI and augmented reality
Companies like Solos con las AirGo3 focus on powerful voice assistants (integrating ChatGPT) and offering high-quality audio for athletes and professionals. For its part, Snap keeps its efforts alive with Spectacles, simpler and aimed at capturing photos and videos for social networks.
Other firms are leaning towards augmented reality displays: Xreal One and Pro boast high-resolution Micro‑OLED displays, while RayNeo offers more affordable glasses with a 1080p virtual display. These devices are aimed at content consumption and mobile productivity.
Technology giants and their bets
Google and Samsung are working on AndroidXR, a platform that aims to unify the ecosystem of advanced glasses, and Apple, after Vision Pro, remains silent about possible AR glasses for 2026. In this context, Meta’s offer stands out for combining AI functions with conventional glasses format.
Where is wearable technology going?
At this moment, a bifurcation is in sight: on the one hand, lightweight AI glasses, comfortable for everyday use; on the other, AR viewers with more powerful graphics and sensors for immersive experiences. Both approaches coexist and are aimed at different user segments.
Miniaturization, battery life and seamless integration with other devices will be key. Likewise, the privacy and social acceptance of these wearables will determine their mass adoption.
The ability to offer real value (instant translations, environmental analysis, turn-by-turn navigation) will make the difference.
By 2026–2027, smart glasses are expected to offer mixed screens capable of alternating between augmented reality and invisible assistant, all with an autonomy of more than a full day and an aesthetic close to conventional glasses.
The Oakley Meta HSTN reinforce Meta’s commitment to combining artificial intelligence and timeless design. Meanwhile, competitors like Solos, Snap and Xreal continue to fuel innovation, and giants like Apple and Google lurk with their own proposals.
The smart glasses scene is in full swing, and both users and content creators are watching with anticipation how these devices will redefine our way of interacting with the world.
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