In a significant technological advancement, Meta and Oakley have joined forces to introduce a new line of performance glasses powered by artificial intelligence. This collaboration marks an evolution from their previous Ray-Ban Meta glasses, offering enhanced features such as longer battery life, higher resolution cameras, and water resistance. The partnership underscores the growing integration of AI in wearable technology, aiming to provide users with greater insights into their physical capabilities during various activities.
Meta's journey into AI-powered wearables began with its collaboration with Ray-Ban, which set the stage for this latest venture with Oakley. Alex Himel, Vice President of Wearables at Meta, highlighted the importance of creating stylish yet functional glasses that people would want to wear daily. The Oakley Meta HSTN glasses represent a step forward in achieving large-scale adoption of augmented reality technology, blending form and function seamlessly.
The new Oakley Meta HSTN glasses offer several improvements over their predecessors. With up to eight hours of use or 19 hours on standby, the battery life has significantly increased compared to the Ray-Ban Meta glasses' four-hour usage. Charging capabilities have also improved, reaching 40% in just 20 minutes. Furthermore, these glasses feature a 3K video camera, IPX4 water resistance, and five product options, including transition lenses.
Alex Himel emphasized the versatility of the Oakley Meta glasses, noting their suitability for hands-free activities like roller coasters, running, and other sports. He mentioned that many senior executives within Meta are avid performers themselves, making them enthusiastic about testing and refining the Oakley Meta glasses in real-world scenarios.
Himel also reflected on the rapid advancements in AI technology since the initial launch of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses. Initially, Meta envisioned needing true augmented reality displays for widespread adoption. However, the success of stylish and comfortable glasses has shifted this perspective, proving that aesthetics and functionality can drive user interest.
Mark Zuckerberg played a pivotal role in integrating AI into the glasses, contacting Himel six months before the launch of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses to explore AI possibilities. Consequently, hundreds of engineers were tasked with incorporating AI features, leading to the belief that glasses are the ultimate form factor for AI applications.
The Limited Edition Oakley Meta HSTN model will be available for preorder starting July 11, coinciding with Oakley's 50th anniversary. Prices range from $399 to $499, depending on the specific model chosen. This release signifies a milestone in wearable AI technology, promising to enhance user experiences across multiple performance-based activities.