Oakley is getting into the AI wearables game and it is teaming up with Meta to do it. The new Oakley Meta HSTN glasses are the result of a collaboration between a sports gear icon and a company best known for social media and VR headsets.
It sounds strange on paper but the idea is simple. Take Oakley’s bold design and pair it with Meta’s hands-free smart glasses tech. The result is a new category Meta is calling Performance AI glasses.
Oakley Meta HSTN is not a rebrand of Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses but it is clearly related. Instead of being aimed at people taking selfies on the street, this new product is designed for athletes and fans who want to stay connected, shoot video, and get real-time information without looking at a phone. Whether that use case actually appeals to athletes is still an open question, but the glasses certainly look the part.
The launch is starting with a flashy limited edition version that includes 24K gold PRIZM lenses and matching accents. It celebrates 50 years of Oakley design and will cost $499 when preorders begin on July 11. The standard editions are expected to start at $399 with a broader launch later this summer.
Meta is calling this the next generation of smart eyewear. There is a built-in 3K camera for hands-free video capture, along with open-ear speakers so users can play music, listen to podcasts, or hear notifications while training. Battery life can hit up to eight hours of regular use with a fast charge option that gets you to 50 percent in twenty minutes. The included case can offer up to 48 hours of extra battery life, making this suitable for all-day use.
Meta’s AI assistant is also included, allowing users to speak commands like “take a video” or “how strong is the wind today” without needing to touch anything. That kind of voice interaction could be useful in sports environments but it also might just be another example of AI being inserted into a product that worked fine without it.
Oakley’s PRIZM lens tech is a key selling point. The lenses are engineered to enhance contrast and clarity in a variety of lighting conditions. According to Oakley, this helps users see details more clearly and react faster. That sounds useful in theory, especially for outdoor sports, but real-world results may vary.
Buyers can choose from six frame and lens combos, including both clear and transition lens options. All models are prescription-ready. Oakley Meta HSTN will be sold in major markets including the US, UK, Canada, and several countries across Europe. Additional regions including Mexico and India are expected to get availability later this year.
This launch is part of a bigger push by Meta and EssilorLuxottica to build out a family of connected eyewear products. While Oakley Meta HSTN is focused on athletes, the broader strategy appears to include lifestyle and casual wearables too.
Meta says this is only the beginning of what it has planned for AI glasses. That could be good news if it finally leads to useful hands-free tools. It could also mean we are about to see a lot more people talking to their sunglasses.
