If you remember, back in 2023 Meta (Facebook’s parent company) partnered with Ray-Ban to launch those smart glasses that could record video and summon a voice assistant—a release that really made waves. Recording, taking photos, calling on AI for help—it suddenly made wearables stylish and truly useful.

With consumer interest in AI wearables continuing to rise, Meta hasn’t slowed down. This summer, they’ve teamed up with European eyewear giant EssilorLuxottica (the parent company of both Ray-Ban and Oakley) to expand into the professional sports market. The result? The brand-new Oakley Meta series, with its first model called the Oakley Meta HSTN.

Sports-Focused: Built for Outdoor and Extreme Conditions

Unlike the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, which took a “daily fashion” route, the Oakley Meta HSTN is designed specifically for athletes. Whether you're running, cycling, skiing, or just working out, these glasses have you covered.

First up: battery life. The Ray-Ban version offered 4 hours on a single charge. Oakley’s doubles that to 8 hours, so you don’t have to worry about battery anxiety on long trail runs or bike rides. Plus, the charging case can recharge the glasses and provides an additional 48 hours of power, letting you get away with charging roughly once every two days.

Next, there’s water and sweat resistance. The Oakley Meta HSTN is rated IPX4, meaning it can handle rain and heavy sweat without a problem—a clear advantage over the Ray-Ban version, which has no water resistance. For sports, durability and protection are critical.

Imaging and Optics: Clarity in Motion

The Oakley Meta HSTN also gets a major camera upgrade. It features a 12-megapixel HD camera that can record 3K-resolution video, much sharper than Ray-Ban’s 1080p. It’s designed to help you capture those highlight moments during activity, and you can use Meta’s AI editing features to quickly create your own sports vlog. However, it’s still unclear if there’s a limit like the Ray-Ban’s “3-minute-per-video” restriction.

Of course, Oakley’s signature lens tech is here too. The HSTN supports PRIZM high-contrast lenses, photochromic lenses, and over 100 sport-specific optical options, so you can adapt to different conditions (like skiing, cycling, or bright sun) as needed. The frame itself uses a lightweight, high-strength polymer, with ergonomically designed non-slip nose pads and temples to stay put even during intense movement.

AI Assistant: Not Just Listening, But Responding

The real soul of these glasses is still the Meta AI assistant. Just like the Ray-Ban version, the Oakley Meta HSTN lets you summon Meta AI on your phone using buttons or touch controls on the temple. It can answer questions, look up info, play music, take calls, and more.

But the promotional videos hint that Meta AI might have new, sport-specific visual recognition features this time—like route identification, score tracking, or even movement analysis. Though not fully confirmed yet, if true, these capabilities would be a huge draw for athletes and outdoor content creators.

For audio, the glasses use an open-ear, air-conduction design so you can hear your surroundings—important for safety while running or cycling near traffic.

Pricing and Availability

The Oakley Meta HSTN starts at $399 and will officially launch this summer. There’s also a limited edition version priced at $499, with pre-orders starting on July 11. Meta has already announced this collaboration on its website.

From Fashion to Professional Gear

From 2023’s Ray-Ban Meta to 2025’s Oakley Meta HSTN, Meta’s smart-glasses roadmap is clear: first win over everyday users, then move into the sports and professional space.

The Ray-Ban version is a trendy digital companion for everyday photos and social sharing. The Oakley version is a “jack-of-all-trades” for athletes: long battery life, water resistance, HD camera, customizable lenses, AI assistant—everything you need. While it still relies on a charging case (no “plug-and-play infinite power” yet), lasting two days per charge is already very practical.

Chances are, the Oakley Meta HSTN will become the new favorite toy for sports creators, outdoor enthusiasts, and even professional athletes, showing that Meta is serious about bringing AI wearables to more diverse and professional scenarios.