Meta Unveils New Smart Glasses in Collaboration with Oakley

Meta is set to launch a new pair of smart glasses later this month, developed in partnership with the sports eyewear brand Oakley. A video shared on Instagram features the logos of both companies, hinting at an exciting announcement scheduled for June 20.

Details about the new glasses remain scarce, as Meta has not provided further information. However, earlier reports from January suggested that the collaboration aims to create a sports-focused eyewear option equipped with a central camera, specifically designed for athletes. This innovation could enable users to capture immersive first-person videos during activities such as skiing, skating, or cycling, which traditionally require head-mounted or helmet cameras.

One of the main questions surrounding this product is its functionality. Meta's existing Ray-Ban glasses feature a camera, speakers, and a microphone, allowing users to take photos and videos while being voice-controlled. Additionally, users can interact with Meta's AI assistant through the glasses. However, these Ray-Ban models do not include a display and do not offer augmented reality capabilities. A prototype of an augmented reality device, named Orion, was previously introduced by Meta during an event, but it remains in development.

There is speculation that the new Oakley glasses could incorporate a display, enhancing their utility for athletes. Alternatively, they may offer advanced features that complement the existing Ray-Ban models. Both Oakley and Meta are subsidiaries of the EssilorLuxottica group, which stands as the largest company in the eyewear industry, headquartered just outside of Paris.

In recent months, other tech giants have also announced similar products. Google has unveiled plans for its own augmented reality glasses that run on Android XR and utilize the Gemini AI model. These glasses are expected to feature an optional display integrated into the lenses. Meanwhile, Snap has teased new specs for next year, promising a standalone AR eyewear experience, although details remain under wraps. Both Meta's and Google's upcoming glasses will require a connection to smartphones for full functionality.