In a groundbreaking collaboration, technology giant Meta and renowned eyewear brand Oakley have unveiled a revolutionary new product: the Oakley Meta HSTN. These cutting-edge, AI-powered performance glasses are set to redefine the future of wearable technology, merging sophisticated artificial intelligence with Oakley's signature athletic design. This strategic partnership aims to cater to the evolving needs of athletes and tech enthusiasts alike, offering a seamless blend of style, functionality, and intelligent assistance. The launch signifies a bold step forward in connected eyewear, promising a more immersive and interactive experience for users. The initial release features a special edition, hinting at a broader collection to follow, reinforcing both brands' commitment to innovation and excellence in their respective fields.

Introducing the Oakley Meta HSTN: A New Era of Intelligent Eyewear

On a significant day, June 20, 2025, a much-anticipated announcement was made: the official unveiling of the Oakley Meta HSTN glasses, following a subtle tease on the newly established @oakleymeta Instagram account. This product emerges from a long-term strategic alliance between Meta and Oakley, representing a pioneering venture into what they term "a new category of Performance AI glasses."

These revolutionary glasses, pronounced "HOW-stuhn," are built upon the foundation of Meta’s successful collaboration with Ray-Ban. They masterfully fuse bold aesthetic principles with state-of-the-art technological advancements. A key feature is the integrated 3K camera, offering a crystal-clear, first-person perspective that can be operated entirely hands-free. Powering this innovative device is a robust battery, providing an impressive eight hours of continuous usage, complemented by a portable charging case that extends the total power reserve by an additional 48 hours, ensuring uninterrupted activity on the go.

Furthermore, the Oakley Meta HSTN boasts powerful open-ear speakers, discreetly embedded within the frames, delivering superior audio clarity for music enjoyment during workouts. Engineered for an active lifestyle, these glasses also come with an IPX4 rating, making them highly resistant to water and sweat.

At the core of the Oakley Meta HSTN’s intelligence lies Meta AI, described as a "personal AI assistant." This integrated AI functionality allows users to effortlessly plan their training sessions, seek answers to queries, and even initiate video recording with simple voice commands, transforming how individuals interact with their environment and digital world.

The collaboration offers a diverse range of six Oakley Meta HSTN options, three of which incorporate Oakley's renowned "PRIZM" lens technology. This advanced innovation in lens design is engineered to optimize light processing for enhanced visual clarity and performance. In celebration of Oakley’s 50th anniversary, a limited-edition version, featuring stunning 24K PRIZM polarized lenses and elegant gold accents, is now available for pre-order. This exclusive model, priced at £499 GBP / $499 USD / €549 EUR, began its pre-order phase on July 11, 2025. The broader collection, with prices commencing at £399 GBP / $399 USD / €439 EUR, is slated for a full release later this summer.

This pioneering initiative is part of a broader vision articulated by Rocco Basilico, Chief Wearables Officer at Luxottica (the parent company of Oakley and Ray-Ban). He asserts that this partnership with Meta signifies "a bold new chapter" for the brand, establishing a novel industry benchmark for connected eyewear. Alex Himel, Vice President of Wearables at Meta, emphasized that extensive collaboration has been underway for years to truly understand the specific requirements of athletes, affirming that "glasses have emerged as the ideal tool for people to listen to music, capture videos." The upcoming range includes a variety of styles to suit different preferences, such as Oakley Meta HSTN Warm Grey with PRIZM™ Ruby Lenses, Black with PRIZM™ Polar Black Lenses, Brown Smoke with PRIZM™ Polar Deep Water Lenses, Black with Transitions® Amethyst Lenses, Clear with Transitions® Grey Lenses, and Black with Clear Lenses.

The Horizon of Wearable AI: A Thought-Provoking Leap

The introduction of the Oakley Meta HSTN smart glasses marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of wearable technology. From a reporter's perspective, this collaboration between a tech giant like Meta and an athletic eyewear leader like Oakley underscores a significant trend: the increasing convergence of daily apparel with sophisticated artificial intelligence. It's not just about convenience; it's about embedding computing power directly into our perception of the world. This raises intriguing questions about how seamlessly AI can integrate into our lives without becoming intrusive or overwhelming. While the immediate benefits for athletes—hands-free recording, real-time AI assistance for training—are evident, the broader implications are fascinating. Imagine a future where your eyewear provides subtle, contextual information, helps navigate your surroundings, or even assists with language translation, all while looking like a stylish pair of glasses. However, this also brings forth crucial discussions around privacy, data security, and the potential for constant digital immersion. As these devices become more commonplace, striking a balance between technological advancement and safeguarding personal space will be paramount. This launch isn't just about a new product; it's a glimpse into a future where our accessories are far more than just fashion statements, becoming intelligent extensions of ourselves, and prompting us to consider the responsibilities that come with such pervasive technology.