Oakley Meta Vanguard AI Smart Glasses Offer Action‑Ready Features
Key Points
- Removable prismatic visor designed for extreme‑sport durability
- 12 MP ultra‑wide camera with 3K video, interval, slow‑motion, and hyper‑lapse modes
- IP67 water‑resistance rating for protection against elements
- Open‑ear speakers delivering up to 6 dB for clear audio during activity
- Customizable action button on the left stem for quick access to presets
- Integrated Meta AI works with Garmin watches to display heart‑rate and fitness data
- Nine‑hour battery life exceeds that of Meta’s Ray‑Ban Gen 2 glasses
- Retail price of $499 with shipping set to begin on October 21
- Tested on a treadmill, showing stable video capture and comfortable fit
The Oakley Meta Vanguard AI glasses, unveiled by Meta, are designed for extreme‑sport enthusiasts. They feature a removable prismatic visor, a 12‑megapixel ultra‑wide camera capable of 3K video, IP67 water‑resistance, louder open‑ear speakers, and a customizable action button. Integrated Meta AI works with Garmin watches to display heart‑rate and fitness data without a voice trigger. Battery life reaches nine hours, and the price is listed at $499 with a launch date of October 21. Early testing on a treadmill showed stable video capture and clear audio, positioning the glasses as a rugged alternative to Meta’s Ray‑Ban lineup.
Design and Build for Extreme Activities
The Oakley Meta Vanguard AI glasses set themselves apart from Meta’s other smart‑glass offerings through a design built for high‑intensity use. A removable prismatic visor replaces traditional lenses, and the frames feature a tighter three‑point fit that keeps the glasses secure during fast movement. The device carries an IP67 rating, indicating resistance to water and dust, and is engineered to stay on the head during activities such as slalom skiing or wave riding.
Camera and Visual Capabilities
Equipped with a centered ultra‑wide camera, the glasses capture stills at 12 megapixels and record video in 3K resolution. Users can select preset recording modes, including interval capture, slow‑motion, and hyper‑lapse. During a brief treadmill test, the camera recorded video that could later be overlaid with fitness statistics from a paired Garmin watch.
Audio and Interaction
Open‑ear speakers deliver sound at up to 6 dB, allowing users to hear music or voice responses from Meta AI even while exercising. A new customizable action button on the left stem provides quick access to preset functions, positioned for protection against snow, water, or other harsh conditions.
AI Integration and Fitness Tracking
Meta AI is integrated into the glasses, enabling voice commands without the “Hey Meta” wake phrase when the setting is adjusted. The AI can take photos or videos on request and retrieve heart‑rate and progress data from a connected Garmin watch, presenting the information directly on the lenses.
Battery Life, Pricing, and Availability
The Oakley Meta Vanguard AI glasses promise nine hours of battery life, surpassing the endurance of Meta’s Ray‑Ban Gen 2 model. The retail price is listed at $499, and shipping is scheduled to begin on October 21.
User Experience During Testing
During a treadmill session, the glasses remained comfortably snug, and the visor did not slip. Video stabilization was modest, offering adequate but not exceptional smoothness for action footage. Audio remained clear, and the integration with Garmin allowed the user to view heart‑rate data without interrupting the workout. Overall, the test highlighted the glasses’ suitability for both fitness tracking and capturing adventure moments.