Several months ago, rumors surfaced about Meta expanding its smart glasses lineup to include more athletic-focused versions. These reports are now confirmed as Meta prepares to unveil its partnership with Oakley this week. The anticipation surrounding this collaboration indicates a significant step forward in the evolution of smart eyewear.
Today, Meta officially acknowledged the upcoming release of the new glasses through the emergence of an Oakley Meta profile on Instagram. This new account is following key figures such as Mark Zuckerberg, Rocco Basilico (chief wearables officer at Luxottica), and Caloa Mato (head of global marketing at Oakley), suggesting a strong corporate alliance behind the project.
The Oakley brand, renowned for its high-performance sports eyewear, is owned by EssilorLuxottica, the same parent company that owns Ray-Ban. This partnership follows Meta's successful launch of Ray-Ban smart glasses two years ago, which set a precedent for this new venture.
The Oakley Meta Instagram account currently features a single post showcasing a dynamic mashup of the Oakley and Meta logos. The caption reads, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. @oakley & @meta, together, amplifying human potential as never done before.” This post also hints at an official announcement or possible launch date set for Friday, June 20.
While specific details about the new glasses remain under wraps, a Bloomberg report earlier this year suggested that these glasses will be specifically designed for athletes. They are expected to feature a camera positioned in the center, a strategic placement that aligns with the needs of users recording athletic activities. This is a shift from Meta's current Ray-Ban glasses, which have the camera located on the temple.
As of now, neither the pricing nor images of the new Oakley Meta glasses have been disclosed. For context, Meta's existing Ray-Ban smart glasses are priced between $240 and $300, depending on the model. Additionally, tech giants like Google and Apple are also developing their versions of smart glasses, indicating a competitive market for this innovative technology.
Moreover, there are reports of a third generation of Meta's glasses in development, which may integrate a built-in display. Updates on this anticipated release are likely to emerge during the Meta Connect event set for the fall.
To catch the latest updates and the official announcements regarding the Meta-Oakley partnership, be sure to follow Meta's social media accounts on Friday. This collaboration could redefine how athletes use smart eyewear, merging style with cutting-edge technology.
