Meta announced Oakley smart glasses – twice as powerful as Ray-Bans

Meta* will soon expand its smartglasses lineup, with two models replacing the current generation’s one. The existing Ray-Ban will be joined by smart glasses from Oakley with updated features.

Meta* will soon expand its smartglasses lineup to include two models instead of one.

Although the Oakley smart glasses haven’t hit the market yet, Meta* has revealed some details indicating that this isn’t just a cosmetic update. The glasses will get significant hardware improvements.

The full Oakley specs are not yet known, but we can already highlight the key differences. This will help you decide whether to buy a Ray-Ban now or wait a month or so before the Oakley goes on sale. Or try to pre-order the limited edition, which will be available on July 11.

Sportier design

The most obvious difference is the look. Instead of Ray-Ban’s iconic Wayfarer design or the Headliner and Skyler variants, Oakley offers the HSTN (pronounced “how-stun”).

The HSTN design is more angular, and the lenses are available not only in standard options (clear, tinted, transitional) but also with PRIZM technology, which enhances contrast and adapts to different sports, combining functionality and style.

As with Ray-Ban, however, the premium PRIZM and Transition lenses will increase the cost of the glasses.

Improved camera quality

On paper, the Ray-Ban and Oakley cameras look the same: 12MP and five microphones. But the Oakley is capable of recording video in 3K – higher than Ray-Ban’s Full HD (1440×1920).

This suggests that Oakley has an improved optical system or video processing. Until Ray-Ban gets an upgrade, Oakley will be the best choice for those who care about the quality of their footage.

At this point, the Oakley will be the best choice for those who care about the quality of their footage.

Extended battery life

The Ray-Ban’s main drawback is battery life. In normal use (music, AI questions), the glasses last about 4 hours, while active filming lasts up to 2 hours, and audio playback lasts a little over 5 hours.

Oakley promise up to 8 hours in standard mode, but audio playback time stays at 5 hours. This may be due to more efficient components or a larger battery.

Oakley promises up to 8 hours in standard mode, but audio playback time remains at 5 hours.

The charging case on both models restores 50 percent of the charge in 22 minutes, but Oakley offers up to 48 hours of extra power versus 36 hours for Ray-Ban.

Higher price

Ray-Ban remain more affordable, with the base version priced from $299 / £299

• Ray-Ban
• Polarized – $329 / £329
• Transition – $379 / £379
• Oakley
• Limited Edition with PRIZM – $499 / £499
  (Price of standard versions with PRIZM not yet disclosed.)

* Owned by Meta, it is recognized as an extremist organization in Russia and its activities are banned.

Material Meta announces Oakley smart glasses – twice as powerful as Ray-Ban was first published at ITZine.ru.