Meta teases smart glasses with Oakley—What’s coming on June 20?

Meta is set to enhance its smart glasses lineup through an exciting collaboration with Oakley, the renowned sports eyewear brand. This partnership was hinted at in a short video shared on Monday by Meta's Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, which displayed the logos of both companies without revealing any specifics about the new product. Oakley confirmed the impending launch on Instagram, declaring, "The next evolution is coming on June 20." Additionally, a verified Instagram account named "Oakley | Meta" has been established, featuring a collaborative teaser video that has been circulated across both companies' official social media platforms. Meta's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, also shared the teaser, increasing anticipation among fans. The teaser concludes with the Oakley and Meta logos displayed together, reminiscent of the branding style used for the Ray-Ban Meta glasses. This could suggest a continuation of Meta's distinctive design approach in wearable technology. Meta's venture into smart glasses began in 2021 with the release of the first-generation Ray-Ban Stories, which included speakers and a camera but lacked augmented reality functionalities. The subsequent model, launched in 2023 at a price point of $299, featured enhancements such as an upgraded camera, superior audio, and an AI-driven assistant. The collaboration with Oakley might introduce either a third-generation upgrade or a reimagined version of the current technology, tailored for Oakley's audience of athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Both Oakley and Ray-Ban fall under the umbrella of EssilorLuxottica, an Italian eyewear conglomerate, making this partnership a logical extension of Meta's existing relationships within the group. According to a January report from Bloomberg, the new Oakley-Meta glasses are expected to be modeled after the Oakley Sphaera and may include a centrally placed built-in camera, setting them apart from the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, which feature a camera on the frame's edge. As the June 20 launch date approaches, curiosity grows regarding the potential advancements in audio quality, camera capabilities, and AI integration. There are also questions about whether the glasses will be designed for sports, outdoor activities, or general lifestyle use. Regardless of the specifications, this collaboration highlights Meta's commitment to advancing wearable technology and its ambition to redefine digital experiences beyond the confines of smartphones and traditional displays.