The much-anticipated Oakley Meta Vanguard smart glasses officially launched at the recent Meta Connect event. Unlike the previous Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which prioritized casual wear, the Vanguard is a complete redesign crafted specifically for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Its distinctive wraparound design and prominently placed central camera make it stand out. These new smart glasses were unveiled alongside the Meta Ray-Ban Display and the third generation of the Ray-Ban Meta series, having been subtly hinted at in a YouTube video just days before the official launch.
Pricing and Global Availability
The Oakley Meta Vanguard smart glasses are priced at $499 (approximately Rs. 43,850) and are currently available for pre-order. Enthusiasts can secure their pair through official Meta or Oakley channels. They come in a stylish array of colors: Black, Road, Sapphire, and a striking 24K gold option, with general sales commencing on October 21st.
For added versatility, the Vanguard’s lenses are replaceable, with individual pairs costing $85 (around Rs. 7,500). Initially rolling out in Canada, Europe, the UK, and the US, Meta has confirmed plans to expand availability to Brazil, India, Mexico, and the UAE later this year.
Key Specifications and Performance Features
Dubbed “Performance AI glasses” by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the Oakley Meta Vanguard is engineered for demanding athletic pursuits. Its robust wraparound design ensures comprehensive eye protection and weighs 66g, making it slightly heavier than the standard Ray-Ban Meta. These smart glasses also boast an IP67 rating, offering excellent resistance against dust and splashes. Furthermore, they incorporate Oakley’s renowned Prizm Lens technology, designed to effectively shield against sun glare, wind, and dust.
A standout feature is the Oakley Meta Vanguard’s 12-megapixel camera, strategically positioned directly above the nose piece. This placement allows for an immersive 122-degree field of vision (FOV), perfect for capturing authentic first-person content. The nose piece is also replaceable, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit for various users. The camera provides multiple recording options: up to five-minute videos in 1080p at 30fps, or three-minute videos at 1080p 60fps. For the ultimate clarity, users can capture three-minute videos in stunning 3K resolution at 30fps. New slo-mo and hyperlapse modes further enhance creative possibilities.
Echoing the functionality of the standard Ray-Ban Meta glasses, the Vanguard integrates open-ear speakers and a five-microphone array. This setup enables seamless interaction with Meta AI and crystal-clear call quality. The speakers are engineered to deliver clear audio even when cycling at speeds of 30mph, and the microphone system includes wind noise reduction for enhanced voice clarity. For intuitive control, the smart glasses feature a dedicated Action button to manage all camera modes, alongside a secondary customizable button, both conveniently located on the underside of the arms.
Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi, complemented by 32GB of onboard storage. In a significant collaboration, Meta has teamed up with Garmin to embed Meta AI functionality directly into Garmin smartwatches. When paired, this integration allows users to effortlessly request health or workout insights through the glasses’ microphone, with the Garmin smartwatch promptly displaying the relevant data.
Powering these features is a battery designed for endurance, offering up to nine hours of life with typical use, or six hours of continuous music playback. The accompanying charging case extends this significantly, providing an extra 36 hours of battery life. A quick charge feature means the glasses can reach 50 percent battery in just 20 minutes.