It appears Meta cracked the good glasses code. Based on the newest earnings report from the eyewear big EssilorLuxottica, Ray-Ban Meta good glasses gross sales have tripled previously 12 months. Rising recognition little doubt impressed the launch of Oakley Meta HSTN, a pair of AI-powered, picture-taking glasses aimed toward a sportier viewers.
Evaluating the Ray-Ban Meta vs. Oakley Meta good glasses, there are many similarities particularly in the case of the core Meta AI expertise tailor-made to visible intelligence. I’m referring to the “look and inform me” prompts that began with styling suggestions however have developed the AI right into a location identifier, recipe helper, lawncare useful resource, artwork knowledgeable and a complete lot extra.
However there are additionally a few spec upgrades to justify the $200 premium you’ll spend for the Oakley model over the Ray-Ban types: 3K video assist, polarized lenses by default and a boosted battery life.
As a loyal Ray-Ban Meta who converted for this Oakley Meta HSTN good glasses evaluation, I can admire the methods the newcomer meaningfully improves over the best-seller. That mentioned, there are a number of causes I’ll nonetheless go for my Ray-Ban glasses among the many greatest good glasses, which I’ll clarify under.
Oakley Meta HSTN good glasses: Cheat Sheet
- What’s Oakley Meta HSTN? Oakley Meta HSTN refers to a pair of good glasses designed by EssilorLuxottica and powered by Meta AI.
- How a lot does the Oakley Meta HSTN value? The Oakley Meta HSTN value $499 for the one model at the moment accessible.
- What’s the Oakley Meta HSTN launch date? The Oakley Meta HSTN glasses can be found now however they’re marketed as limited-edition. There’s no method of realizing what number of are left in inventory on Oakely’s web site, they usually’re offered out on Meta’s web site.
- Are there Oakley Meta HSTN prescription choices? No, the Oakely Meta HSTN glasses don’t at the moment supply the choice so as to add your prescription, however I’m anticipating assist for prescription lenses within the subsequent iteration or launch within the Oakley Meta product line.
- Ray-Ban vs. Oakley Meta glasses? Learn our full breakdown on how the 2 variations of Meta good glasses examine.
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Oakley Meta HSTN good glasses: Specs
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Oakley HSTN Meta
Value
$499
Shade
Grey
Lens
Prizm 24K Polarized
Dimensions
Hinge to hinge: 133mm
Lens Top: 43mm
Lens Width: 49mm
Bridge width: 23mm
Temple size: 145mm
Weight
49g
Digital camera
12MP ultra-wide
3024×4032 photos
1440×1920 @30fps video
1280×720 pixels @120 fps
Audio system
2 open-ear audio system
Microphone
5-mic array (2 in left arm, 2 in proper arm, 1 close to nostril pad)
Battery
8 hours single cost
Charging case
48 hours
Reminiscence
32GB flash storage
Connectivity
Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, iOS 15.2 and up, Android 10 and up
Oakley Meta HSTN good glasses evaluation: The ups
Polarized lenses carry out effectively outdoor
The Oakley Meta HSTN good glasses are outfitted with polarized lenses by default, and truthfully, it’s one of many first issues that made them really feel extra premium than the Ray-Ban Metas.
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Whether or not I used to be exercising exterior on a shiny day or glancing at a reflective floor, the PRIZM 24K polarization minimize down glare in a method that’s instantly noticeable. Colours pop extra, the world appears to be like a bit crisper, and every part feels a bit extra high-end. The Ray-Ban glasses supply a extra conventional polarized lens choice as a $30 add-on, however the efficiency can’t match Oakley’s PRIZM 24K expertise.
I examined them at a sunny Mariners dwelling recreation and the visible readability was unimaginable. From my second-deck seats, gamers seemed detailed, and for as soon as, I might really monitor foul balls and pop flies with out whipping my head round in confusion. Similar goes for monitoring my pictures out on the golf course, however even simply having fun with the town sights on my afternoon walks, the readability actually impressed me.
3K video recording
Content material seize is among the important issues that initially offered me on the Ray-Ban Meta good glasses. After I realized the picture and video high quality might rival my iPhone’s in sure situations, it unlocked a complete new technique to catalog my life.
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The nonetheless picture high quality is identical between the Ray-Ban and Oakely glasses. However in comparison with the 1080p footage from the Ray-Ban Meta, the 3K video seize from the Oakleys is noticeably sharper, particularly if you’re in movement. Particulars like faces, textures, and even fast-moving objects come via cleaner.
Oakley Meta HSTN good glasses seize from MLB Sport – YouTube
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That additional constancy additionally offers you extra room to crop or edit your footage later with out shedding high quality, a small however worthwhile perk in case you’re making social content material like I’m on a regular basis. If video is a key cause you’re shopping for good glasses, I believe it’s secure to say the Oakley glasses are the most suitable choice on the market proper now.
Each the Oakley and Ray-Ban Meta good glasses faucet into the identical Meta AI assistant which is much more than a easy voice assistant. It’s a camera-powered, real-world-aware AI constructed with Llama that may interpret what you’re and provide you with helpful data on demand. I’ve used it to get details about landmarks whereas touring, ask for recipe concepts primarily based on what’s in my fridge, and even get model solutions primarily based on my outfit. It’s surprisingly correct and appears to get smarter with each replace.
(Picture credit score: Future)
What I like most is that this AI is visual-first. While not having a lot context, the assistant can work out what’s within the digicam’s view and reply queries appropriately. I’ve discovered the real-world use instances are solely rising and changing into one of the vital frictionless methods to include AI into day by day life.
Nice battery life
Battery life might be the most important improve spec-wise between the Ray-Ban and Oakley Meta glasses. My Ray-Ban Meta good glasses are rated for as much as 36 hours of battery life, with as much as 6 hours of listening time directly and the remaining supplied by the charging case. The Oakley glasses are rated for as much as 48 hours of whole battery life, with as much as 8 of steady use.
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Now, from expertise, recording content material on both glasses considerably cuts into battery life. Recording about half-hour value of video with the Ray-Ban glasses resulted in me needing to recharge the glasses, whereas the Oakley HSTN received me nearer to 1 hour of seize.
That enchancment is much more noticeable when touring or spending lengthy stretches outdoor. I wore the Oakleys to a weekend road truthful with a number of film-able moments and by no means had to consider battery life as soon as. Similar goes for a spherical of golf.
Evaluate that to the Ray-Ban Meta, the place I’d generally hit the low battery warning by late afternoon. For those who’re somebody who’s planning to make use of these glasses like a wearable GoPro or hands-free assistant, the Oakleys have higher endurance to maintain up. That mentioned, having the charging case available could be very handy, and the glasses can go from lifeless to totally charged in lower than an hour.
Oakley Meta HSTN good glasses evaluation: The downs
No prescription lens choices
The Oakley Meta HSTN doesn’t assist prescription lenses in any respect (at the very least for now) and that’s in all probability going to be a deal-breaker for individuals. It’s additionally a stark distinction to the Ray-Ban Meta lineup, which affords prescription lens assist via choose fashions and companions.
It’s an odd omission, particularly for a premium product. You’d anticipate a $500 pair of good glasses to account for imaginative and prescient wants, significantly when the tech is clearly in place. Till Oakley provides Rx assist or companions with optical retailers, the HSTN can be off-limits for an enormous chunk of potential patrons.
Restricted model choices
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On an identical be aware, the Oakley Meta HSTN is available in one coloration and body model. And whereas it’s a sporty silhouette that clearly channels Oakley’s efficiency DNA, it received’t be for everybody. Personally, it took me some time to return round on. For those who’re like me and need your glasses to mix into your work outfits, you’ll in all probability discover the HSTN’s model too aggressive. Ray-Ban Meta affords a number of body varieties — Wayfarer, Headliner, Spherical — every with completely different coloration choices and lens combos, together with transition lenses which can be nice for indoor-to-outdoor put on.
The Oakleys are clearly designed with a extra lively life-style in thoughts, however HSTN is sort of a one-size-fits-some scenario. However look, I’m positive the choices will diversify given the hype round this limited-edition launch. I’m hoping, along with extra colours, extra Oakley body varieties might get the Meta remedy. The Holbrook looks as if a pure subsequent choice, although if they might engineer the Flak or Half Jacket types I believe it’ll persuade lots of Oakley followers to leap on the good glasses bandwagon.
Oakley Meta HSTN good glasses evaluation: Verdict
The Oakley Meta HSTN glasses really feel like the following step ahead for Meta’s good glasses in lots of methods. They’re a significant improve over the Ray-Ban Meta line… for a particular sort of person. You’re getting sharper video, extra immersive lenses, and higher battery life, all wrapped in a daring, sport-forward design. For outside fans, creators, or anybody who prioritizes efficiency and readability, the Oakley Meta HSTN delivers a practical-yet-gratifying expertise.
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That mentioned, the dearth of prescription assist and restricted model selections (to not point out, the steep price ticket) make this a distinct segment product for now. For those who worth style, flexibility, or on a regular basis wearability, Ray-Ban Meta remains to be a greater match. You’ll spend much less and really be capable to customise the look to your style and imaginative and prescient wants.
However in case you’ve been ready for good glasses that may sustain along with your lively life-style, Oakley’s Meta debut makes a robust case and positively has my consideration for what’s going to come subsequent from this collaboration.
