Meta and Oakley Team Up: Smart Glasses for Athletes Set to Revolutionize Sports Tech
Staff Editor Meta Unveils Plans for Oakley-Branded Smart Glasses Targeting Athletes
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is reportedly set to expand its smart glasses lineup with a new Oakley-branded model, internally dubbed “Supernova 2.” This latest venture aims to capture the attention of cyclists and outdoor sports enthusiasts, marking a significant shift in Meta’s wearable technology strategy.
The upcoming smart glasses will be based on Oakley’s Sphaera frame, featuring a central camera placement. This design choice represents a departure from previous models, which positioned cameras on the side, and is intended to enhance usability for athletes during their activities.
This collaboration leverages the existing partnership between Meta and EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of both Ray-Ban and Oakley. By integrating its technology into Oakley’s popular sports eyewear, Meta seeks to tap into a new segment of the smart glasses market, specifically targeting fitness-focused consumers.
While Meta’s current Ray-Ban smart glasses cater to everyday use, the Oakley version is expected to meet the unique demands of endurance sports. The new model could potentially offer features such as polarized lenses for improved visibility, similar to the discontinued Bose Frames Tempo.
To succeed in the athletic market, Meta and Oakley will need to address crucial factors including weight, sweat resistance, and battery life. The design and functionality must align with the rigorous requirements of outdoor sports to ensure comfort and durability.
In addition to the Oakley collaboration, Meta is reportedly developing an advanced version of its Ray-Ban glasses. This higher-end model is rumored to include a display for notifications, simple apps, and photo previews, further expanding the capabilities of smart eyewear.
As the wearable technology landscape continues to evolve, Meta’s foray into sports-oriented smart glasses signifies a strategic move to diversify its product offerings and appeal to a broader range of consumers.
