Oakley Meta Vanguard: Smart Glasses for Athletes

Meta has introduced the Oakley Meta Vanguard, a new addition to its line of AI-enabled smart glasses aimed at athletes. These glasses adopt the iconic Oakley Sphaera visor design while incorporating the core technology found in the Oakley Meta HSTN. Key enhancements include a more centrally positioned 12MP ultra-wide camera for clearer point-of-view recordings and seamless integration with Garmin and Strava platforms.

The Vanguard glasses offer robust performance with an IP67 rating, making them resistant to sweat, dust, and water. They feature open-ear speakers and a five-mic array, delivering clear audio for music, calls, and AI interactions. While Meta claims up to nine hours of battery life, real-world testing indicated a significantly shorter duration under heavy use.

Athlete-focused features include detailed performance overlays for Strava footage and potential real-time workout stats via Meta AI integration with Garmin devices. However, some advanced Garmin features were not fully functional during the review period. A significant drawback is the lack of prescription lens support, making them unsuitable for users who require corrective eyewear without contacts.

Despite these limitations, the Oakley Meta Vanguard offers a stylish, comfortable fit, particularly for those who appreciate the athletic visor aesthetic. The larger form factor distributes weight well, and a new customizable button enhances usability. For athletes and tech enthusiasts, these smart glasses present a compelling, albeit premium, option.