When Meta launched its Ray-Ban smart glasses, they struck a balance between everyday wearability and tech functionality. Now, with the Oakley HSTN Limited Edition, Meta targets athletes and outdoor enthusiasts with significant upgrades that address core limitations of their first-generation eyewear. Priced at $499, these glasses represent a strategic expansion into performance wearables—and after extensive testing, they deliver substantial improvements over their predecessors.

Performance-Driven Upgrades

The most critical enhancement comes in battery life—doubling from 4 to 8 hours on a single charge, with the case providing 48 hours of backup power. This addresses the primary pain point for active users who need all-day functionality during hikes, runs, or cycling sessions. Equally important is the upgraded 3K video capture, a leap from the Ray-Ban's 1080p resolution. During field tests, the glasses produced remarkably stable footage even during jogs, with clear audio pickup of ambient sounds like footsteps on pavement.

"The POV shots make it feel like you were taken along the path of my jog," reports ZDNET Senior Editor Sabrina Ortiz, who documented her experience. "The quality and perspective are a game-changer for activity documentation."

Durability sees a boost too, with an IPX4 water-resistance rating making the Oakleys suitable for rain or sweat-intensive workouts. The inclusion of Oakley's proprietary Prizm 24K Polarized lenses enhances visual clarity in bright conditions—a must for outdoor athletes.

Seamless Integration, Superior Comfort

Despite packing more powerful hardware, the glasses maintain the same 49-gram weight as the Ray-Bans while offering improved ergonomics. Ortiz notes they "sit more comfortably on the bridge of my nose," attributing this to thoughtful weight distribution. The familiar control scheme remains intact:

  • Voice commands via "Hey Meta" for AI assistance
  • Touchpad controls for music playback and volume
  • Open-ear speakers delivering surprisingly rich audio

The multimodal Meta AI assistant provides real-time translation, visual analysis, and contextual information—proving particularly useful when hands-free interaction is essential during activities.

The Verdict for Developers and Athletes

Meta's strategic segmentation is clear: The Ray-Bans serve casual users, while the Oakleys target performance-focused consumers willing to pay a premium. For developers, this signals Meta's commitment to expanding its wearable ecosystem with specialized hardware. The technical execution—particularly the thermal management enabling doubled battery life in the same form factor—sets a new benchmark for smart eyewear.

While the $499 price point positions these as a premium investment, the enhancements justify the cost for serious athletes documenting adventures. As Ortiz concludes: "If you're looking to document outdoor activities hands-free, the added specs make the investment worth it." Meta plans to release additional models at $399 later this summer, potentially broadening accessibility.

Source: ZDNET Hands-On Review