The upcoming smart glasses from Meta could arrive in collaboration with Oakley.
If they want to attract athletes, it is essential that the battery life improves.
According to a recent report, Meta is preparing to launch a new line of smart glasses under the Oakley brand this year. These glasses, internally known as "Supernova 2," are based on the Sphaera model from the brand. Unlike other designs that place cameras on the sides, the Supernova 2 would integrate the camera in the center of the frame, aiming to attract cyclists and outdoor sports enthusiasts.
The report does not specify other potential features, though it suggests that the Oakley glasses would have similar functions to Meta's current Ray-Ban smart glasses. Both Oakley and Ray-Ban are part of the EssilorLuxottica optical conglomerate. The strategy of diversifying Meta's technology across different brands within the same corporate group seems to be a smart move. While Ray-Ban glasses are suitable for discreet, everyday use, they may feel a bit heavy for endurance sports and lack certain functionalities, such as polarized lenses that enhance visibility.
Oakley glasses, on the other hand, are recognized for their style and popularity among professional athletes. Conceptually, they are similar to the Bose Frames Tempo, which allowed athletes to enjoy open-ear audio with polarized lenses in a relatively lightweight format. However, if the goal is to attract athletes, it is likely that Meta and Oakley will need to address issues such as weight, sweat resistance, and battery life.
The report also mentions that Meta plans to introduce a high-end version of its current Ray-Ban glasses, which would include a display capable of showing notifications, running simple applications, and previewing photographs.
