Meta Teams Up with Oakley and Prada: Next-Gen Smart Glasses Set to Challenge GoPro in Action Sports

Smart glasses have been hailed as the next frontier in wearable technology, but developing them presents a unique set of challenges. They must be lightweight and fashionable while still accommodating advanced tech components like high-quality cameras, robust speakers, and AI-powered voice assistants. Perhaps most importantly, they cannot compromise on style—a key factor that sets them apart from other wearables. Meta, already a trailblazer in this space through its Ray-Ban collaboration, is now broadening its horizons by partnering with two major eyewear brands—Oakley and Prada—bringing new energy and variety to the smart glasses market.

Meta x Oakley: Targeting Athletes and Action Sport Enthusiasts

Oakley is renowned for its sporty, wraparound sunglasses, staples for athletes, snowboarders, and racing fans. This latest collaboration signals Meta’s intent to tap into the high-octane world of action sports. According to recent reports obtained by CNBC, Meta's Oakley smart glasses are specifically "aimed at athletes," drawing inspiration from existing Ray-Ban users who already employ their smart glasses during adrenaline-fueled activities like snowboarding, biking, and surfing.

Unlike the Ray-Ban variants designed for broad lifestyle appeal, the Oakley models focus on durability and functionality, featuring improved weather resistance to withstand harsh environments. This rugged build will reportedly command a premium price—$360 for the Oakley version, compared to $300 for the Ray-Ban lineup.

Product Features and Use Cases

Meta’s Oakley smart glasses are designed to be more than just wearable tech; they are positioned as a serious contender to traditional action cameras like the GoPro. With integrated camera systems, these glasses offer hands-free point-of-view (POV) video recording, ideal for skaters, snowboarders, cyclists, and adventure seekers. This eliminates the hassle of mounting external cameras, making them perfect for capturing dynamic content effortlessly and sharing it instantly.

While details on hardware upgrades remain under wraps beyond the improved weather resistance, enthusiasts are hoping for enhanced video capabilities—such as an upgrade from 30 to 60 FPS, image stabilization, and perhaps even a second camera to deliver a wider field of view. These enhancements could make the Oakley smart glasses a go-to gadget for athletes looking to document their feats without bulky equipment.

Comparison: How Do They Fare Against GoPro?

GoPro has long been the gold standard for action cameras, offering exceptional video quality and robust mountability. However, it requires external setups and can be cumbersome in fast-paced situations. In contrast, Meta's new smart glasses promise integrated recording, voice-activated controls, and the seamless blending of style and function, setting them apart as both a fashion accessory and a powerful content-creation tool. This convergence is likely to disrupt the market as users seek all-in-one wearable solutions.

Meta x Prada: Merging Luxury Fashion and Technology

In addition to the Oakley collaboration, Meta is also joining forces with Prada to deliver a high-fashion take on smart glasses. Prada’s signature thick-framed glasses provide the perfect canvas for the technical components, ensuring there is ample space to house cameras and circuitry without compromising design. While the Prada models may not introduce radical technological advancements, they represent Meta’s strategic push into luxury wearables, broadening their appeal to style-conscious consumers and women who value both fashion and function.

Market Impact and Future Outlook

These new partnerships with Oakley and Prada highlight Meta’s evolving approach to digital innovation, aiming to make smart glasses relevant across diverse user segments—from tech-savvy athletes to high-fashion aficionados. The expansion into action sports and luxury markets not only positions Meta as a key player against traditional action cameras like GoPro but also signals the growing significance of smart wearables in mainstream tech culture.

Meta plans to officially unveil these collaborations soon, promising more details and a deeper look at what could define the future of wearable technology. Stay tuned for all the latest updates as Meta continues to innovate in the smart glasses space.