Oakley has unveiled its Meta Vanguard glasses, a new type of displayless AI eyewear designed for running, cycling and other action sports. The glasses boast deep integration with Garmin and Strava, potentially making them the first truly functional smart glasses for sports enthusiasts.
Positioned as a replacement for traditional running glasses, open-ear headphones, and even head-mounted action cameras, the Meta Vanguard represent the latest collaboration between Meta and EssilorLuxottica, the powerhouse behind brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley. Unlike the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer, which is geared toward general leisure, the Vanguard are designed specifically for athletic performance and capturing it in action.
However, this functionality comes at a premium. The Vanguard start at £499 (€549/$499/A$789), placing them at the higher end of the screenless AI glasses market, above the £399 Oakley Meta HSTN and £379 Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer. But what are you getting for this price?
The design departs significantly from typical smart glasses. Meta provided the technology, while Oakley focused on the design and fit. The large, wraparound visor, arms, and three-point fit system echo the acclaimed Oakley Sephara sport glasses. This design ensures the 66g frame remains securely on the wearer’s head, regardless of movement or perspiration, and they fit comfortably under helmets. Available in two frame colors and with a choice of four contrast-enhancing lenses, there is currently no option for prescription lenses. A small button on the left arm allows users to switch the glasses on and off, enabling them to use them simply as sunglasses.
A hidden speaker in each arm directs sound toward the ear, allowing users to listen to music, calls, or Meta’s AI chatbot. The speakers provide excellent sound quality for open-ear devices, offering sufficient volume to be heard over road or wind noise. While they might not match the bass of earbuds, they are great for running or walking. The five beamforming microphones also effectively reduce background noise during calls or interactions with AI, even in busy environments.
A touch panel on the right arm enables manual control of playback and volume. The music automatically pauses when the glasses are removed, and the volume adjusts dynamically based on background noise, a feature that works well while running. “The auto-volume is surprisingly effective,” stated a product reviewer, “it just works, especially when traffic noise starts getting louder when running next to a road.”
The Vanguard’s central camera captures 12-megapixel photos of decent quality and stabilized video at up to 3K resolution for up to five minutes. It can also record hyperlapses and slo-mo videos at up to 120 frames per second at 720p. “The camera won’t replace your phone but is very good for capturing the action as it happens,” the product reviewer added. It’s comparable to mid-range action cameras, useful for capturing moments on the go. Users can take photos or videos by pressing a button or by using voice commands through Meta AI.
While all features, including music, auto volume, and basic voice controls, function when connected to any Bluetooth device, more advanced AI capabilities require connection to an Android or iPhone with the Meta AI app. This allows users to ask Meta AI questions or request information about their surroundings using the camera. “Converting distances and paces between metric and imperial mid-run is incredibly handy,” one tester noted, although they added that it’s “not quite as capable as Google’s Gemini on a phone.”
Vanguard’s standout feature is its integration with modern Garmin running watches and bike computers. A dedicated Meta AI app on Garmin devices links to the Meta AI app on the user’s phone, allowing them to access real-time stats by voice. “Hey Meta, what’s my pace?” or “What’s my heart rate?” becomes a reality. The AI can provide individual metrics or a comprehensive overview of stats pulled directly from the Garmin. The LED indicator can also visually signal if the user is within their target pace or heart rate zone.
This Garmin integration also enables automatic video capture during workouts. The camera records five-second videos at specific intervals or milestones. These video clips, along with manually recorded footage, can then be compiled into a highlights reel within the Meta AI app. Users can overlay stats like distance, pace, elevation, time, heart rate, and power before sharing the video on Meta’s apps or Strava. “The automatic video capture, especially during races, is a great bonus,” a reviewer noted.
Battery life will depend on features used. On an hour-long run with music, frequent AI interactions, and both automatically and manually captured videos, the glasses had 25% battery remaining. The company projects that the glasses will last for a full marathon with auto-capture enabled, although extended shooting may require careful planning.
For users without a Garmin, the Meta AI app can connect with Apple Health, Google Health Connect, or Strava. While this provides data from other devices, the metrics overlaid on videos are more limited, and automatic video capture is unavailable.
From a sustainability perspective, the battery is expected to maintain at least 80% of its original capacity for 500 full-charge cycles. Replacement lenses, charging cases, and nose pads will be available, but the glasses are non-repairable and feature non-replaceable batteries, which ultimately means that they become disposable. The glasses are made without recycled material, and Meta does not offer trade-in programs or environmental impact reports for the glasses.
Ultimately, the Meta Vanguard aims to blend the worlds of sport and smart technology. The result is a product that is not only an interesting concept but one that works.
The glasses were tested and concluded to be the best smart glasses for sports with the caveat that it comes at a high price. “They are extremely expensive,” according to the test reviewer, “but it’s very clear they are designed for runners and sports by people who actually run.”
