Meta is set to launch its new Oakley smart glasses, which are expected to retail at a price point higher than the recently successful Ray-Ban Metas. Since their launch in late 2023, Ray-Ban Metas have sold two million pairs, prompting Meta to expand its collaboration with EssilorLuxottica, the parent company that oversees both Ray-Ban and Oakley, as well as Prada.
The Oakley Meta glasses are aimed at athletes and active enthusiasts, offering features such as photo and video capture, voice command capabilities for texts and calls, livestreaming options, and music playback. These glasses will be priced starting at $360, also notably designed for better weather resistance. The camera will be centrally positioned in the frame, catering specifically to users like cyclists who may need to document their activities more effectively.
Additionally, Meta’s partnership with Prada is expected to take advantage of the brand’s fashion credentials; the renewed licensing agreement, which lasts for the next decade, positions Prada as a significant player in the eyewear segment for Meta’s AI initiatives. The design of Prada’s eyewear, featuring thicker temples, aligns well with integrating advanced technology.
EssilorLuxottica and Meta first teamed up in 2019 to develop the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which have evolved through multiple generations, with the latest version being a considerable hit. The CEO of EssilorLuxottica mentioned plans to produce 10 million units of these AI smart glasses by the end of next year.
On the broader front, Meta is deepening its investment in artificial intelligence, recently announcing a $14.3 billion investment in Scale AI for a significant stake, reflecting its commitment to leading in the AI sector.
With the Oakley and Prada collaborations, Meta is positioning itself not only as a tech leader but also as a fashionable choice in the smart glasses market, which may yield hopeful prospects for growth in both technology and fashion sectors.