Meta Platforms, Inc., the social media giant behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is reportedly poised to expand its foray into the burgeoning smart glasses market later this year with the introduction of Oakley-branded smart glasses. This strategic move represents a significant step beyond Meta’s existing partnership with EssilorLuxottica, which currently manifests as the Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses. By leveraging the renowned Oakley brand, popular among athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, Meta aims to tap into a new segment of the wearable technology market and address limitations inherent in the current generation of its smart eyewear.
The upcoming Oakley smart glasses, internally codenamed “Supernova 2,” are anticipated to be based on the existing Oakley Sphaera frame, a popular choice for cyclists and other athletes. A key design alteration involves repositioning the camera from the temples to the center of the frame, potentially optimizing image capture and enhancing user experience. While specific features remain undisclosed, it is reasonable to expect functionalities similar to those found in the Ray-Ban Stories, including photo and video capture, audio playback, and potentially even augmented reality features. This continuity would allow for a consistent user experience across Meta’s smart glasses portfolio.
The decision to partner with Oakley, another subsidiary of eyewear giant EssilorLuxottica, is a strategically astute move for Meta. Ray-Ban Stories, while stylish and discreet, are not ideally suited for vigorous physical activity. Their weight and lack of specialized features like polarized lenses make them less appealing to athletes who require lightweight, durable, and performance-enhancing eyewear. Oakley, on the other hand, enjoys strong brand recognition within the athletic community, known for its high-performance sunglasses favored by professional athletes in various disciplines. This association instantly positions the “Supernova 2” as a credible contender in the sports and fitness tech segment.
The potential of Oakley-branded smart glasses to fill a gap in the market is apparent when considering the demise of the Bose Frames Tempo. These now-discontinued audio sunglasses offered athletes open-ear audio, polarized lenses, and a lightweight design, features highly desirable for active individuals. Meta and Oakley have the opportunity to capitalize on this void by delivering a product that not only replicates but potentially surpasses the capabilities of the Bose Frames Tempo, integrating smart features, audio capabilities, and the performance characteristics that athletes demand.
However, for Meta and Oakley to truly capture the athletic market, they must prioritize key performance factors. Weight is of paramount importance, as athletes require eyewear that feels barely there during strenuous activity. Sweat resistance is another crucial consideration, ensuring the glasses can withstand the rigors of intense workouts and varying weather conditions. Finally, battery life is a critical factor, as athletes need a device that can last through extended training sessions without requiring frequent recharging. Addressing these factors will be essential for the “Supernova 2” to gain traction among serious athletes.
Beyond the Oakley collaboration, Meta is simultaneously working on enhancing its existing Ray-Ban Stories line. A higher-end version of the current model is reportedly in development, featuring a display capable of presenting notifications, running basic applications, and previewing captured photos. This upgrade would significantly expand the functionality of the Ray-Ban Stories, transforming them from a primarily capture-focused device to a more comprehensive wearable tech accessory. This development reinforces Meta’s commitment to expanding its presence in the smart glasses market, offering consumers a wider range of options to suit their individual needs and preferences. By catering to both the everyday user with the enhanced Ray-Ban Stories and the active user with the upcoming Oakley “Supernova 2,” Meta is strategically positioning itself to become a major force in the evolving landscape of wearable technology.
