Oakley Meta Vanguard Smart Glasses: A Deep Dive into the Latest Fitness-Focused Tech

Meta’s latest innovation in the smart glasses arena, the Oakley Meta Vanguard, is making waves among athletes and tech enthusiasts alike. Launched at Meta Connect in September, these glasses are designed to cater to the fitness community, offering a blend of style, functionality, and cutting-edge technology. Priced at $499, the Oakley Meta Vanguard is a significant investment, but does it deliver on its promises? Let’s break it down.

Key Takeaways

• The Oakley Meta Vanguard is Meta’s latest fitness-centric smart glasses, starting at $499.
• They support cross-platform fitness tracking and slow-motion video recording.
• Prescription support is not available, so contact lens wearers will need to adapt.

Performance: The Core of the Smart Glasses

The Oakley Meta Vanguard glasses are built on the foundation of their predecessor, the Oakley Meta HSTN, but with notable improvements. They feature an IP67 rating, making them sweat, dust, and water-resistant, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, 3K video recording, two open-ear speakers, and a five-mic array. However, the Vanguard introduces subtle yet impactful changes.

The camera is now positioned at the center of the lenses, which significantly improves POV shot quality. In my testing, this central placement made it easier to capture footage without the awkward angles or high positioning seen in earlier models. Additionally, the Vanguard supports slow-motion and hyperlapse recording, adding versatility to its video capabilities.

Audio performance is another strong suit. The open-ear speakers deliver clear, high-quality sound, allowing me to enjoy music and take calls without the need for headphones. The five-mic array ensures crisp audio recording, even in challenging environments like windy conditions or noisy parks.

Battery life, however, is a mixed bag. Meta claims up to nine hours of use on a single charge and 36 hours with the case. In my testing, the glasses drained 28% of their battery in just one hour of continuous use, which is higher than the advertised 10%. While this is an improvement over the Ray-Bans, it’s still not as impressive as Meta’s claims suggest.

Smart Features: Putting the ‘Smart’ in Smart Glasses

The Oakley Meta Vanguard is designed with athletes in mind, and its integrations with Garmin and Strava are a testament to that. By linking your accounts through the Meta AI app, you can access real-time fitness metrics and overlay them on your videos. For example, after a run, you can add details like distance, pace, and elevation to your footage, making it perfect for sharing on social media.

The Garmin integration is particularly noteworthy. It allows users to ask Meta AI for real-time updates on their workout, eliminating the need to check their watch or phone. There’s also an autocapture feature that automatically records key moments, such as hitting a milestone distance. While I encountered some issues with the Garmin integration during my testing, Meta has assured users that these will be resolved in future updates.

Design: Style Meets Functionality

The Oakley Meta Vanguard’s design is a bold departure from traditional sunglasses. The visor-style frame is a signature Oakley look, and it’s particularly popular among athletes. The glasses come in vibrant color options with an iridescent sheen, making them a stylish choice for outdoor activities.

However, there’s a significant caveat: the Vanguard does not support prescription lenses. This means that users who require vision correction will need to wear contact lenses or opt for the Oakley Meta HSTN, which does offer prescription support.

Despite the lack of prescription options, the Vanguard’s larger frame provides better weight distribution, making it more comfortable to wear for extended periods. The addition of a customizable action button adds convenience, allowing users to trigger specific functions like hyperlapse recording with ease.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Splurge?

The Oakley Meta Vanguard is a compelling option for athletes and fitness enthusiasts who value style, performance, and advanced features. Its integrations with Garmin and Strava, along with its high-quality camera and audio, make it a standout choice in the smart glasses market. However, the lack of prescription support and the high price tag may deter some potential buyers.

If you’re someone who loves the visor-style design and is looking for a fitness-focused smart glasses experience, the Oakley Meta Vanguard is worth considering. On the other hand, if you prefer a more understated look or require prescription lenses, the Oakley Meta HSTN might be a better fit.

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