**Meta Broadens Smart Glasses Range through Oakley Alliance**
Meta is poised to expand its smart glasses range, moving beyond the well-received Ray-Ban partnership with a new collaboration with Oakley. An official Instagram account titled “Oakley | Meta” has emerged, suggesting a product release planned for June 20. This joint effort has been in the making since January when reports surfaced about Meta working on smart glasses under the Oakley name, specifically tailored for athletes and cyclists.
In contrast to the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses, which incorporate a subtle camera embedded in the temple for everyday usage, the forthcoming Oakley version is said to feature a centrally located camera. This design is more reminiscent of action cameras like GoPro, appealing to users who need robust recording functions while participating in sports or outdoor pursuits.
### The Smart Glasses Market Environment
The smart glasses market is rapidly gaining traction. Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses have surpassed expectations, achieving over 2 million units sold and plans to escalate production to 10 million annually by 2026. This increase in demand aligns with the growing enthusiasm for AI-enhanced devices.
Google has also made its move, declaring collaborations with eyewear brands like Warby Parker and Gentle Monster to create smart glasses powered by Android XR. Concurrently, Apple is reportedly expediting its own smart glasses initiative, targeting a launch by late 2026. The inaugural version of Apple’s smart glasses is predicted to feature AI-enhanced functionalities, such as real-world scene analysis, voice commands through Siri, and a variety of multimedia capabilities.
Apple’s smart glasses are expected to come equipped with cameras, microphones, and speakers, drawing parallels with Meta’s products, although insiders indicate that Apple’s variant might offer superior build quality.
### Conclusion
The wearables sector is advancing swiftly, and with Meta’s successful foray into smart glasses, rivals like Google and Apple are also enhancing their efforts. The forthcoming release of the Oakley | Meta smart glasses marks a significant moment in this rapidly growing industry. As companies vie to innovate and seize market presence, the pressure mounts on Apple to provide a compelling device that integrates smoothly with its current ecosystem. The forthcoming months will be critical as the smart glasses market continues to evolve.
