AllYouCanTech

Oakley and Meta Join Forces to Introduce Cutting-Edge Smart Glasses for Athletes

Preorders are available now, with an official release set for October 21.

Oakley and Meta have collaborated once more to unveil the Oakley Meta Vanguard, a fresh series of high-performance smart glasses aimed at athletes. Retailing for $499, these glasses are currently open for preorder ahead of their October 21 debut. The Oakley Meta Vanguard glasses feature a 12MP wide-angle camera capable of recording up to 3K video, open-ear speakers that deliver sound strong enough to penetrate winds of 30 mph, and a five-microphone array designed to minimize wind interference.

Fresh capture modes such as Slow Motion and Hyperlapse, along with customizable video stabilization, are incorporated to assist you in documenting your experiences in innovative ways. The battery life lasts approximately nine hours, supplemented by a charging case that provides an additional 36 hours, alongside the capability for a 50% quick charge in just 20 minutes.

Meta has extended beyond just the hardware. The glasses connect directly to Garmin and Strava, enabling you to request real-time statistics from Meta AI without having to pause and glance at your watch. They will even automatically capture footage during key moments, like heart-rate spikes or elevation increases, allowing you to enjoy hands-free highlight compilations.

If you’re utilizing Strava, you can impose performance data directly onto your videos and share them immediately to your feed or other social media platforms. You can also receive activity summaries after each exercise session by linking with Garmin Connect, Apple Health, or Health Connect via Android. A small LED light at the edge of your vision can also illuminate to help maintain your pace or stay in the correct zone.

To improve your workout sessions, the glasses feature open-ear speakers that are 6 decibels louder than the Oakley Meta HSTN variant. They also come equipped with a five-microphone array to lessen wind noise during calls or when interacting with Meta AI using your voice.

The wraparound PRIZM lenses from Oakley are interchangeable, launching with four frame-and-lens combinations (Black/24K, White/Black, Black/Road, White/Sapphire). They boast an IP67 rating, weigh only 66g, and are crafted to fit snugly under helmets or hats. The lenses are engineered to combat glare while safeguarding against wind and debris. Replacement lenses will cost $85, with a low-light version on the way.

At launch, the glasses will be obtainable in the U.S., Canada, UK, and the majority of Europe and Australia, with intentions to broaden availability to Mexico, India, Brazil, and the UAE later this year.

The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 Debuts with Two Major Enhancements

Longer battery duration and 3K video capabilities are on the horizon.

The Oakley Meta Vanguard Smart Glasses: An Exciting New Development

I got my previous Ray-Ban Metas to perform during workouts, yet the Vanguards are purposefully crafted for athletes. This became evident during my hands-on experience.

Meta’s smart eyewear maintains a sporty appearance, but the new Oakley Meta Vanguard truly embodies this aesthetic. I had the opportunity to test them while running on a treadmill at Meta’s campus prior to Connect, and I immediately recognized they were precisely what I had been seeking.

For years, I’ve been attempting to use the old Ray-Ban Metas as a running aide; I even wore them during a half-marathon this year. However, battery and hardware troubles rendered them a subpar partner — concerns that the new Vanguard model appears to have addressed.

The revamped fit and nine hours of battery life of the Oakley Meta Vanguard are crucial enhancements for athletes. My previous-generation Ray-Bans continually slipped down my face or jiggled on my nose while running, whereas the Vanguards remained securely in place during a treadmill sprint.

Where the previous models couldn’t be relied on to endure a lengthy workout, this version offers ample buffer to last through a marathon with continuous streaming and sporadic photos.

The integration of hardware and software

The Oakley Meta Vanguards are six decibels louder than the Oakley HSTNs. During my demonstration, I valued the rich sound above the loud noise of the treadmill and the conversations around me, ensuring the Meta AI responses were discernible.

However, beyond the hardware, what truly thrilled me was how Meta emphasized the software and less tangible features to optimize the Vanguard’s performance during runs (or any activity).

For instance: You can link a Garmin watch to your Vanguard glasses and receive your workout statistics at any moment without needing to glance at your watch and navigate through widgets.

Meta had me don a Garmin Forerunner 570 running watch and commence walking on a treadmill. I inquired, “Hey Meta, what’s my current pace?” and “What’s my heart rate?” and received swift and accurate responses, thanks to the integration of Meta AI and Garmin Connect.

As I shifted to a fast run, I could continue questioning Meta AI regarding my form and speed while keeping my gaze forward. I appreciated being able to inquire about any metric Garmin tracks, without the hassle of navigating through watch menus.

A Meta representative informed me that this feature currently supports only a handful of Garmin exercise types, such as Running and Walking, but they aim to broaden it. He added that if you’re following a Garmin course, you can set your glasses to automatically capture photos at mile markers or notable points, which is a fascinating concept.

I would love to see Meta enhance its live workout compatibility with more fitness brands in the future. For now, you can connect Meta AI with an Apple Watch or Android watch via Health Connect, and receive a personalized overview of how your activity measures up to previous performances.

While this isn’t quite as thrilling as receiving your stats mid-workout, at least it’s a free substitute to Strava AI and Garmin Connect+ summaries.

Content capture capabilities

Capturing spontaneous, stable shots during workouts is a hallmark of the Meta AI glasses, and I snapped several clear 3K photos with the Vanguard. They match the quality of current Oakley HSTN photos, but I appreciate that the 122º wide-angle lens is now centered, making it slightly easier to frame what you’re capturing.

What excites me even more, however, is that Meta is introducing new shortcut commands that you can use without the Meta AI introduction. Most notably, you can simply say “Photo” to initiate a capture, streamlining the process and increasing the likelihood of capturing an exhilarating moment.

You still have the photo/video button, but Meta has added a second customizable Action button next to it that can trigger specific shortcuts, such as slow-motion/hyperlapse videos for capturing an epic extreme-sports event, or managing your music.

Best of all, the Vanguards have an IP67 rating — compared to IPX4 on the current models — making them much more suitable for both extreme sports and routine workouts, with no concerns about rain or sweat damaging them.

Who are they intended for?

The Oakley Meta Vanguards are certainly not as suitable for everyday use as the Ray-Ban Metas or Oakley Metas; they are primarily created for workouts. But in that particular context, they are incredibly thrilling.

Wearing them at Meta Connect, I found them comfortable and tightly fitted enough that I could envision taking them on every run, safeguarding my eyes while providing the music and photos necessary to remain focused.

Meta is introducing the Oakley Meta Vanguard in Black with Prizm 24K and Road lenses, or in White with Black or Sapphire lenses. The price is set at $499/ €549/ £499 in 17 countries across North America and Europe, and preorders are open now ahead of the October 21 launch.

An Exclusive Insight into the Usage of Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses: A Personal Demonstration Encounter

My Impressions of the Neural Band Controls, High-Resolution Display, and Bulky Design Left Me Quite Impressed by How Meta Executed the Ray-Ban Display

On Wednesday, Mark Zuckerberg unveiled the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses at Meta Connect 2025. However, the day prior, Meta allowed me to experience them in a private demonstration. I viewed Instagram videos, sent messages, read live captions, and more, and I’m here to share my experience using and wearing them, as well as the aspects not evident from the specifications.

Certain features, such as the advertised six-hour battery life and IPX4 water resistance, I couldn’t test firsthand. Yet, I can evaluate the clarity of the monocular display, the comfort of the thick frames, and the experience of utilizing the sEMG band for gesture controls.

They Are Bulky, Yet Comfortable

While the Ray-Ban Meta glasses can pass as somewhat “ordinary,” these Meta Ray-Bans — note the reverse name prioritizing intelligence over aesthetics — are distinctly thick to house the display technology.

Unlike other smart glasses with notably wide temples, these maintain a cohesive appearance. Meta attributes this to “ultra-narrow steelcan batteries,” which help maintain a classic Wayfarer profile. Without the camera cutouts, one might assume it’s a fashion decision.

Assessing comfort after wearing something for only an hour is challenging, but the 69g glasses sat comfortably on my face. Meta indicates that it “rounded off the edges,” allowing the glasses to rest gently against my face instead of digging in.

As these lack nose pads, proper fitting is essential, but they are light enough that I believe users could wear them daily without discomfort. For physical activities, however, you’ll want to opt for the lighter, non-display Ray-Bans that won’t bounce during movement.

The Monocular Display is Fully Legible and Discreet

With Google’s monocular display glasses, anyone can see what you’re viewing from outside. However, with the Meta Ray-Ban Display, I got up close to a Meta engineer wearing another pair, examined from multiple viewpoints, and found no light leakage. This ensures privacy: you can check messages or videos without it being apparent (or impolite) to those around you.

I tested the 5,000-nit, 600×600, 90Hz display in both indoor and outdoor settings. Meta’s team had me look at content against a bright pavement and clear sky, and it automatically adjusted the brightness and tone, ensuring I never faced issues with readability or color clarity. Additionally, the transition lenses did not impede visibility.

These demonstration units differ slightly from my experience; it felt somewhat less centered in my sight, and the resolution appeared a bit idealized. Nevertheless, it’s closer to the truth than you might expect!

Meta claims it achieves 42 pixels per degree, outperforming the Apple Vision Pro (34 PPD) and Quest 3 (25 PPD), but only in one specific area of your vision.

What’s crucial is that I never needed to strain to read or view content, while my line of sight remained clear. Other smart glasses offer a larger display, but none are safe to utilize while driving.

Adapting to a Monocular Display is Mostly Effortless

Meta confirmed to me that they will not produce any Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses with a left-eye display, but representatives mentioned that those who are left-eye dominant have tested and appreciated them.

As a right-handed individual, I can only comment on my personal experience. There is a slight degree of “binocular rivalry,” as my left eye adjusts to the lack of input. I adapted quickly, and I prefer a monocular display since it allows Meta to keep the weight relatively low. However, it’s advisable to try them out for yourself before purchasing the Ray-Ban Displays, to determine if it bothers you.

As a side note, these glasses only accommodate a -4 to +4 prescription, a slightly narrower range than the Meta Ray-Bans; this could leave out individuals with more severe prescriptions.

The Entire Experience Relies on the sEMG Gestures

I’m accustomed to maintaining my hand in view for Quest gesture controls, but the sEMG concept is that you don’t have to; the Meta Neural Band detects electrical muscle signals to register various finger taps and swipes, even with your hand concealed. I tested this, and it was effective.

You tap your thumb and middle finger to bring up or dismiss the menu, or hold it to summon Meta AI; swipe your thumb up, down, left, or right to navigate the UI; select options by pinching; or pinch-and-twist your index and thumb to zoom in the camera viewfinder or adjust the volume on a music playlist.

I occasionally needed to swipe an additional time, or a right swipe was registered as up. But overall, it functioned as expected, and I can appreciate the allure of swiping through Instagram or WhatsApp during a meeting, undetected.

Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses Highlight Advanced Technology

With the Meta Neural Band, you practically won’t require your smartphone.

Meta has introduced its newest creation, the Ray-Ban Display smartglasses, at the annual Connect conference. These smartglasses come with a high-resolution in-lens display, enabling users to carry out tasks usually performed on a smartphone, such as checking messages and navigating, with merely a glance.

The Ray-Ban Display smartglasses are the inaugural model to offer a full-color display combined with microphones, speakers, and a camera, all crafted to operate flawlessly with Meta’s AI. The glasses are styled to be both chic and practical, resembling Ray-Ban’s Wayfarer but with a contemporary twist.

Weighing just 69 grams, the smartglasses incorporate a slight curve on the lens to minimize glare and titanium over-extension hinges for increased durability. They are powered by ultra-narrow steelcan batteries, delivering an impressive 18-hour battery life.

A notable feature is the EMG Meta Neural Band, which facilitates hands-free control by sensing muscle movements and hand gestures. This capability allows users to engage with the glasses using subtle finger motions, removing the necessity to physically touch the device.

Meta’s AI augments the glasses’ functionality, offering phone-free navigation, live translation, and messaging features. The glasses support WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, enhancing camera control and allowing users to zoom and preview shots.

Available for $799, the Meta Ray-Ban Display smartglasses, alongside the Meta Neural Band, will be released starting September 30 at select US retailers, with intentions to expand to additional countries by 2026. Offered in Black and Sand, the glasses are available in two frame sizes: standard and large.

Best Protective Cases for Samsung Galaxy S25 FE in 2025

Selecting the perfect phone case can be challenging, but this guide simplifies the process.

Early Prime Day Promotion Presents 40% Off on Leading Smart TV Substitute

The Fire TV Stick is an excellent contemporary streaming device, available in 4K without breaking the bank.

In today’s market, securing a bargain on streaming devices is more accessible than ever, even from major industry leaders. Currently, Amazon has reduced the price of the Fire TV Stick 4K by 40%, bringing it down to just below $30.

The attraction of a Fire Stick is clear to many: it simply requires the user to connect the device to their HDMI port, sign into their Wi-Fi, and voilà, they can begin streaming from their preferred services.

This plug-and-play design can also provide access to high-definition streaming with the 4K, 4K Max Fire TV Stick, and Fire TV Cube models. Alternatively, users who don’t need 4K can save a few extra dollars with the HD model, which still supports 1080p streaming.

Prime Day returns October 7th – see FAQ and deal predictions

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K: $49.99 $29.99 at Amazon

Amazon is currently offering its 4K Fire TV Stick at a discount of $20 off the regular price, which equates to a 40% savings. For anyone seeking a quick and simple streaming option for a 4K TV, $30 is a reasonable cost, and it’s hard to dispute the ease of use of Amazon’s Fire TV Sticks.

✅Recommended if: you’re in search of a straightforward plug-and-play streaming option for your 4K TV; you want a system that provides easy access to Alexa voice commands, Xbox gaming, and other contemporary features; you have subscriptions to streaming services such as Netflix, HBO Max, Disney Plus, or others, and you want to log in to these apps and start enjoying content.

❌Skip this deal if: you prefer to upgrade to the Fire TV Stick 4K Max or Fire TV Cube, or if 4K picture quality is not a priority; your TV lacks 4K resolution, and you’d prefer to save a few extra dollars by selecting the Fire TV Stick HD; you need a device that supports DVD playback or other physical media.

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K provides essential 4K streaming on compatible televisions and stands out as the top Fire TV Stick for the majority of average consumers. Like most of Amazon’s other devices in its range, it can be directly plugged into your TV to begin watching your favorite streaming platforms. The remote features hands-free voice commands via Alexa, allowing for effortless control of playback, volume, and even smart home devices.

The Fire TV Stick 4K features 8GB of internal storage for apps and 2GB of RAM, matching the other premium choices while exceeding Amazon’s HD model.

It uses Wi-Fi 6 and offers cloud gaming through Amazon Luna and Xbox Game Pass. It is also compatible with Dolby Atmos audio and includes video capabilities such as Dolby Vision and the latest HDR formats.

In summary, it’s certainly best suited for those who own a 4K TV, but for those who do, $30 is a compelling deal to access high-resolution streaming.

Why Nothing’s AI-Native Operating System Might Challenge Anticipations

A unique funding declaration does not equate to a hardware roadmap. This assertion highlights a prevalent misunderstanding within the tech sector, where news of new funding is frequently taken for comprehensive plans regarding future products. Recently, Nothing’s CEO Carl Pei revealed that the company had obtained additional funding. Although this announcement generated enthusiasm, it was not matched by an elaborate hardware roadmap. Rather, it suggested future opportunities, including the potential incorporation of AI into Nothing’s offerings.

Pei’s declaration was calculated, intended to generate excitement and curiosity without committing to particular product specifics. The statement implied that Nothing intends to introduce a new product in the autumn and is investigating AI integration. However, it refrained from offering a definitive timeline or technical details for forthcoming hardware.

This strategy is not exclusive to Nothing. Numerous tech firms utilize funding announcements to create buzz and attract interest from investors and consumers alike. Nonetheless, such announcements ought not to be confused with a hardware roadmap, which lays out a comprehensive plan for product development and launches.

In the technology field, a hardware roadmap is essential for steering product development and ensuring that new offerings align with market needs. It delineates the timeline, features, and specifications of forthcoming products, providing a transparent pathway for development teams to adhere to. In the absence of a roadmap, companies face the risk of producing offerings that do not resonate with consumer preferences or market dynamics.

While funding announcements may signify a company’s expansion and potential, they lack the comprehensive insights necessary to comprehend a company’s future products. Consumers and investors should exercise caution when interpreting these statements and seek further information, such as product specifications and launch timelines, to obtain a clearer picture of a company’s intentions.

In summary, although inventive funding announcements can spark excitement and interest, they should not be confused with a hardware roadmap. Enterprises like Nothing leverage these declarations to cultivate hype, but they must also deliver detailed plans to facilitate successful product development and alignment with market demands.

Garmin Venu 4 Brings Major Improvements to Health and Fitness Coaching

Garmin has introduced the Venu 4, its newest smartwatch with notable advancements in both hardware and software. Starting at $549, the Venu 4 comes in two sizes and features a battery life of 10–12 days. Major hardware upgrades consist of a more vibrant display, an LED flashlight, dual-band GPS, and a combination of stainless steel and polymer in its case. The watch also unveils an updated “Garmin Fitness Coach,” which provides tailored workouts for 25 different activity types, going beyond just running and cycling.

The Venu 4’s “Health Status” function tracks indicators such as heart rate variability (HRV), skin temperature, and respiration, notifying users if these indicators stray from their normal levels due to reasons like illness or physical activity. Furthermore, Garmin has launched “Lifestyle Logging,” enabling users to monitor habits like alcohol or caffeine intake, which can affect health metrics.

Enhanced sleep tracking is offered, which includes “sleep alignment” information to evaluate circadian rhythm synchronization and “sleep consistency” from the past week. These functionalities aim to deliver a holistic view of the user’s health and how lifestyle choices impact it.

Fitness aficionados will find value in the daily recommended workouts and the revamped Garmin Fitness Coach, which accommodates a broad array of indoor and outdoor activities. The “mixed session activity profile” feature permits users to document various activity types in a single session, catering to varied workout routines.

The Venu 4 also carries features from other Garmin devices, such as the ability to follow downloaded GPX routes and monitor training load and effect. However, premium features like mapping are reserved for the Venu X1.

Released on September 22, the Garmin Venu 4 is available in 41mm and 45mm sizes, with a luxurious leather band option at $599. Despite a $100 price increase compared to the Venu 3, the new features of the Venu 4 may warrant the expense for those looking for enhanced health and fitness tracking. Alongside the Venu 4, Garmin has also unveiled the Instinct Crossover AMOLED and Bounce 2 kids watch.

Android 16 Update Brings Required Auto-Themed Icons for Applications

Android 16 QPR2 to Implement Auto-Themed Icons Across Applications

With the forthcoming Android 16 QPR2 update, Google is poised to make notable adjustments to app icon theming, requiring a uniform user interface experience across all apps. This upgrade will mandate the use of auto-themed icons, employing a monochromatic filter to match the system’s theme, thus improving visual consistency.

Beginning on October 15, 2025, regulations in the Google Play Store will compel developers to ensure their app icons align with the system’s theming. This alteration is part of a wider initiative aimed at enhancing user experience by guaranteeing that all app icons conform to the Material You design standards, which developers have applied inconsistently up to this point.

With the launch of the Pixel 10 series, the Android 16 QPR2 Beta will unveil these alterations, expanding upon the Material 3 Expressive design enhancements introduced in Android 16 QPR1. The mandatory dark mode feature will also be rolled out, applying a dark theme to apps lacking native support.

Google’s newly developed icon theming engine will automatically implement a color-filtering algorithm, converting app icons to a monochrome aesthetic. This guarantees that all icons are in harmony with the selected theme, resolving prior issues where certain icons seemed out of alignment.

Developers have been officially informed of these changes, with updates to the Google Play Developer Distribution Agreement permitting users to alter app colors or themes. This initiative seeks to avert conflicts regarding brand icon modifications and shield Google from potential takedown requests.

For new developers, these guidelines came into force on September 15, 2025. Google’s enforcement of universal icon theming mirrors a similar strategy by Apple with iOS 18, representing a significant move toward a unified and visually engaging Android ecosystem.