(Credit: Meta)
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The headline reveal of this week's Meta Connect is the introduction of its first display-equipped smart glasses, but that’s not every new wearable from the social media giant. Two other launches include a reworked version of its popular Ray-Ban glasses and a new pair of Oakley shades for high-performance athletes.
The Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) is likely to be the more popular of the two models. While the design is similar to the first-gen, it comes with two big upgrades: double the battery life of the original model and support for up to 3K video capture.
The battery is said to last eight hours of typical use, and the charging case will now provide an extra 48 hours of battery life. There are also fast-charging features that can charge your glasses from zero to 50% in 20 minutes.
The camera now allows for 3K Ultra HD video capture for up to three minutes, and supports 1440p at 30fps and 1200p at 60fps.
Later this year, Meta will also add slow-motion and hyperlapse recording to all of its AI glasses, including the first-generation model. Those features should allow for creative options, and the extra battery life on the second-gen model will be helpful for longer recordings.
Existing designs for Meta’s Ray-Ban collaboration are back for this with the Headliner, Skyler, and Wayfarer versions on sale now. They start at $379 and go up from there. The first-generation glasses are still $299, and there’s no sign of them dropping despite this new release.
Oakley Meta Vanguard
Meta also introduced a new pair of smart glasses made in collaboration with Oakley designed for high-performance sportspeople. They have an action camera, work with various fitness apps, provide immersive audio, and more. “We designed everything about Oakley Meta Vanguard with input from world-class athletes, rigorously testing each feature in real conditions to make sure they were up to the challenge," Meta says.
Other features here include customized fit with a design that works alongside cycling helmets, IP67 dust and water resistance, open-ear speakers with loud audio, better microphone tech, and up to nine hours of battery life. There’s also a charging case to give you an extra 36 hours of life.
There are four new designs, starting at $499. You can preorder today, but they’re not on sale until Oct. 21.