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.
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