Oakley's Meta Vanguard face the challenge of measuring up against powerhouses like GoPro, DJI, and Insta360 in the action camera market.
Oakley, a leading brand in sports eyewear, has entered the world of smart glasses with the launch of the Meta Vanguard Performance AI glasses. These innovative glasses, designed for athletes engaged in high-intensity sports such as cycling, running, and skiing, offer video recording capabilities up to 3K/30fps, 1080p at 60fps or 30fps, and 720p/120fps slow-motion. The Meta Vanguard glasses feature adjustable electronic image stabilization and IP67 dust- and water-resistance, ensuring durability during intense workouts. They also boast a five-mic array and louder speakers for hands-free call and update functionality. Weighing just 66g, the Meta Vanguard glasses come with Oakley's PRIZM lenses, making them suitable for various sports. They also offer a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera with a 122° field of view. Pre-orders for the Oakley Meta Vanguard AI glasses are open now via Oakley's official website, and shipping begins on October 21, 2025. The glasses are priced at £499/ $499 (~AU$751.17), making them a competitive option in the market. However, for cinematic edits or extreme sports where stabilization and durability are critical, traditional action cameras like the GoPro HERO 13 Black (which pushes 5K resolution) or the DJI Osmo Action 5 (with horizon-levelling stabilization up to 240fps) may still be preferred. These cameras offer swappable batteries, accessory mounts, and pro-level controls like log profiles and external mic support. The Insta360 X5, for instance, offers an impressive 8K resolution, but the compact Insta360 Go 3S, which can be mounted on various surfaces and offers 4K @ 30fps video recording, weighs only 39.1g. The Meta Vanguard glasses also integrate with platforms like Strava for fitness tracking and performance stats, making them a valuable tool for everyday athletes who want to capture rides, runs, or gym sessions without extra gear. In conclusion, the Oakley Meta Vanguard AI glasses offer a promising blend of technology and sports performance, providing athletes with a new way to document and enhance their training. As technology continues to evolve, it's likely that these smart glasses will match action cams with higher resolutions, optical stabilization, or modular add-ons, further blurring the line between the two.
