Oakley and Meta have introduced a new category of performance AI glasses in India, bringing together Oakley's sport-centric design with Meta's expanding AI and spatial computing capabilities. The Oakley Meta HSTN series is positioned for athletes, creators and everyday users who want an always-available assistant that works during workouts, commutes and outdoor activities.
The HSTN lineup carries Oakley's performance identity with a built-in Ultra HD 3K video camera, open-ear speakers and an IPX4 rating. This allows users to record moments hands-free, listen to audio while staying aware of their surroundings and use the glasses during active or outdoor routines. The launch comes at a time when smart glasses are moving beyond novelty and starting to offer practical functionality that bridges fitness, content capture and AI-driven utility.
A key part of the experience is Meta AI, now upgraded with hands-free voice interactions, Hindi language support and upcoming UPI Lite payments. Meta is also expanding its celebrity voice roster for India with Deepika Padukone as a new AI voice option in Indian English. These additions reflect a clear localisation strategy as Meta tries to make AI eyewear relevant to daily Indian use cases.
For fitness-focused users, the glasses integrate with Strava and Garmin. This allows real-time performance tracking without looking at a phone or smartwatch during runs, cycling sessions or outdoor exploration. The battery system is designed for long usage, offering up to 8 hours of typical use, 19 hours of standby and a portable charging case that adds up to 48 hours of extra charge. This addresses a common limitation seen in most early smart glasses.
Oakley is offering six frame and lens combinations, all compatible with prescription lenses. The starting price is INR 41,800, and pre-sales begin on November 25 on the Sunglass Hut website. Retail availability begins on December 1 across major optical stores in India.
The launch signals how wearable technology is shifting toward more immersive and assistive formats. Oakley and Meta are pitching AI glasses not just as a smartphone extension but as a tool that enhances performance, convenience and real-time interaction. The response from India's growing fitness and smartwatch audience will determine how quickly this new category moves from niche interest to mainstream adoption.
