Key Points
- Vanguard adopts a visor‑style design aimed at high‑intensity sports.
- Speakers are six decibels louder than those on the HSTN glasses.
- Durability improves to an IP67 rating, compared with IPX4 for HSTN.
- Interchangeable lenses allow adaptation to different lighting conditions.
- Deep fitness integration with Garmin, Strava and Meta AI voice commands.
- Automatic video capture at user‑defined milestones.
- Health data syncs with Garmin Connect, Apple Health and Android Health Connect.
- Vanguard starts at $499, positioned as a premium athletic option.
- HSTN glasses start at $399 and target casual, fashion‑forward wear.
Hamish wearing the Oakley HSTN glasses
The Meta Oakley Vanguard glasses
Design and Form Factor
The Oakley Vanguard smart glasses adopt a visor‑style silhouette that differs markedly from the more angular, Wayfarer‑like appearance of the HSTN glasses. This design is intended for high‑intensity activities where keeping dust out of the eyes is essential, making the Vanguard suitable for cyclists, skiers, marathon runners and similar athletes. The HSTN glasses, by contrast, are presented as casual sport eyewear that could be worn in everyday settings.
Audio Performance and Durability
Meta states that the Vanguard’s speakers are six decibels louder than those on the HSTN model, a boost that helps the glasses be heard over wind, traffic and other ambient noise during vigorous exercise. The durability rating also improves, with the Vanguard achieving an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, while the HSTN glasses carry an IPX4 rating. This upgrade means the Vanguard can better survive harsh weather conditions.
Lens Flexibility
Unlike the HSTN glasses, which have fixed lenses, the Vanguard offers interchangeable lenses that can be swapped for different lighting or sport conditions. Meta plans to sell replacement lenses, including a low‑light option slated for future release. This flexibility allows users to adapt the eyewear to varying environments without purchasing a new frame.
Fitness Integration and AI Features
The Vanguard leverages the Meta AI app to deliver deep fitness integrations. Users can pair the glasses with compatible Garmin devices and the Strava app, enabling real‑time voice queries such as heart‑rate checks or performance summaries. The system can automatically capture video clips at predefined milestones like distance, elevation or heart‑rate thresholds, facilitating effortless content creation for social sharing. Additionally, the glasses can sync health data with Garmin Connect, Apple Health or Android Health Connect, providing consolidated health summaries within the Meta app. These capabilities are not currently available on the HSTN glasses.
Pricing and Market Position
Pricing for the HSTN glasses begins at $399, with higher‑priced variants reaching $479. The Vanguard starts at $499, reflecting its advanced hardware, louder audio, higher durability rating, interchangeable lenses and expanded fitness ecosystem. Meta positions the Vanguard as the premium choice for athletes seeking performance‑oriented smart eyewear, while the HSTN remains aimed at fashion‑first consumers.
Source: techradar.com