Short introductionDive into the cutting-edge world of wearable tech with Oscar Vail, a renowned technology expert whose passion for innovation spans quantum computing, robotics, and open-source projects. With a finger on the pulse of the industry, Oscar recently got hands-on with the Oakley Meta Vanguard AI sports glasses, a game-changer for fitness and adventure enthusiasts. In this interview, we explore his firsthand experience with these high-tech glasses, from their design and comfort to the seamless integration of AI and fitness tracking features. We also delve into how they perform during physical activity and their potential for extreme conditions.
What initially drew your attention to the Oakley Meta Vanguard AI sports glasses when you first tried them on?
Honestly, the first thing that struck me was their bold design. Unlike typical smart glasses, these have a removable prismatic visor instead of standard lenses, which immediately gives them a futuristic, action-ready vibe. I was also intrigued by the promise of AI integration and the ultra-wide camera built right into the frame. It felt like a blend of high-performance sportswear and cutting-edge tech, and I couldn’t wait to see how that played out during a workout.
How did the glasses feel on your face while you were testing them on the treadmill?
They felt surprisingly comfortable, even though I’m not used to wearing something with a visor. The weight distribution was nice, and they didn’t bounce around or dig into my skin, which is a big plus during movement. It took a minute to adjust to the visor’s fit, but once I got going on the treadmill, I barely noticed them. They’re clearly built with activity in mind.
Can you describe your experience with the removable prismatic visor and how it impacted your test run?
The visor was a standout feature for me. It’s snug without being claustrophobic, and it stayed in place even as I picked up my pace a bit. It also did a great job of shielding my eyes, almost like a high-end sports goggle, but with the bonus of not fogging up during my short trot. I can see it being really handy for outdoor activities where glare or debris might be an issue.
What was your impression of the three-point fit design during your test?
The three-point fit is clever—it grips at key spots to keep the glasses secure without feeling overly tight. During my light run, they didn’t budge at all, which gave me confidence that they’d hold up during more intense activities. It’s a thoughtful design for anyone who’s pushing their limits and doesn’t want gear slipping around.
Given their IP67 rating for durability, how do you think these glasses might perform in harsher environments like snow or water sports?
Even though I only tested them indoors, the IP67 rating suggests they’re built to handle tough conditions like dust, snow, or splashes during water sports. The frame feels sturdy, and the button placement on the underside of the stems seems designed to protect against the elements. I’d wager they’d hold up well on a ski slope or during a kayak session, though I’d love to push them to the limit in those scenarios myself.
How did the ultra-wide camera perform when you captured photos and videos during your test?
The 12MP camera with 3K video capability was impressive for something embedded in glasses. The field of view is wide enough to capture a lot of action without distortion, and the clarity was solid for casual use. I didn’t notice any major issues like blurriness, though I wasn’t moving at breakneck speed. It’s a neat feature for documenting a workout or adventure on the fly.
You experimented with the hyperlapse mode while walking around. What did you think of the results?
The hyperlapse mode was fun to play with. I walked around the venue to test it, and the output was a snappy, condensed video that captured the movement well. It wasn’t groundbreaking since I wasn’t going fast, but I could see it being awesome for longer treks or dynamic activities where you want to compress time. I was pretty happy with how easy it was to activate and review.
What was your take on the image stabilization feature during your video recording?
Since I wasn’t moving too quickly, the stabilization didn’t have much to do in my case. It worked fine for what it was, but I think it’s really meant for high-action scenarios like biking or running downhill where shaky footage is a bigger issue. I’d say it’s a feature that’ll shine more when you’re pushing the glasses to their full potential.
How was the audio experience with the open-ear speakers, especially with their boosted volume?
The speakers, with up to 6db of volume, were a pleasant surprise. I could hear my music clearly over the ambient noise of the treadmill area, and when Meta AI responded to my prompts, the voice was crisp and easy to understand. It’s loud enough without being intrusive, which is perfect for staying aware of your surroundings during outdoor activities.
You mentioned some challenges with the button placement on the stems. Can you dive deeper into that experience?
Yeah, the buttons are on the bottom edges of the stems, which makes sense for protecting them in rough conditions, but it threw me off at first. I fumbled a bit trying to find the right one without looking, especially mid-stride. I think with more use, I’d get the hang of it, but initially, it felt like a small design hiccup for quick access during activity.
Can you share how the customizable Action button enhanced your interaction with the glasses?
The Action button on the left stem was a nice touch. I set it up for a couple of quick presets, like starting a video or snapping a photo, and it streamlined things while I was on the move. It saved me from fumbling with voice commands or other controls, which was handy. It’s the kind of feature that becomes second nature once you tailor it to your needs.
What was it like interacting with Meta AI hands-free during your test, especially for tasks like checking stats or recording?
Interacting with Meta AI hands-free was pretty slick. I could just ask it to record a video or pull up my stats without breaking stride, which felt futuristic and practical. Switching to a simple command like “Stats” instead of “Hey Meta” made it even smoother. It’s a real game-changer for staying focused on your activity while still getting real-time info.
How did the integration with a Garmin Watch for tracking heart rate and progress add to your experience?
The Garmin Watch integration was seamless and added a lot of value. I could check my heart rate and progress right through the glasses via voice prompts, and later overlay those stats on my video footage. It felt like having a personal coach right there with me, even if my stats weren’t exactly impressive during a light trot. It’s a feature that fitness enthusiasts will love.
What’s your forecast for the future of AI-integrated sports glasses like these in the fitness and adventure space?
I think we’re just scratching the surface with AI-integrated sports glasses. As AI gets smarter and more intuitive, I foresee these devices becoming essential for athletes and adventurers—think real-time coaching, hazard detection, or even augmented reality overlays for navigation during a race or hike. Battery life and camera tech will keep improving, too. In a few years, I expect these to be as common as smartwatches are now in the fitness world.
