Oakley Meta HSTN AI glasses will be available in India from December 1. The launch marks another attempt to fold artificial intelligence into everyday eyewear, this time targeting athletes and fitness-driven consumers rather than early adopters chasing novelty.
The glasses combine Oakley’s performance-focused design with Meta’s AI platform, creating a hybrid somewhere between sports sunglasses and a voice-controlled assistant. A built-in camera allows hands-free photo and video capture, while open-ear speakers pipe audio without sealing off the outside world, a feature likely to appeal to runners and cyclists who need environmental awareness. Oakley says the glasses can withstand sweat and light rain.
Battery life is pitched as a full day’s use for typical activity, with claims of up to eight hours of operation and a standby time of 19 hours. A bundled charging case provides an additional 48 hours of power, though real-world figures will depend on how heavily users rely on the camera and AI features. The eyewear can record 3K video, a resolution that may help it stand out at a time when most smart glasses still favour modest imaging.
Much of the device’s functionality hinges on Meta’s assistant. Users can trigger the AI with the now-familiar “Hey Meta” prompt to ask questions.
In a nod to India’s linguistic diversity, the glasses support full interaction in Hindi. The feature, powered by Sarvam’s language tools, allows users to issue commands, request information, record content and manage calls without switching to English. Meta is also rolling out a set of celebrity-themed AI voices, with Deepika Padukone among the first recognisable voices available to Indian users.
Another feature currently being tested hints at a future in which wearables play a greater role in digital payments. Meta says UPI Lite transactions may soon be possible directly from the glasses: Users would look at a QR code and issue a voice command to complete a payment via their WhatsApp-linked bank account.
Whether the Meta HSTN becomes a useful training companion or simply another tech curiosity will depend on how seamlessly these features blend into daily routines. For now, Oakley is betting that India’s athletes (and commuters) are ready to find out. Prices start at ₹41,800.