Forget Ray-Ban and Oakley – this is the Meta smart glasses collab I can't wait for

It's time for smart glasses to be luxurious

Ray-Ban Meta Headliner
(Image credit: Future)
Quick Summary

This Meta collaboration could be better than Ray-Ban and Oakley.

And it could make a big change in the world of tech.

There's no denying the prevalence of smart glasses these days. Every major tech brand seems to have an idea of how to make the tech work best, with promises of exciting developments in the coming years.

There's more coming in that arena, too. The brand are working on a similar collaboration with Oakley, with those said to be aimed at athletes. According to a report from CNBC (via 9to5Google) the brand has taken this stance after seeing Ray-Ban users recording themselves playing sports.

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The Oakley models are said to be more costly – around US$360 (approx. £265 / €315 / AU$555) – on account of a higher weather resistance rating. That will certainly be handy for those engaged in intense activity.

Ray-Ban Meta Headliner

(Image credit: Future)

Still, for me, it's not the most exciting part. That's because a similar partnership is said to be in play with Prada. The eyewear side of that brand is licensed through EssilorLuxottica – as are Ray-Ban and Oakley.

For me, this is the most significant development of the three. While Ray-Ban will always be first and Oakley sounds like it will have some of the better tech, Prada could do something which has long been the struggle for tech – make it sexy.

Pairing with a luxury brand is the perfect way to move smart glasses out of the nerdy plaything realm and place it into a much more desirable arena. There's no word on when the Prada collaboration is going to hit the market, but for me it can't come soon enough.

I recently got a pair of Cartier glasses from a luxury online optician, and the Prada Meta smart glasses would make a handsome pairing for those frames.

Sam Cross
Senior Staff Writer

Sam Cross is an award-winning journalist, with nine years of experience in the media industry. His work can be found in publications as diverse as Oracle Time, Metro and Last Word on Sports.

Here at T3, Sam is best known as the brand’s go-to guy for all things luxurious – from exquisite watches to fine fragrances; the latest performance vehicles to intricate audio equipment, and more.

He’s often found travelling around the world to test new launches, complete with high-end backpacks and suitcases in tow. And when he’s not adding to his air miles, Sam can be found in front of a video camera, bringing his distinctive brand of storytelling to T3’s social media channels.

Sam also loves all things analogue including listening to music on vinyl or cassette, and photography on vintage film cameras.

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