Key Points
- Performance Tech: Unlike the lifestyle oriented Ray,Ban Meta, the Vanguard is a wraparound sports frame with an IP67 rating and Prizm lens technology.
- Superior Capture: The centrally placed 12MP camera supports first, person POV recording in up to 3K resolution with advanced stabilization.
- India,First Features: The device includes full Hindi language support for Meta AI and voice, controlled UPI Lite payments up to ₹1000 per transaction.
- Athletic Intelligence: Real time integration with Garmin devices allows athletes to hear heart rate and pace metrics via open,ear speakers.
- Battery & Price: Starting at ₹52,300, the glasses offer 9 hours of mixed use, extendable to 36 hours with the included charging case.
The convergence of professional sports gear and artificial intelligence has reached a new milestone in India with the official debut of the Oakley Meta Vanguard. Launched on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, these smart glasses represent a specialized “Performance AI” category, designed specifically for the rigorous demands of athletes, runners, and cyclists. While previous iterations focused on lifestyle aesthetics, the Vanguard is engineered for high-intensity environments.
Designed for the Extreme
The Oakley Meta Vanguard departs from traditional smart eyewear designs by utilizing a robust wraparound frame inspired by Oakley’s signature Vanguard line. Weighing 66 grams, the glasses feature an IP67 rating, ensuring they are fully resistant to dust, sweat, and heavy rain. The integrated Prizm lens technology is optimized to enhance contrast and clarity, protecting the wearer from bright sunlight, wind, and debris during high-speed activities like cycling or skiing.
A key hardware addition is the “Action Button,” which provides tactile control over camera modes, alongside a secondary customizable button on the underside of the frame arms.
Advanced POV Capture and Immersive Audio
At the heart of the device is a centrally positioned 12,megapixel ultra,wide camera with a 122,degree field of view. It enables hands,free recording from a true first,person perspective, supporting 1080p video at 60fps and a high,resolution 3K mode. To assist athletes in documenting their performance, the camera includes dedicated modes for slow motion and hyperlapse, with adjustable stabilization to ensure smooth footage even on rough terrain.
For audio, the Vanguard features open,ear speakers that are six decibels louder than the previous Oakley Meta HSTN model. This increase in volume is intended to cut through traffic noise and headwinds. A five,microphone array is also included to suppress wind noise, ensuring clear voice commands and calls even at speeds up to 50kph.
Localized for the Indian Market
Meta has introduced several features specifically for Indian consumers. The Meta AI assistant now fully supports Hindi, allowing users to ask questions, send messages, and control media using Hindi voice commands. Furthermore, the glasses support UPI Lite payments, enabling users to complete small value transactions up to ₹1000 entirely through voice interaction.
In a notable cultural collaboration, Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has been added as a selectable AI voice. Users can now choose to have the assistant respond to queries and provide performance updates in the actress’s voice.
Athletic Intelligence and Ecosystem Integration
The Vanguard introduces “Athletic Intelligence” through deep integration with the Garmin ecosystem. By syncing with compatible Garmin smartwatches or the Strava app, users can receive real,time audio feedback on metrics such as heart rate, pace, and power zones. A status LED positioned in the wearer’s peripheral vision also provides a quick visual cue of performance targets, allowing athletes to stay informed without breaking their stride.
Pricing and Availability
The Oakley Meta Vanguard is priced starting at ₹52,300 and is available in four distinct frame and lens combinations, including Prizm 24K and Prizm Sapphire options. The device includes 32GB of internal storage and supports high,speed connectivity via Wi,Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. The glasses are now available across India at Sunglass Hut, LensCrafters, and leading optical retail chains.
