I initially wanted to dislike the Meta Oakley Vanguard, a sleek tech gadget. With a price tag of $789, I anticipated it to be another forgettable, overpriced gadget. Meta, a social media giant, ventured into hardware manufacturing, which raised eyebrows. I questioned their expertise in hardware, suggesting they stick to their data-harvesting roots. But, as my wife often reminds me, I'm prone to being wrong. And so, I discovered a product I genuinely loved.
The Vanguard's design is a game-changer. They resemble premium sports sunglasses, a far cry from the tech-laden Google Glass. Oakley's craftsmanship is evident, with a substantial yet lightweight feel. The frames come in various colors, and the collaboration with Oakley brings sports performance to the forefront. Consumers are intrigued, as evidenced by the numerous inquiries about my 'Meta glasses'.
The camera, a standout feature, revolutionizes daily photography. While not a smartphone replacement, it enables capturing moments effortlessly. I captured stunning sunrise photos during morning runs, a feat previously unattainable. The first-person perspective adds a unique touch, making family moments more intimate. During a beach outing with my daughter, I captured her playtime from her eye-level, a memory I would have missed otherwise.
Audio quality exceeded expectations. Open-ear audio in sunglasses was a concern, but the sound quality is impressive. Rich and clear, it's ideal for music, podcasts, and calls. On runs and rides, it replaced earbuds, allowing me to hear surroundings while enjoying audio. The bass might be lacking, but at reasonable volumes, it's private and enhances outdoor awareness.
Meta's collaboration with fitness platforms like Garmin and Strava is a smart move. The integrations seamlessly overlay workout data onto videos, making content sharing effortless. The AI integration, however, needs improvement. The voice interface feels clunky, and responses are slow. Despite this, the camera and audio alone make the glasses worth considering.
Battery life is a consideration. Mixed use provides 4-6 hours, with active camera and audio use reducing it to 3-4 hours. For most activities, this is sufficient, but strategic planning is needed for all-day adventures. The charging case, though bulky, holds multiple charges, ensuring reliability.
The Vanguard's success lies in its first-generation status. It's a functional, well-designed product, a rare find in tech. The camera and audio are exceptional, and the AI features, while not perfect, are an added bonus. I'm eager to test them in cold weather, a potential challenge for action cameras.
In conclusion, the Meta Oakley Vanguard is the first smart glasses worth buying. It excels in capturing life's moments and delivering quality audio. The AI integration has room for improvement, but the camera and audio alone make it a must-have. Being wrong about disliking it feels rewarding, and I highly recommend it to parents, athletes, and anyone seeking an immersive experience beyond phone screens.
