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I replaced my Meta Ray-Bans with the Oakleys for a week - and they're better in every way

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Meta Oakley HSTN Smart Glasses ZDNET's key takeaways The latest smart glasses by Meta are on sale for $339 (or $407 for Transitions lenses) at Best Buy.

They feature an enhanced design optimized for outdoor use, have upgraded camera resolution, and better battery life.

They're fairly expensive, and the style might not appeal to some users. View now at Meta View now at Best Buy more buying choices

The Meta Ray-Bans have been a success since their launch, with consumers (like me) drawn to their regular form factor packed with mics, cameras, speakers, and AI. Now, Meta is catering to a more athletic audience with its new Meta Oakley smart glasses -- and with them, it has upped the ante across nearly every spec.

As a glasses wearer, photo fanatic, and AI reporter, it was an absolute no-brainer for me to purchase the Meta Ray-Bans. After months of trying them, I was mostly impressed. My biggest qualm was the battery life, which only lasted four hours.

Also: Watch out, Meta: Samsung just confirmed its smart glasses plans (with some spicy hints)

So, when Meta announced the Oakley version would have eight hours of battery life, I was immediately intrigued. I spent the past weekend with the Meta Oakley HSTN Limited Edition, and they exceeded my expectations.

First and foremost: more power

Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET

There are many practical reasons an athlete would want to wear smart glasses, including hands-free access to music, messages, AI assistance, a camera, and video. However, this means that the glasses have to be comfortable, durable, and have a battery that lasts the duration of your activity.

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