When Ray-Ban Stories debuted  five years ago, the partnership between EssilorLuxottica and Meta rightly sparked debates about privacy and ethics surrounding recording devices that look like normal eyewear. Even with the in-built recording alert—a white LED light that activates when the glasses record—the concerns remain valid. But that hasn’t stopped subsequent generations of the AI-glasses from being a popular everyday tool. In fact, EssilorLuxottica reported more than seven million units were sold worldwide in 2025.

If you haven’t seen AI-glasses in action, you would have at least experienced them through first-person content on various social media platforms. The glasses elevated everything from vlogs to cooking to travel-related content by allowing audiences to practically see through the eyes of content creators.

For the first time in Southeast Asia, EssilorLuxottica and Meta have officially launched their collaborative efforts in Singapore. And by “efforts”, we mean almost a full rollout of the latest versions of AI-glasses.

The famed Ray-Ban Meta lands with Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2). Available in three styles—the iconic Wayfarer, Skyler, and Headliner—they are upgraded with better battery life, a 12MP camera that records in 3K Ultra HD videos, and immersive music and audio upgrades. Sleeker iterations come in the form of the Ray-Ban Meta Blazer Optics (Gen 2) and the Scriber Optics (Gen 2), which are engineered specifically for prescription wearers. Slimmer and lighter than the mainline Ray-Ban Meta glasses, they come with interchangeable nose pads as well as adjustable temple tips.

Oakley enters the chat with a duo of styles combining its expertise in performance eyewear with Meta’s AI capabilities. The Oakley Meta HSTN (that’s how-stuhn) is the more lifestyle-driven of the two, with a conventional acetate sunglass silhouette but fitted with Oakley® PRIZM™ Lens tech. Designed for more serious athletes, the Oakley Meta Vanguard is a wraparound style that features a camera (with a 124-degree wide-angle lens) right in the middle, so every action is captured front and centre. It’s also packed with eight hours of battery life... which is more than enough for a full marathon.

Both Oakley Meta styles come with a range of lenses that can easily be replaced depending on the wearer’s needs.

As one would expect, all of the AI glasses are meant to be used in tandem with the Meta AI app. Capabilities such as Live Translation and a host of other useful AI-driven tools make the AI glasses more than mere sun shields.

Of course, EssilorLuxottica has ensured that they look good as well. And when it comes to ethical use, we  leave you with this saying: “With great power, comes great responsibility.” Because the future is already here, it’s up to us to make it good.