Meta's Oakley Vanguard Glasses: New Features for Fitness and Music Lovers
Meta has rolled out an update for its Oakley Vanguard smart glasses, introducing features that cater to fitness enthusiasts and music lovers. The update, v21, is first available to those in Meta's Early Access program, with a wider release planned for later.
Hands-Free Garmin Workouts
The new update brings hands-free Garmin workouts to the glasses. Users can now create custom running or biking workouts directly from the glasses by using voice commands. For instance, one can say:
- "Hey Meta, create a 30-minute run at 10 minutes per mile."
- "Hey Meta, I'm going for a bike ride."
This feature is a convenient addition for those who prefer to keep their workouts streamlined and distraction-free.
AI-Powered Spotify Integration
Another standout feature is the AI-powered Spotify integration. Users can now ask the glasses to play a song that matches their current view. The AI generates a personalized Spotify playlist based on what the glasses see. This feature is available in several countries, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia, among others.
Conversation Focus Feature
The update also includes a Conversation Focus feature, which amplifies the voice of the person you're talking to in noisy environments. This feature is particularly useful for those in crowded or loud settings. Users can activate it by saying:
- "Hey Meta, start conversation focus."
or by assigning a tap-and-hold function. The amplification level can be adjusted with a swipe on the temple.
Voice Shortcuts
Voice Shortcuts are another new addition, allowing users to issue commands like:
- "photo"
- "video"
- "music"
without having to say "Hey Meta" each time. This feature is especially helpful for those engaged in activities where using hands or shifting focus is not ideal. Users will need to enable this feature manually in the Meta app.
Expanded Language Support
Additionally, the update expands language support for music control. Native speakers of French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish can now control music apps like Amazon Music, Apple Music, Shazam, and Spotify using voice commands in their native languages.
Challenges and Commitment
While the new features are impressive, it's important to note that the glasses are still facing challenges, particularly in the cruise ship market. Despite this, the update shows Meta's commitment to enhancing the user experience for its smart glasses.
