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Comparison of Oakley Meta HSTN Glasses and Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: Traits and Observations

The choice is not purely about aesthetics this time.

When picking a pair of spectacles, you generally decide based on style or cost. Yet, smart eyewear like Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta HSTN (pronounced “how-stuhn”) include various additional elements to evaluate, such as camera performance, battery longevity, charging efficiency, and more.

Although Oakley Meta HSTN represents a significant improvement over what made Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses successful, a noticeable price disparity exists between the two options. Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses have been frequently discounted lately, with prices dropping to approximately $240 for one pair. On the other hand, Oakley Meta HSTN is set to release on July 11 at $399, while some design options may set you back $499. That’s quite a price difference!

But do Oakley glasses justify their price? Designer labels often carry a higher cost simply due to branding, but Oakley Meta HSTN successfully delivers additional value at a higher expense. Here’s why.

Oakley Meta HSTN glasses vs. Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: Specifications

Category | Oakley Meta HSTN | Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses
— | — | —
Camera | 12MP Ultrawide | 12MP Ultrawide
Photo resolution | 3024 X 4032 pixels (Portrait default) | 3024 X 4032 pixels (Portrait default)
Video resolution | 3K (exact resolution unknown, check back for updates) | 1440 x 1920 pixels at 30 fps (Vertical default)
Water resistance | IPX4 | IPX4
Speakers | Open ear | Open ear
Interface | Touchpad on side, Meta AI for voice and camera | Touchpad on side, Meta AI for voice and camera
Microphones | 5-mic Array | 5-mic Array
Storage | Unknown (check back for updates) | 32GB; approximately 100+ videos (30 sec) and 500+ photos (3 frame burst)
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6; Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 6; Bluetooth 5.3
Compatibility | iOS; Android | iOS; Android
Battery | 8 hours per charge | 4 hours per charge: 30 minutes live streaming
Charging (glasses) case | Up to 48 hours | Up to 32 hours

Oakley Meta HSTN glasses vs. Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: Design and Aesthetics

Ray-Ban and Oakley target very distinct markets and demographics, though both brands fall under the parent company EssilorLuxottica. Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses were an excellent pick for the initial two generations of Meta smart glasses offerings. They are available in three unique Ray-Ban styles: Wayfarer, Skyler, and Headliner.

Wayfarers come in seven different hues, Skylers are offered in eight colors, and Headliners are offered in an impressive ten shades, all with a variety of lens types and colors, including options like transitions, polarized lenses, and prescription lenses.

On the other hand, Oakley Meta HSTN consists of just one primary style — the HSTN, as suggested by its name. Oakley Meta HSTN is also only available in four primary colors: Black, Warm Grey, Clear, and Brown Smoke. For each of these frame shades, you can choose from six different lens hues: Warm Grey, Clear, Grey Transitions, Ruby, PRIZM Polar Deep Water, or PRISM Polar Black.

Based on this, it’s clear that Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses cater to individuals looking for a variety of styles and shades. However, as previously mentioned, the choice isn’t solely about style. Functionality plays a part as well.

While Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses provide more aesthetic and color choices, Oakley Meta HSTN is crafted to be a sportier, performance-centric option of smart glasses. Meta explicitly states this in the “How to choose” section of its AI Glasses product page.

Regardless of the model, style, or color you decide on, all Meta AI glasses come equipped with a single camera located on one side of the front frame and a privacy LED positioned on the opposite side. They also feature over-the-ear speakers integrated into the arms of the glasses, a battery that endures for several hours, and can be recharged using the included storage case.

This storage case functions similarly to an earbud case, meaning you’ll recharge the case’s battery by connecting a USB-C cable to its port. You can then place the glasses in the carrying case whenever they require a recharge, and the case’s battery will provide multiple full charges to your glasses before needing to be replenished itself.

In any case, purchasing a pair of Meta AI glasses means acquiring a set of frames.

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Intelligent Eyewear Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2 and Various Other Renowned Platforms

Playing games on an enormous virtual screen is incredibly enjoyable, but it’s essential to have the right eyewear that pairs well with your preferred console.

At Android Central, we have a passion for smart glasses. This category possesses immense potential and encompasses a surprisingly diverse range of applications, from allowing you to capture photos and videos hands-free to enjoying movies or playing games while on the move. Wearing a pair of smart glasses makes them fantastic for daily activities.

However, choosing the ideal smart glasses can be quite challenging. You must navigate various types of glasses (AI glasses, smart display glasses, true wireless glasses, etc.), in addition to ensuring that your devices are compatible with your selection of eyewear. Typically, the best smart glasses are plug-and-play, but a handful of manufacturers complicate things unnecessarily.

I’m pointing fingers at you, Nintendo. With the Switch 2, Nintendo has once again made it challenging to connect smart glasses directly to the system for gameplay, despite the inclusion of a perfectly functional USB-C port on top.

Fortunately, I’ve tested numerous smart glasses and can precisely guide you on the combination needed to enjoy your Switch 2 games on the go, with an exquisite OLED display right before your eyes—without any neck strain! I’ve also evaluated them on various other platforms and handheld devices, including the Steam Deck, PS5, and an array of smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Here’s what you require to enjoy gaming with smart glasses while traveling!

Top smart glasses for the Nintendo Switch 2

The Switch 2 poses the greatest challenge for pairing with smart glasses because Nintendo enjoys keeping things under tight control. This issue was present with the original Nintendo Switch and, sadly, implies that you’ll likely always require some form of adapter or dock connected to your Switch 2 to utilize a pair of smart glasses.

Luckily, Viture is here to assist. A Viture Pro Mobile Dock can be connected to your Switch 2, deceiving the system into believing it’s hooked up to a TV. You’ll then attach a pair of smart glasses to the Viture dock and experience gaming on a massive virtual display. Additionally, this dock comes with a built-in 10,000mAh power bank, giving you numerous extra hours of playtime compared to the standard battery life of the Switch 2.

Naturally, like with anything related to Nintendo devices, you’ll need to take an extra step to ensure everything functions correctly the first time. Follow these instructions:

1. After acquiring your Viture Pro Mobile Dock, visit the Viture firmware update page on a PC or Mac using a Chromium-based browser (Chrome or Edge will work).

2. Connect the mobile dock to your computer with the short USB-C cable that came with your Viture dock, then hit the connect button.

3. Choose Mobile Dock from the list of devices that pops up and click connect.

4. From the list of available firmware versions, select the firmware labeled For Switch 2 Only. As of this writing, that’s version 2.01.03.0.02_20250613.

5. Press the update button to switch your Viture Pro Mobile Dock to the firmware compatible with the Switch 2.

6. If successful, a pop-up message will confirm, stating “Your firmware is now on the selected version.”

Now, your Viture Pro Mobile Dock contains the correct security keys to connect with the Switch 2. If you want it to be compatible with the original Switch again, you’ll need to revert to the older firmware. The firmware update website will specify which version is suitable for the original Switch; simply follow the above steps to switch out the firmware when necessary.

Time to choose your smart glasses! Viture clearly hopes you’ll utilize its smart glasses alongside its dock, but this dock has been crafted as a universal accessory that functions with any glasses or monitor you connect to it. I recommend the RayNeo Air 3S, as they represent the most affordable smart glasses available and feature 3840Hz PWM dimming at all brightness levels, making them a fantastic option for both your budget and your vision.

While I might typically endorse Viture Pro smart glasses, the company has a new model launching soon that you might want to hold out for. At the very least, a new release should result in significant discounts on the older version.

Xreal Air glasses also appear to work well with the dock; however, for some unknown reason, Xreal One and Xreal One Pro do not. If you attempt to connect these, you’ll simply end up with a yellow and red display. Given that these products are produced by different manufacturers, encountering compatibility issues like this is somewhat to be expected.

Xreal has an upcoming product this year called Xreal Neo, which operates quite similarly to the Viture Pro Mobile Dock, yet it won’t require firmware changes to function across various systems, including the Switch 2. At the

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Apple Reacts to User Feedback with Enhanced Battery in iPhone 17 Pro Max Leak

It won’t be much longer before Apple reveals the iPhone 17 series. With various controversies surrounding the base version, it appears the company is fully committing to the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

As per Weibo whistleblower Instant Digital, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will feature the largest battery ever seen on an iPhone: 5,000mAh. If this rumor holds true, Apple is boosting the battery capacity by nearly 7% compared to the previous high.

Interestingly, Apple has been consistently enhancing the battery life of its iPhone Pro Max models, as the current version provides 4,676mAh, followed by the iPhone 15 Pro Max with 4,422mAh and the iPhone 14 Pro Max with 4,323mAh.

While Apple could utilize this additional battery capacity alongside a more advanced A19 Pro chip, it may also indicate the company’s intent to deliver a genuine full day of battery life to users. To this day, this remains one of the most frequent grievances among iPhone users.

While Instant Digital does not clarify how Apple intends to increase the battery capacity of the soon-to-be-released iPhone 17 Pro Max, previous speculation indicates this could be one of the thickest iPhone Pro models to date. Additionally, there’s a new battery technology that Apple might implement in the iPhone 17 Air and potentially in the new Pro Max variant as well.

In the meantime, forthcoming iOS 26 features demonstrate the company’s dedication to prolonging iPhone battery lives. Here’s how the new Adaptive Power feature works: “When your battery usage is higher than normal, iPhone can make minor performance tweaks to prolong your battery life, such as slightly reducing the display brightness or permitting some processes to take a bit longer.” With prior software updates, Apple disclosed that the latest iPhone models can endure twice as many charging cycles as earlier models.

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Latest Speculations: Forthcoming MacBook Equipped with iPhone Processor, Apple Eyewear, and Additional Features

# Apple Product Speculations: A Preview

This article consolidates the most recent speculations about Apple products, emphasizing possible new launches and updates that may influence the company’s future offerings.

## New ‘MacBook’ Speculation with A18 Pro Chip

Ming-Chi Kuo has indicated that Apple is set to unveil a new 13-inch MacBook equipped with an A18 Pro chip, designed to offer a more budget-friendly option compared to the MacBook Air. This upcoming model is anticipated to come in vibrant hues like blue, pink, yellow, and silver, with a projected price bracket of $699 to $799. The expected release timeframe is late 2025 or early 2026.

### Key Points
The arrival of an economical MacBook could greatly enhance Mac adoption, especially among current iPhone users. By employing a strategy similar to its iPad series, Apple seeks to broaden its appeal to a larger audience for its Mac products.

## Vision Products Roadmap

Kuo has also detailed Apple’s strategy for head-mounted devices, showcasing a serious dedication to creating Vision-style products. Noteworthy upcoming releases include:

– **M5 Vision Pro**: Anticipated later this year
– **Vision Air**: Slated for 2027
– **Vision Pro 2**: Expected in 2028
– **Apple Glasses**: Projected for 2027
– **XR Glasses**: Intended for 2028

The M5 Vision Pro is predicted to incorporate only minor enhancements, while the Vision Air and Vision Pro 2 are expected to be lighter and more user-friendly.

### Key Points
Apple’s emphasis on Vision products indicates a long-term vision, though it may take a while for these devices to achieve mainstream acceptance. The weight and pricing of the current Vision Pro are obstacles that require resolution before widespread use can take place.

## Upcoming iPad Pro and iPad Fold Developments

Apple is rumored to unveil an M5 iPad Pro this fall, with future iterations expected to have thinner bezels akin to those on the Samsung Tab Ultra. Nevertheless, the development of the iPad Fold has reportedly been put on hold, with its launch now deferred to 2028.

### Key Points
Thinner bezels on the iPad Pro signify a natural progression of the device. However, the postponement of the iPad Fold is disappointing for users looking forward to an expanded iPad experience, especially with advancements in iPadOS.

## iPhone 17 Logo and Display Size Adjustments

Recent insights regarding the iPhone 17 series mention a minor repositioning of the Apple logo on the Pro and Pro Max variants, along with an increase in display size for the base model from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches.

### Key Points
While the logo adjustment is subtle, the expansion of screen size for the iPhone 17 could serve to distinguish it from subsequent models. This modification could streamline Apple’s display offerings and improve user experience.

## Conclusion

The speculations surrounding Apple’s future products indicate a strategic emphasis on affordability and innovation. The anticipated MacBook, Vision devices, and updates to the iPad and iPhone series highlight Apple’s persistent commitment to broadening its ecosystem and attracting a larger consumer base. As these developments emerge, they will influence the consumer technology landscape in the forthcoming years.

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Apple Set to Announce Q3 2025 Earnings Results on Thursday, July 31

### Apple Quarterly Results Announcement: Anticipations

Apple has officially revealed that it will disclose its quarterly results for the months of April, May, and June on July 31st. This disclosure coincides with anticipation from investors and analysts who are keenly looking forward to understanding the company’s performance during the third fiscal quarter.

#### Performance from Last Year

In the same quarter last year, Apple recorded a historic revenue of $85.8 billion, signifying a 4.8% increase compared to the previous year. The revenue distribution across product categories indicated remarkable growth in several areas:

– **iPad Revenue**: Rose by 24%, propelled by the release of the M4 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air.
– **Mac Revenue**: Increased by 2%.
– **iPhone Revenue**: Saw a minor drop of 1%.
– **Wearables, Home, and Accessories**: Experienced a 2% decline.
– **Services**: Maintained its trajectory of double-digit growth, reflecting a 14% rise from the prior quarter.

#### Projections for This Quarter

During the Q2 2025 earnings conference call, Apple CFO Kevan Parekh shared forecasts for the forthcoming quarter. He mentioned that the company anticipates overall revenue growth in the low to mid-single digits year over year. Furthermore, the gross margin is expected to fall between 45.5% and 46.5%, taking into account roughly $900 million in costs associated with tariffs.

Although no new products are set for launch in Q3 2025, Apple has reportedly succeeded in boosting iPhone sales in China, a market that has struggled for almost two years. In the United States, there has been a noted upswing in iPhone sales, likely attributed to the reduction of trade tensions that earlier impacted sales during Trump’s administration.

After the earnings report, Apple will conduct a conference call at 2:00 p.m. PT / 5:00 p.m. ET to examine the results and provide additional business updates.

#### Current Apple Offers on Amazon

As Apple readies for its quarterly report, a variety of products are being offered at markdowns on Amazon:

– **MacBook Air (M4), 13″ 16GB/256GB**: $849, down from $999
– **MacBook Pro (M4), 14″ 16GB/512GB**: $1,429, reduced from $1,599
– **iPad (A16), 11″, 128GB**: $299, down from $349
– **iPad Pro (M4), 11″, 256GB**: $899, reduced from $999

As the date draws near, all attention will be on Apple to determine if it can fulfill or surpass the expectations set forth by analysts and investors.

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Early Smartwatch Savings and Comprehensive Guide to Prime Day Garmin Offers

What’s stopping you when the offers are this fantastic?

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

You may have heard that Amazon’s Prime Day event is scheduled to start on July 8th and continue until the 11th, which means we’re about to see some of the finest smartwatch discounts of the year.

In fact, a selection of Garmin timepieces are already being discounted ahead of the sale, and you don’t necessarily need to be a Prime member to take advantage of most of these offers. If you’re interested in purchasing a durable fitness watch today or have any queries regarding the Amazon sale, I’ve created this guide to help you know precisely where to check when the Prime Day celebrations commence. Didn’t discover anything today? Return later: I’ll continue to update new Garmin deals as we near the major sale.

<h3

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Samsung’s Upcoming Unpacked Event Could Showcase the Launch of the Galaxy G Fold 7 Trifold Smartphone

**Galaxy G Fold 7: Samsung’s Initial Trifold Smartphone Anticipated for Unpacked Event**

Samsung is preparing to showcase its newest advancements at the Galaxy Unpacked event on July 9, with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 predicted to be a key attraction. However, speculation indicates that Samsung may also launch its first trifold smartphone, provisionally titled the Galaxy G Fold 7. This gadget could assist Samsung in contending with Chinese companies in the foldable smartphone sector.

**Comprehending Trifold Smartphones**

Trifold smartphones, such as the Huawei Mate XT, incorporate two hinges and three segments, enabling them to fold twice. Although the phrase “trifold” might create some confusion, it serves to differentiate these devices from conventional foldables.

**Aesthetics and Characteristics**

Leaks imply that the Galaxy G Fold 7 will showcase a distinctive design, wherein the screen folds inward to safeguard the display. The cover display is set to be located on the exterior of the central section. The smartphone is anticipated to boast premium specifications, including a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and a high-refresh-rate, high-resolution 10-inch display.

**Cost and Availability**

The Galaxy G Fold 7 is rumored to carry a price tag of approximately $2,970, akin to Huawei’s Mate XT. Initially, it may be restricted to availability in Korea and China, following Samsung’s approach with earlier foldable models.

Samsung’s possible revelation of the Galaxy G Fold 7 during the Unpacked event could indicate its preparedness to engage in the trifold smartphone arena, highlighting its technological capabilities against competitors like Huawei.

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Apple Investigates the Creation of Its Proprietary Cloud Services Platform to Rival AWS

# Apple’s Project ACDC: A Possible Disruptor in Cloud Services

The technology realm is lively with conjecture following a report from *The Information* about Apple’s potential plans to introduce its own developer cloud services, referred to as Project ACDC (Apple chips in data centers). This endeavor could position Apple in competition with major players like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, who now lead the cloud services sector.

## Grasping Project ACDC

Per the report by Aaron Tilley, Project ACDC intends to deliver cloud services akin to Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. The fundamental concept revolves around leasing servers driven by Apple’s proprietary silicon chips, which have already shown success in boosting the performance of Apple’s devices. This initiative signifies Apple’s assurance in its chip technology, which has notably enhanced the performance of its smartphones and laptops.

The report suggests that Apple has been considering this initiative for numerous years, with the aim of presenting a more affordable and efficient substitute to current cloud services. By utilizing its in-house chips, Apple believes it can offer enhanced performance, especially for artificial intelligence (AI) tasks.

## The In-House Journey to ACDC

A primary driving force behind Project ACDC is the performance leverage that Apple silicon brings. Apple executives have acknowledged that their chips excel at AI inference operations, which are becoming increasingly crucial as the need for high-volume AI processing escalates. The efficiency of Apple’s chips supports improved performance at reduced costs, rendering them an appealing option for developers.

Apple has already initiated the use of its chips within its data centers, beginning with the introduction of Private Cloud Compute, which caters to server-side requests for Apple Intelligence. The Siri team was among the first to benefit from this technology, enjoying enhanced accuracy and lowered costs in comparison to traditional Intel-based servers. Subsequently, other services such as Photos and Apple Music have also adopted Apple silicon for performance improvement.

Remarkably, Apple has contemplated broadening this cloud infrastructure to external developers. Rather than forming a distinct enterprise sales force, the current Developer Relations team would oversee access, aiming to provide a more seamless and user-friendly experience than competitors such as AWS and Azure.

## Present Status of Project ACDC

Despite the encouraging advancements, the status of Project ACDC remains ambiguous. The exit of Michael Abbott, the Apple executive who spearheaded the initiative, in 2023 has cast doubt on its future. Although discussions are said to have persisted into the first half of 2024, it remains unclear if the project is still underway.

This prospective cloud service aligns with Apple’s wider strategy to diversify its income sources, particularly as it confronts regulatory scrutiny regarding App Store fees and its lucrative search arrangement with Google. A developer-centric cloud service built on Apple silicon could open a fresh path for expansion, enabling developers to circumvent reliance on costly GPU instances from external suppliers.

## Conclusion

Apple’s pursuit of Project ACDC underscores the company’s aspiration to harness its technological advancements in silicon for new revenue avenues. If triumphant, this initiative could transform the cloud services landscape, providing developers with a persuasive alternative to current providers. As the situation progresses, it will be intriguing to observe how Apple maneuvers this potential expansion into cloud services.

Are you a developer? Which cloud provider do you currently utilize, and would Project ACDC catch your interest? Share your insights in the comments.

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iOS 26 Unveils New Functionality in Messages App to Address Unwanted Texts

Apple’s Messages application underwent major updates last year, and with the launch of iOS 26, users can look forward to even more improvements, especially focused on addressing the ongoing problem of spam messages.

### Messages Can Automatically Screen Your Texts for Spam in iOS 26

Although the new Liquid Glass design of iOS 26 has attracted considerable attention, the update also introduces numerous features across various applications, including Apple Wallet, Music, Notes, Reminders, and Photos. Among these advancements, the Messages app is noteworthy for its capability to filter out unwanted spam messages.

One of the key features added in iOS 26 aims to ease the annoyance caused by spam texts. As part of Apple’s wider strategy to tackle spam outreach, the Messages app now provides an option to mute texts from unknown numbers and categorize them into a separate area within the app.

When users activate this new screening option, two major adjustments take place:

1. **Silenced Notifications**: Texts flagged as potential spam will no longer produce notifications, minimizing disruptions.

2. **Separate Section for Spam**: These messages will be stored in a dedicated space, allowing users to view them without crowding their main conversation interface.

This functionality not only decreases interruptions but also guarantees that users can still check any filtered messages if needed. The Messages app features a filtering tool positioned in the top-right corner, allowing users to toggle between different categories of texts. The sections available are:

– Messages
– Unknown Senders
– Spam
– Recently Deleted

Users can choose to enable or disable spam screening for both Unknown Senders and Spam categories. Even though messages from unknown senders are cleared from the main view, a visual notification will inform users when there are screened texts that may need their attention, ensuring that significant messages are not missed.

As iOS 26 is launched, users are advised to consider making use of the new spam screening tools in Messages to improve their messaging experience and lessen unwanted distractions.

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Leaked Hands-On Photos Unveil Streamlined Look of Galaxy Z Fold 7

Samsung’s upcoming Fold simply couldn’t hold back its reveal.

(Image credit: Samsung)

Essential information

  • Images allegedly showing the Galaxy Z Fold 7 have surfaced on X, highlighting its packaging.
  • The smartphone appears to feature a significant redesign in its camera lenses, transitioning from black rings to glossy silver rings.
  • Images also indicate that the device is thinner, presenting a more svelte profile than the prior Fold 6 model.
  • Speculations suggest the Fold 7 could be 8.9mm thick when closed (3.9mm open), but the wait is almost over as Unpacked is on July 9.

Samsung is preparing for a busy summer Unpacked event, although it seems the audience is eager for more information.

Renowned tipster Jukanlosreve shared some purported hands-on photos of the forthcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 earlier today (July 3). The leak features three images, each highlighting various elements of the phone right out of its supposed packaging. The key alteration, which is causing quite the buzz on X, pertains to the device’s camera setup. The leak indicates that the phone has abandoned the black rings seen in the Fold 6 and the Galaxy S25 series.

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