When Meta introduced its retail concept, Meta Lab, in 2024, it established a commitment to creating walk-in experiences that invite consumers to explore the real-world applications and possibilities of AI glasses. This year, Meta Lab is back, with a storefront in Las Vegas and the grand reprisal of the West Hollywood 8600 Melrose Ave flagship. Both locations spotlight the new Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses and Neural Band, Ray-Ban Meta glasses (Gen 2), along with the Oakley Meta HSTN and Oakley Meta Vanguard glasses. With exciting product drops, in-store activations, VR demos, recreational and educational programming and experiential displays, Meta Lab continues to celebrate the reinvention of eyewear at a communal level.
Meta Lab’s stunning experiential storefront on Los Angeles’ Melrose Ave opened to the public last November, featuring the popular Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses. This year, it returns as the brand’s first-ever dedicated flagship, open to the public starting November 1. To mark its arrival, Meta Lab teamed up with Hypebeast and LA’s skateboarding community, inviting Ruby Lilley, Na-Kel Smith, Mark Oblow, Daewon Song, Briana King and Eunice Chang to spotlight the intersection of skate culture and innovation — true to the city’s counterculture DNA. Enlisting LA native and celebrated photographer and director Estevan Oriol to capture the essence of the city and its youth culture, Hypebeast and the squad met up at a skatepark to test Meta’s glasses in action, shooting content and using its AI capabilities while on the move.
Estevan Oriol
Estevan Oriol
Estevan Oriol
Estevan Oriol
Ray-Ban Meta glasses (Gen 2) offer up to 8 hours of battery life – twice as much as the prior generation – and allow you to record video in 3k ultra high definition with a 12-megapixel camera. The accessory also serves as an all-in-one alternative to a camera, earbuds and glasses, with their built-in open-ear speaker and mic.
These features carry over to the Oakley Meta line, which infuses Meta’s AI technology into the bold Oakley HSTN — a reinvention of sports eyewear equipped with a 12 MP ultra-wide camera for photo and video content, two powerful discreet open-ear Bluetooth speakers and a custom 5-mic array. The HSTN frames feature striking temple arms that provide a snug, comfortable fit.
The Oakley Meta Vanguard line also highlights Meta’s AI capabilities in an athlete-centric, wide-lens design that emphasizes sport- and weather-ready utility. Equipped with Oakley Prizm™ lenses, the Meta Vanguard glasses elevate your action-packed moments by providing real-time feedback from Meta AI and quality audio, video and photo capabilities that keep you hands-free no matter where your workouts take you. From the trails, to the slopes, to the streets, the Meta Vanguard frames are designed to enrich the experiences of outdoor enthusiasts and practiced athletes looking to unlock the utility of AI on the go.
Experience Meta Lab in person at West Hollywood’s 8600 Melrose Ave, opening November 1, and the recently-opened Las Vegas storefront to browse innovative developments in the eyewear space. Head over to the brand’s website to explore its AI glasses lineup.
