Meta Unveils Oakley Smart Glasses: Week in Review
▼ Summary
– Meta and Oakley launched smart glasses for $399, featuring 3K video recording, music playback, call handling, and Meta AI integration, with a limited-edition model at $499.
– Wix acquired Base44, a profitable no-code AI web app tool, for $80 million due to its rapid success as a solo-founded startup.
– Finland activated the world’s largest sand battery, storing heat in a low-cost silo system to power a town’s heating and reduce carbon emissions.
– VanMoof released its first post-bankruptcy e-bike, the S6, with McLaren tech and improved features, aiming to avoid past design-related issues.
– SpaceX’s Starship rocket exploded during a test, delaying its next launch, marking another setback for the ambitious mega-rocket program.
Meta and Oakley have launched a groundbreaking pair of smart glasses that blend cutting-edge technology with premium design. Priced at $399, these glasses feature 3K video recording, music playback, call handling, and Meta AI integration, offering double the battery life of previous Meta-Ray-Ban models. For those seeking exclusivity, a limited-edition Oakley Meta HSTN version will hit the market on July 11 for $499.
In startup news, Wix made waves by acquiring Base44 for $80 million, a remarkable feat for a six-month-old, solo-founded company. The no-code AI platform had already turned profitable, proving its value as a tool for rapid web app development.
Meanwhile, Finland is pioneering sustainable energy with the world’s largest sand battery, a low-cost solution using repurposed soapstone to store heat for weeks. This innovation powers Pornainen’s heating system while slashing carbon emissions, demonstrating that simple, eco-friendly alternatives can rival high-tech options.
VanMoof has reemerged with its S6 e-bike, marking its first release since bankruptcy. Despite past struggles with custom designs, the company is doubling down on its signature style, now backed by McLaren technology and an expanded repair network. The new model promises enhanced performance and reliability.
In space tech, Baiju Bhatt’s Aetherflux has secured $60 million to develop orbital solar power transmission. With a demo satellite launching next year and DoD support, the startup aims to turn sci-fi concepts into reality.
SpaceX faced another setback when a Starship rocket exploded during testing, delaying its next launch. Though no injuries occurred, the incident underscores the challenges of developing next-generation space vehicles.
Spotify enthusiasts may finally see progress on the long-awaited lossless audio tier, with recent app code updates hinting at active development. However, after years of delays, patience remains key.
Digg is making a comeback with a revamped iOS app, positioning itself as an AI-driven alternative to Reddit. Features include curated communities, AI summaries, and gamified engagement tools like “Gems” and leaderboards.
The U.S. Navy is streamlining startup collaborations, focusing on AI, GPS, and system upgrades to drive innovation. By cutting bureaucracy and prioritizing real-world impact, it’s becoming a magnet for tech disruptors.
In the AI talent wars, Mark Zuckerberg is offering up to $100 million to lure experts from OpenAI and DeepMind. Yet OpenAI’s Sam Altman remains confident, emphasizing mission-driven loyalty over financial incentives.
And in a twist of viral marketing, Cluely’s YC after-party became an overnight sensation, despite being shut down before it even began. The non-event drew 2,000 hopeful attendees, proving that hype alone can make headlines.
From smart wearables to space lasers, this week’s tech landscape is anything but predictable. Stay tuned for more updates as innovation continues to unfold.
(Source: TechCrunch)
