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Meta Unveils Oakley Meta Vanguard: Next-Gen Athletic Smart Glasses at Meta Connect 2025

In a strategic display of innovation, Meta revealed its latest Oakley Meta Vanguard smart glasses at Meta Connect 2025. Targeting athletes such as runners and cyclists, these state-of-the-art glasses are priced at $499 with an official launch scheduled for October 21, underscoring Meta’s determination to expand its influence in the wearable technology market.

Revolutionary Design and Enhanced Imaging

The Oakley Meta Vanguard departs from conventional smart eyewear designs by featuring a large unified front lens, replacing the dual-camera setup found in earlier models like the Oakley Meta HSTN. This breakthrough design enables superior 3K video capture and is equipped with a 12-megapixel camera complemented by a 122-degree wide-angle lens, setting new standards for visual connectivity and content creation.

Intelligent Functionality Tailored for Athletes

Engineered with the active user in mind, these smart glasses incorporate a programmable button that activates custom AI prompts via the Meta AI app. Thoughtfully positioned beneath the frame, the controls ensure compatibility with helmets, providing uninterrupted functionality during vigorous activities. The device promises up to nine hours of battery life, six hours of continuous music playback, and an accompanying charging case that extends usage by an additional 36 hours, with a rapid charge reaching 50% in just 20 minutes.

Superior Audio Experience and Connectivity

Meta has elevated the audio performance of the Oakley Meta Vanguard by integrating powerful open-ear speakers that outperform previous models by six decibels. A sophisticated five-microphone array, optimized to suppress wind noise, supports clear voice interactions, whether for calls or commands via Meta AI. The glasses boast an IP67 rating, ensuring robust dust and water resistance essential for intense physical activities.

Integration With Fitness Ecosystems

This new release also highlights seamless integration with established fitness platforms. Compatibility with Garmin smartwatches allows users to access key metrics such as heart rate and pace in real time, while Strava integration enables the graphical overlay of performance data onto captured images and videos. Available in four distinct color and lens options, the Oakley Meta Vanguard combines high-performance functionality with refined aesthetics.

Expanding Global Footprint

Initially offered in the United States, Canada, U.K., Ireland, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Australia, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, Meta plans to broaden its market presence later this year with launches in Mexico, India, Brazil, and the United Arab Emirates. This rollout follows Meta’s recent unveiling of the Oakley Meta HSTN smart glasses, which marked its first foray into athletic smart eyewear.

In addition to the Oakley collection, Meta introduced new Ray-Ban branded smart glasses featuring a built-in display for apps, photos, and navigation, alongside the Ray-Ban Meta 2 upgrade boasting double the battery life and 3K Ultra HD video capabilities. These moves collectively signal Meta’s expanding role in the convergence of digital technology and lifestyle, setting the stage for a new era of connected wearables.

Robust Cyprus Construction Activity Bolsters Vassilico Cement’s 2025 Performance

Vassilico Cement Works Public Company Ltd reported a net profit of €35.52 million for 2025, supported by strong construction activity in Cyprus. Company profit reached €34.99 million, reflecting higher revenues and improved operating performance.

Domestic Market Growth Driven By Cyprus Construction

Group revenue rose to €152.75 million, while company revenue reached €152.66 million, up 11% year on year. Growth was driven by increased sales volumes in the domestic market, where construction activity remained strong throughout the year.

Enhanced Production Efficiency And Cost Management

Gross profit increased to €50.30 million at group level and €50.21 million at company level, compared with €42.49 million in 2024. The improvement reflects gains in production efficiency and cost control, supported by higher use of alternative fuels and improved electricity efficiency. These measures reduced unit costs while supporting environmental targets.

Executive Insights And Macroeconomic Outlook

Executive Chairman Antonis Antoniou said strong domestic demand supported production volumes, with the company maintaining focus on the local market and managing exports selectively. He added that favorable economic conditions in Cyprus contributed to performance, despite regulatory pressures in Europe and broader geopolitical uncertainty.

Navigating Energy And Regulatory Challenges

Future performance will be influenced by energy market volatility and European climate policy, including carbon pricing and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. Rising fuel and electricity costs continue to affect energy-intensive industries.

The company is expanding its renewable energy capacity, with a photovoltaic park reaching 16MW and plans for an additional 8MW, subject to grid connection. The investments aim to improve cost stability and energy efficiency.

Shareholder Returns And Strategic Investments

The board approved an interim dividend of €0.15 per share, totaling €10.79 million, on September 25, 2025. A final dividend of €16.55 million, or €0.23 per share, will be proposed. Combined, total dividends amount to €27.34 million, or €0.38 per share.

Management said the company will continue focusing on efficiency, cost control and sustainability as it navigates energy market pressures and regulatory requirements.

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