Street running: Meta glasses serve as personal dashcams

Nick, a writer for 9to5Google, uses Meta smart glasses to record video while running on public roads. The setup functions as a personal dashcam, capturing footage of cars and crosswalks to document potential accidents.

Nick started running this summer without prior expectation. They frequently accelerate when crossing streets to avoid traffic, even at marked crosswalks. This habit created a need for documentation. Cars have dashcams, but pedestrians do not.

Holding a phone while running proved impractical. Storing it in a pocket or armband holster did not allow for quick access during an incident. Nick realized the camera built into their Meta glasses solved the problem. They already wore the devices to capture clips for Strava with smartwatch health data overlays.

The process requires minimal effort. Nick wears either a Meta Nova pair or Oakley Meta HSTN pair during runs. When a vehicle approaches, they hold the camera button to start recording. They press the button again after crossing the road to stop the clip manually.

The glasses record in three-minute segments, ensuring footage does not end before a problem occurs. Video files remain on the device until it reconnects to a phone, at which point they sync automatically. Nick describes the method as effortless insurance against mishaps.

Nick states they would likely avoid buying new glasses without a camera today. They acknowledge criticism of the feature but believe the utility outweighs the drawbacks. For runners considering the setup, Nick recommends the Oakley Meta HSTN for its tight fit and runner-specific design.

Budget-conscious buyers should look at unbranded Meta models, which Nick says offer no functional difference from premium pairs. Those who prefer to avoid Meta hardware can consider Rokid AI Glasses, which Nick identifies as the best alternative available.