What is the story?
The Amazon Echo Frames were released pretty quickly during Amazon’s September launch event (check out our live blog from the Amazon September event for all the details), but with so much new announced, it’s not is no surprise. Nevertheless, this new generation of audio glasses from Amazon looks pretty good.
For those who don’t know, Echo Frames are an Amazon Echo device, just like the best Alexa speakers, disguised in a pair of glasses. These smart, prescription-friendly glasses offer hands-free, open-ear audio with built-in Alexa calls and functionality.
Originally launched in 2019, the latest version of Echo Frames starts from $269.99 in the US, with pricing in the UK and Australia to be confirmed. Neither the presentation nor the official press release mentioned a potential release date.
What should I know about this?
For starters, it’s better. The redesigned Echo Frames have improved battery life, providing “up to six hours of continuous media playback or talk time on a full charge.” We are a long way from the previous model which offered two hours of call time and four hours of listening time.
The revamped drivers deliver three times more bass than the previous generation and deliver sound to the ear more accurately, minimizing noise leakage and providing “up to ten times” better recognition in noisy environments or windy. Of course, it’s all hands-free: just ask Alexa to change playlists or call your contacts.
It also helps that they look great, because no one is going to want to walk around with a pair of glasses that obviously look very technological. Five new styles are available, including sunglasses, prescription-ready glasses (perfect for existing glasses wearers, like me), or blue light lens options. The glasses’ temples are 15% thinner, and premium eyewear brand Carrera is getting in on the action with two unique Alexa-enabled frame designs, ensuring the line remains fashion-forward.
What do we think?
Echo Frames never really caught on, despite the ubiquity and usefulness of smart assistants like Alexa in the home. Most phones and headphones already have virtual assistants enabled, which makes the bezels a bit redundant, especially at a premium price.
However, open-ear audio is taking a giant step forward in the world of headphones. With air conduction workout headphones like Shokz OpenFit popping up everywhere, maybe now is the time for Amazon to be able to minimize ambient audio leakage from those side speakers and deliver a truly useful and stylish product.
Style is key here. Wearable technology is slowly becoming fashionable, but it’s still in the trial and error stage, with concepts like the Honor V Purse being experimented with by brands. At first glance, the new Echo Frames actually look pretty good, and partnerships with fashion brands like Carrera could encourage more people to make the jump.
We haven’t been given many details other than a starting price – no specs or release date – so it’s impossible to say how much Carrera’s top-end specs will cost.