In the bustling demo area of Amazon’s fall devices event, a new range of eyewear that blurs the line between tech gadget and fashion accessory stole the show. The Amazon Echo Frames, as they’re called, look like any pair of glasses you might find at an optician’s shop. They are unassuming in their design and style, with the ability to blend seamlessly into everyday life. However, these are not your ordinary pair of spectacles. They are, in fact, the latest innovation in wearable tech, housing a range of technology in their seemingly ordinary frames.
Upon closer inspection, the Echo Frames reveal their true nature. Hidden within the arms of the glasses are batteries, PCBs, buttons, and the pièce de résistance – speakers. These components transform the Echo Frames into more than just eyewear, but a wearable device that brings the power of Amazon’s voice assistant, Alexa, closer than ever before. The new version of the frames is 15% slimmer than its predecessor, making it more comfortable to wear, but also raising questions about the thickness of the frames. However, these glasses are far from uncomfortable, passing the first hurdle of wearability with flying colors.
Amazon Echo Frames: The Next Step in Smart Eyewear
Amazon’s latest innovation, the Echo Frames, is turning heads and raising eyebrows in the technology world. These smart glasses are not only stylish but boast a host of features that set them apart from the crowd.
The Look and Feel
At first glance, the new Amazon Echo Frames might be mistaken for a regular pair of glasses. Their design is similar to what you’d find at any optician’s shop, and even the accompanying sunglasses don’t betray their techy secret. But a closer look reveals the intricate work that has gone into crafting these smart glasses. An assembly of batteries, PCBs, buttons, and most importantly, speakers, are cleverly tucked into the arms. There’s no doubt about it, these are more than just frames!
Amazon has managed to make the new Echo Frames 15% slimmer than their predecessors. However, they’re still thick enough to prompt questions from the uninitiated. Despite their bulk, the Echo Frames are surprisingly comfortable. Even without custom sizing, the various styles fit quite well, a crucial factor in ensuring user acceptance.
Alexa Up Close and Personal
One of the standout features of the Echo Frames is the integration of Alexa, Amazon’s voice assistant. While Alexa hasn’t changed, the experience of having it so close to your ears, virtually living on your face, is a unique one. Triggering Alexa hands-free might feel strange initially, but there’s no denying the convenience it offers.
Echo Frames can play music, but don’t expect high-quality sound. The tiny drivers simply can’t deliver a strong bass, making the listening experience somewhat underwhelming, especially for music enthusiasts. However, for phone calls and podcasts, the sound quality should suffice.
Battery Life and Usability
The biggest challenge for these smart glasses is their limited battery life. With their miniature size, there’s only so much battery that can be built in. Amazon claims a usage time of six hours, meaning regular charging is a necessity.
The Echo Frames may not be for everyone, and it’s possible they never will be. However, they represent a significant step forward in the field of smart eyewear. Their blend of style and technology brings us closer to a future where such devices might become commonplace.
My Takeaway
While the Echo Frames still have some areas for improvement, such as sound quality and battery life, they are a testament to Amazon’s innovative spirit. The comfort and style they offer, combined with the convenience of having Alexa at your ear, make them a promising product. As the technology evolves, it will be interesting to see how smart glasses like the Echo Frames become integrated into our daily lives.
