It’s been 10 years since Google released the first-generation Glass. Since then, smart glasses have experienced a mixed bag of successes and failures. The success of augmented reality (AR) has largely been limited to smartphone screens, with companies like Magic Leap, Microsoft, and Meta attempting to break into the market. However, these solutions often come in larger form factors, leaving a gap for more inconspicuous and everyday-wearable options.
Enter the Ray-Ban Meta, a device focused on content capture, much like Snapchat Spectacles. Equipped with a built-in camera, these smart glasses allow users to shoot quick videos and livestream for social media. In contrast, Amazon’s Echo Frames 3, while sharing a similar audio setup, differentiates itself by forgoing video capture – a nod to privacy advocates.
The Echo Frames prioritize audio experience, with speakers located in the temples, offering music or podcast audio directed toward the wearer’s ear. Unlike traditional headphones, they do not cover the entrance to the ear canal, providing situational awareness. While not ideal for immersive sound, this design is suitable for those who want to stay engaged with their surroundings while listening to music.
In terms of Echo functionality, the Frames serve as yet another form factor for summoning Alexa. Offering a hands-free voice assistant experience, users can play/pause, make calls, and set reminders – functions typically associated with earbuds connected to a voice assistant.
Available in five styles – black square, black rectangle, blue round, brown cat eye, and grey rectangle – the Echo Frames offer a range of options for users. Customization options include prescription lenses, blue light filtering, or sunglasses, catering to different preferences.
Battery life is claimed to be 14 hours of “moderate” usage, making them suitable for a day’s worth of activities with standard music listening. However, the charging dock, while necessary, is larger and less intuitive than some competitors, such as the Ray-Ban Meta.
Comparisons with the Ray-Ban Meta are inevitable, given the $30 price difference in favor of the Echo Frames. While both devices have their merits, potential buyers should weigh the convenience and design features against the price discrepancy. As of now, Amazon is offering a discounted price of $200 for the new Echo Frames, adding further incentive for those considering the leap into the world of smart eyewear.
Photo credit: Brian Heater
