Amazon Echo Frames: Hands on Alexa Smart Glasses

We have just spent a brief moment with Amazon's first smart glasses, the Echo Frames, at the company's headquarters in Seattle. Amazon positions the glasses as the ultimate take-away product on Alexa, but also tries to balance privacy: a button on the glasses to turn off the microphones and Echo Frames does not have a camera. Considering that these products are considered "one day" by technology enthusiasts, they will be available by invitation at a price of $ 179.99. Amazon says that customers will be able to buy them with corrective lenses or even sunglasses. But it's up to you to get those from your local optician. Frames can not be ordered by order of Amazon.

Echo frames are designed to be unobtrusive and to look like your pair of thick frame frames. The stems on each side are visibly very thick. Nevertheless, they feel very light and comfortable when they are on the head. Amazon says that the echo frames weigh 31 grams. They are made from "TR-90, carbon fiber and titanium," according to Amazon, with acetate tips that can be adjusted by opticians.

The glasses pair with your Android phone to read notifications, make phone calls and play audio, including music and podcasts. You can also ask Alexa for a summary of your calendar, news, weather and the usual things you expect. A "VIP" filter will allow users to choose which notifications they wish to read aloud and which ones should stay on their phone for later. However, Amazon notes that iOS is not supported this time, leaving the owners of the iPhone completely.

The directional speakers (there are two in each temple) were difficult to hear in the animated demonstration area of ​​Amazon, but their volume was clear. For battery life, Amazon estimates at 3 hours audio playback – which is not extraordinary – and 14 hours of sleep.

Amazon does not position Echo frames as a preview of future personal technology; they lack any type of display for visual augmented reality features such as North's Focals or Google Glass.

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