As someone who has ventured into the world of early smart glasses adoption, I can attest that the experience has often been underwhelming. Typically, smart glasses are either clunky and awkward or so heavy that you wear them once and forget about them.
However, Amazon’s recent unveiling of the Echo Frames V2 at its September 20 device event may just disrupt this pattern. Alongside a host of smart products, including the Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd gen), new Echo Dots for Kids, 4K FireTV Sticks, a new Fire TV soundbar, FireHD tablets, Ring, Blink, and Eero devices, Amazon introduced an upgraded version of its smart glasses.
To earn my approval, smart glasses must meet specific criteria: they should be lightweight, offer touchless interaction (though touch support is appreciated), resemble regular eyeglasses, and, most importantly, be genuinely smart. Amazon’s Echo Frames V2 seem to tick most of these boxes. The company has cleverly relocated the technology from the front of the frames to the stems, resulting in a more inconspicuous appearance. Moreover, the stems are now 15% smaller than the previous Echo Frames, significantly enhancing comfort.
During my brief encounter with the Echo Frames, I tried the basic model, which closely resembled my classic Clark Kent-style frames. I did not test the larger and pricier Carrera Smart Glasses with Alexa Collection frames, starting at $389. The standard Echo Frames are priced at $269.99 and will initially be available only in the US.
Upon wearing the Echo Frames, I was immediately greeted by audio playing with exceptional clarity. It was so clear that, initially, I believed someone was speaking directly into my ear. However, I soon realized it was the Echo Frames’ new and improved audio system. The audio is now stereo and impressively clear, to the extent that, when playing music, I initially thought the sound was filling the entire room.
Since the Echo Frames do not use earbuds and rely on audio traveling from the stems to your ears, there can be some audio leakage, primarily at higher volumes. When I reduced the volume to a level that suited my preference (slightly lower than I typically like), nearby individuals reported that they couldn’t hear it.
The volume level is crucial, as the Echo Frames V2 are rated to last six hours at 80% volume. Pushing the volume to the maximum, I found it uncomfortably loud, so realistically, you’ll likely use them at a lower setting.
The Echo Frames are equipped with buttons for controlling Alexa and adjusting volume, but Amazon envisions users primarily utilizing voice commands to interact with and control the frames. Amazon has enhanced the Echo Frames’ Alexa capabilities by improving the microphones to reduce wind noise and enhance voice recognition. Even in a challenging environment with numerous people speaking loudly, the Echo Frames effectively recognized and responded to my voice commands.
I requested Alexa to stop playing, and it promptly complied. Adjusting the volume or other settings produced nearly instantaneous results. When I asked for the weather, Alexa provided the forecast for Santa Clara, California (we were in Virginia), as the frames were paired with a California-based phone.
Echo Frames offer a predominantly hands-free experience, aligning with my essential criteria and minimizing the potential for feeling self-conscious while wearing them in public.
While wearing the Echo Frames, I couldn’t see clearly because they lacked my prescription, but Amazon offers these smart glasses in seven stylish designs and supports prescription lenses as well as sunglasses.
When I finished using the frames, I intentionally folded them, which automatically put them into sleep mode.
It’s still early days for the Amazon Echo Frames V2 (you can sign up for alerts when pre-orders start), and it’s challenging to determine if they will be the smart glasses that finally achieve mainstream acceptance, convincing people that wearing them in public is not only acceptable but desirable.
Nonetheless, Amazon deserves credit for taking the necessary steps to potentially make the Echo Frames an appealing option or, at the very least, a worthy consideration when you’re in the market for your next pair of eyeglasses.
