Bose Frames Audio Sunglasses, Alto (S/M), Black

Product Information

Since there are no volume controls on the sunglasses, you'll have to use the controls on your device to adjust volume levels. A single LED tucked into the earpiece interior shows charge status, while charging is accomplished via a gold magnetic plate and proprietary USB cable.

If you do fold them over the intended angle limit (something that can happen quite regularly as a force of habit for the average spectacle wearer), the hinge will inevitably break. The curvy contour is neatly designed to let your ears sit directly in the firing line of the tiny speakers that are housed within, and also to position the microphone correctly for your voice.It's a necessary compromise as that’s where all the tech is housed, including the batteries, motion sensors, microphone, speakers and Bluetooth circuitry. View image in fullscreen The Frames look like regular sunglasses with slightly thicker arms towards the ears – no camera or large lump up front to mark them out as smart glasses. Winning one marks it out as a design of great quality and distinction – a special product in its class, on the grounds of either performance, value for money, or usually both. Bose says the Tempo plays "deeper and louder -- loud enough for cycling at 25 mph -- while still able to hear traffic and your training partners.

Just know the Bose Frames are unlikely to replace even average headphones anytime soon, as they simply aren't versatile enough. But the fact that’s even worth mentioning is testament to how not like other smart glasses the Frames are.The first, there’s an undeniable sense of freedom to enjoy thanks to not having anything plugged into your ear canal or clamped over them. View image in fullscreen Sensors are hidden in the frames that can detect your head position and interactions such as taps to the side of the glasses.

Again, that's audio AR only -- the glasses don't offer a Magic Leap- or HoloLens-style digital overlay of the real world. The Bose Connect app is free on both Android and iOS platforms and contains settings for the Frames such as adjusting the standby timer, turning voice prompts on or off, and updating the firmware. Performance can be affected by obstacles such as walls or metal, interference from Wi-Fi or other wireless devices and device manufacturers’ Bluetooth implementations. They're definitely worth trying if they pique your interest and I found the Tempo appealing for running and biking despite looking goofy when I wore them. StereoNET (Australia) is part of an international network of publications owned wholly by Sound Media Group Pty Ltd.

I bought a Bose Alto frames 2-3 years ago and suddenty the battery has died, and the Bose service centre says that they cannot be repaired. This is the company that patented noise cancellation, after all, and creating functioning headphones in a pair of sunglasses you feel good about wearing is its own impressive feat. The Alto design offers a classic angular look, styled from premium materials and accented with gold-plated hinges. On the underside of the right frame arm there’s a small golden button that’s used to switch the device on. The Bose Frames look similar to many ordinary pairs of plastic-framed sunglasses fitted with polarized lenses.