Mike Wuerthele
Alongside a host of other announcements, Amazon has debuted smart glasses called Echo Frames and a ring named the Echo Loop, all aimed at integrating Alexa further into people's lives.
The Echo Frames are audio-only, with no camera or screen. The eyeglasses weigh 31 grams, and will allow the user to connect to Amazon services including Alexa at a tap.
The glasses use directional microphones and speakers that focus the audio input and output toward the user. The software for the frames will have a "VIP filter" to keep notifications to a bare minimum while you're wearing the glasses.
Smart specs! Echo Frames let you use @alexa99 on the go and keep your hands, ears, and eyes free. https://t.co/ugT22XhFIn pic.twitter.com/aku0fCuwbV
— Amazon News (@amazonnews) September 25, 2019
Echo Frames will retail for a $179.99 "special invite price" and will be limited to only those that Amazon allows to purchase at launch. A timetable for release is not yet available.
The Echo Loop finger ring has a titanium frame, with two microphones activated by a press of a button on the bottom. The ring will notify users of a notification with a small motor in the device.
The Echo Loop has a similar invite-only purchase process, and will sell in "limited quantities" for $129.99.
The new Echo Loop ring is enabled with @alexa99 to provide more information at your fingertips - literally. https://t.co/ugT22XhFIn pic.twitter.com/xOr4lgvFtV
— Amazon News (@amazonnews) September 25, 2019
Both systems need to be tethered to a smartphone — iPhone included — to function.
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15 Comments
Amazon wants to turn us into this:
Complete with invasive spying, and advertisements as we regenerate...
Bone conduction headphones like AfterShokz offer a far better and cheaper solution. More private and less obtrusive.
Yuck.
YMMV.
So a glasses form factor but no video/visual capabilities for input or output? Because people love wearing glasses?
I see there’s also an Alexa microwave...