Amazon Echo Frames smart glasses now available, Echo Loop smart ring dead

After a year of trials and limited availability, Amazon is launching an updated version of its Echo Frames smart glasses to the general public, at the same time that it discontinues the Echo Loop smart ring.

Both devices debuted in 2019, but were initially only available to purchase on an invite-only basis. Now, based on feedback from those "Day 1" invite-only users, Amazon is updating its smart glasses and killing off its smart ring.

The new second-generation Echo Frames will retail for $249.99 and will begin shipping out to customers on Dec. 10. They'll come in black, horizon blue and modern tortoise, and although they have clear lenses, customers will be able to get prescriptions installed at a LensCrafters store.

Compared to the previous, less available version, the new Echo Frames have 40% longer battery life; an power-saving auto-off feature; a VIP filter that will let users set notification priorities; and a mechanism that will automatically adjust the volume based on ambient noise levels.

Users who were part of the "Day 1" invite program will be able to purchase the new second-generation version for $70.

Although the Echo Frames are launching to the public, Amazon said it is sunsetting its Echo Loop device. "Day 1" customers who own an Echo Loop will continue to receive updates and support for their smart ring, however.

Apple is largely thought to be developing its own pair of "Apple Glass" smart augmented reality device that could overlay digital information onto physical environments, and would work in conjunction with a user's iPhone. A release date for "Apple Glass" is unclear, but it could debut in 2021.

The company is also researching and developing potential uses for a smart ring, including as an accessory to the head-mounted AR wearable.

8 Comments

MustSeeUHDTV 308 comments · 7 Years

About 3 years ago

Those look nice. You can hardly tell from regular glasses except the larger hinges and temples which is where the batteries are.

HUD is nice, but I would like smart glasses to have night vision. That would be neat.

svanstrom 685 comments · 7 Years

MustSeeUHDTV said:

Those look nice. You can hardly tell from regular glasses except the larger hinges and temples which is where the batteries are.
HUD is nice, but I would like smart glasses to have night vision. That would be neat.

HUD is nice; but these don’t have that.

As far as I can tell these are basically like failing to copy the AirPods Pro, and then implementing the transparency mode by putting the speakers on a stick outside your ear.

What (if anything) am I missing here??

dyonoctis 49 comments · 4 Years

svanstrom said:

MustSeeUHDTV said:

Those look nice. You can hardly tell from regular glasses except the larger hinges and temples which is where the batteries are.
HUD is nice, but I would like smart glasses to have night vision. That would be neat.

HUD is nice; but these don’t have that.

As far as I can tell these are basically like failing to copy the AirPods Pro, and then implementing the transparency mode by putting the speakers on a stick outside your ear.

What (if anything) am I missing here??

What the fuck do they have to do with Air pods pro ? Air pods are mainstream earpods, those "smart glasses" are a niche product for people who don't want to have earbuds in their ears all the time, and want something that will attract less attention while still being able to use vocal commands. It's not the same target, you don't buy echo glass to listen to music, and they can't cancel the noise

dyonoctis said:

svanstrom said:

MustSeeUHDTV said:

Those look nice. You can hardly tell from regular glasses except the larger hinges and temples which is where the batteries are.
HUD is nice, but I would like smart glasses to have night vision. That would be neat.

HUD is nice; but these don’t have that.

As far as I can tell these are basically like failing to copy the AirPods Pro, and then implementing the transparency mode by putting the speakers on a stick outside your ear.

What (if anything) am I missing here??

What the fuck do they have to do with Air pods pro ? Air pods are mainstream earpods, those "smart glasses" are a niche product for people who don't want to have earbuds in their ears all the time, and want something that will attract less attention while still being able to use vocal commands. It's not the same target, you don't buy echo glass to listen to music, and they can't cancel the noise

Market/target overlap.

svanstrom said:

dyonoctis said:

svanstrom said:

MustSeeUHDTV said:

Those look nice. You can hardly tell from regular glasses except the larger hinges and temples which is where the batteries are.
HUD is nice, but I would like smart glasses to have night vision. That would be neat.

HUD is nice; but these don’t have that.

As far as I can tell these are basically like failing to copy the AirPods Pro, and then implementing the transparency mode by putting the speakers on a stick outside your ear.

What (if anything) am I missing here??

What the fuck do they have to do with Air pods pro ? Air pods are mainstream earpods, those "smart glasses" are a niche product for people who don't want to have earbuds in their ears all the time, and want something that will attract less attention while still being able to use vocal commands. It's not the same target, you don't buy echo glass to listen to music, and they can't cancel the noise

Market/target overlap.

It's a very small overlap. The echo frame are a niche product that are only good for one usecase, and that use case is all about aesthetic since even sony also sells true wireless that allow external sounds, while doing more. Overall the airpods are more complete while having the same cost as the echo frames. You would have to be really uninformed if you bought them think that they are an airpod pro replacement. Good luck using the echo frames in an airplane.