In the ever-evolving world of wearable tech, Amazon has taken another significant step with its latest iteration of the Echo Frames. These smart glasses, embedded with the Alexa voice assistant, are designed not just to be functional but to be stylish enough to be worn all day.
Upon donning the new Echo Frames, users are immediately introduced to a unique personal audio environment. When prompted with a voice command, such as "Alexa, play Taylor Swift," the Frames respond by playing the selected track through its internal speakers. However, the audio experience is discreet. The sound, likened to the ambient playlist of a coffee shop, is designed to be heard by the wearer without disturbing those around them. This open-ear approach mirrors the "personal audio environment" seen in products like Meta's Stories glasses or the Bose Frames line. While the sound quality is commendable, it's clear that these glasses won't be replacing high-end headphones anytime soon.
But high-quality audio isn't the primary goal of the Echo Frames. Their dual purpose is clear: to offer a fashionable accessory that users would want to wear throughout the day and to provide seamless access to Alexa. On both fronts, the new Echo Frames seem to be making significant strides.
Aesthetically, the Frames have undergone a noticeable transformation. Unlike their 2020 predecessor, which had more of a generic appearance, the latest model boasts a more refined and stylish design. The slimmer stems, diverse color options, and a range of lens types make them more akin to designer glasses than a tech gadget. The absence of outward-facing camera lenses further enhances their discreet nature, ensuring wearers don't draw undue attention.
Functionally, the Frames offer an intuitive user experience. All controls, from volume adjustment to play-pause functionality, are located on the stems. Pairing the Frames with a mobile device allows users to activate Alexa with a simple voice command. Even in noisy environments, Alexa seems adept at picking up commands, though its performance in challenging conditions like windy settings remains to be tested.
However, a lingering question remains: What can Alexa truly offer on the go? While Amazon has heavily promoted Alexa's capabilities within the smart home ecosystem, the Frames are designed for mobility. While playing music and setting timers are useful features, the Frames' potential seems limited by Alexa's current capabilities, especially when compared to the functionalities of Siri or Google Assistant.
In conclusion, the success of the Echo Frames hinges on their dual appeal: style and functionality. If Amazon can convince users that the Frames are a fashionable accessory worth wearing, the added tech functionalities become a bonus. While the Echo Frames have certainly moved in the right direction, whether they've done enough to become an everyday essential remains to be seen.
