Echo Frames (2nd Gen) | Smart audio sunglasses with Alexa | Pacific Blue with polarized sunglass lenses

Pros: Echo and Siri integration on iPhone. Battery life 3-4 hours for phone calls and face time. Can respond to texts. YouTube and YouTube shorts almost feels like the battery doesn’t drain at all. Light weight and can be withstand steam and rain and sweat. Cons: Could be better audio quality but I’m not an audiophile so it’s passable. Battery life can be short if you don’t set to recommended. Auto volume feature on the app will burn through the battery life. No artificial reality features. The bridge connecting both lenses is a bit too flexible for comfort, especially closings the two sides inwards. Feels like it can snap any moment with enough force. Suggestions: The volume and mute buttons are genuinely useless you can program echo to adjust the volume by voice. I would remove that and add more battery in its place. You can also make the width slimmer doing so. Maybe just use a smaller button for connecting/disconnecting if the touch pad on right side can’t do the same function. Or add a left side touch pad. Doing so would almost be able to afford better materials and making the frames even higher in water resistance. I would like there to be artificial reality. Not both of the lenses but one that displays some small basic info would be nice. Like seeing the text or call and potentially seeing maps or other notifications. Kind of like echo show but ar styled. Making the touch areas width thinner by stretching comportments like the ray ban stories do. Making these have styles like in Matte black like ray ban stories do. Final verdict: 4.5 out of 5

I honestly am not one to take the time to write a review for a product, but when I saw that one of the top reviews for this product was from a guy who bashed it with incoherent and nonsensical information, I knew I had to say something. The Echo Frames surprised me - in a good way. I received these as a gift for Christmas from my brother who likes to find oddball things to gift me every year. When I first unwrapped the gift, I took it for what I initially thought it was: a funny gag gift. I chuckled to myself when I saw them. I mean really, Amazon Alexa glasses? I agreed with some of the reviewers that commented about why would you want something with Alexa on them when you already have Alexa in your house or can simply look up information on your smartphone. I mean who was this intended for? Then, I put them on and connected it to my phone. I opened the Alexa app and paired it up with my phone within about 2-3 minutes. And then I was suddenly taken aback as soon as I was greeted by Alexa saying "ready for setup". Where was this audio coming from? It sounded as though it was coming from someone speaking right behind me into my ear. It was the most surreal feeling and it leads me into my first point. AUDIO: The way they created the audio on this thing is pretty amazing. It's an open ear audio system which basically is just a simplified way of saying that they put speakers into the frames that direct audio toward your ear without actually having to place something inside of your ear canal. I was skeptical of how this would work at first, but I found that it works really well. As I described it before, it's almost like someone who is talking right beside you into your ear. It does play back music decently as well. No, you are not going to find any bass or depth to music here, just decent enough to listen to your tracks without feeling like you're being cheated out of a good experience. I would remind you that these are very small speakers that fit inside the frame of the glasses we are talking about here, so for anyone to expect some deep bass or to have it be the same as listening to in-ear headphones is setting themselves up for disappointment. So, why even bother listening to music on these then? Well because the biggest pros of them being an open system are that it leaves your ears free and clear to be able to listen to the environment around you. Especially if you are working in an environment where it's important to be able to hear when you are needed by someone or to be able to be cognizant of the world around you, these are great. I was also nervous from how loud they sound when they are on that others would be able to hear my music or whenever I receive a private notification, but amazingly nobody can hear a thing unless they are putting their ear right next to your frames. I have surprised many people that were amazed by how they sound when they are on versus how quiet they are when they are not directly on you. So, do not worry about other people being able to hear what you are listening to. Even though it sounds loud for you, nobody else can hear what is going on. USAGE: I primarily use these to listen to music while working as I think they are beneficial to be able to allow me to both listen to a song and be aware of what all is happening around me. I don't have to take headphones out of my ear and say "What was that?" when someone is asking me a question. I am sure you are wondering though: "are they really smart glasses?" And the answer is yes, and they are surprisingly good at being them too. First of all, as you can already guess this thing has everything Alexa built into it. So anything you would normally ask Alexa to do, this thing can do it. Beyond that, it can make or receive calls, create text messages or read them aloud (you have to swipe the frame for it to actually read the message - it doesn't want to just announce every text message that comes in unless you want to hear it), and it is able to tell you notifications from any first or third party app on your device. It can even read your third party app messages if you so choose. Now, you might be asking: does it tell me every single notification on my device or will it read private messages out loud for everyone to hear? Which brings me to my next point: PRIVACY: Now, you should know that buying any kind of Amazon device means that you are basically going to be saying that you are fine with Alexa knowing some things about you. Otherwise, you wouldn't even be on this product page. I will say however that I have appreciated the approach the Echo Frames has to dealing with how it interacts with your phone. By default, the Echo Frames will only do as much as you allow it. Let me explain. When you first set up the Frames, it has basic functions set up by default such as acting as a bluetooth headset and being able to answer phone calls. That is about it. Everything else is in your control. So, you can pick and choose what applications or messages you want the Frames to notify you about and what permissions you are enabling. Do you want to be notified when someone Snapchats you or messages you on Instagram? If so, then you have to use the Alexa app to select that function to be enabled. It won't even allow you to send text messages to people unless you set the permissions under the Alexa app to do so. This can of course be cumbersome if you would like to enable a lot of functions or ability to message a lot of contacts, but I like that Amazon designed it to be more private than open. BATTERY: The guy who said the battery drains in 20 minutes flat is just plain wrong. Even if you have the volume cranked up to max, the battery would still last at least an hour. I found that with the volume at 40-50% (which again is plenty loud unless you're outside walking a busy street), I was able to get about 8-10 hours of music playing. It charges up quick too so as long as you have your charger you can plug it in for about 5-10 minutes and it'll be good to go for another few hours. I did give this only 3 stars for the battery because I do think it is the one major area that this device can improve on in the future, but to say it's completely inadequate is just false. OVERALL: I think it's a great device and I hope they come out with a 3rd generation that improves on the battery and maybe adds some more abilities as well. Don't pay attention to the negative reviews, I think the ones that say 1 or 2 star are completely overblowing it. There are of course areas where this device can improve, but for $250 a lot of my friends thought this device was worth twice that amount. They were amazed by just how well they work and I think you will too.

I have really liked my Echo Frames since I’ve gotten them. The Bluetooth isn’t the best audio quality that I have experienced however it is quite good though a bit on the tinny side. As a person who has worn glasses all my life, I have always found over the ear headphones to get uncomfortable and ear buds have always tended to give me pain or they would just fall out with the echo frames however I can truly enjoy what I am listening to in comfort and not have other sounds such as my wife and kids sounding muddled. It does have some drawbacks but nothing that truly makes them terrible for me. I can assume as the technology/software gets better they will be able to fix some of the more annoying things. I.E. Wake word options are only Alexa and Echo. When out in the wild a lot of ladies are named Alexa, and it quite amazing how many words/sounds though out the day can sound like “Echo” and trigger my frames to start listening. In my Opinion getting these on a prime day deal was a good value. And I would recommend them to anyone who wears glasses all the time. Pros: Prescription Ready Fantastic left right/3D audio, (for example ASMR tracks) Very comfortable Fast Charging Great call mic volume, (Other people hear me great) Swiping the glasses to answer calls is also great. Magnetic charger. I can active Alexa/routines from anywhere Cons: Only two wake words available. (Just let me use computer, please!) A little tinny Only one size and style of frames (would like smaller ones.) A single charge only lasts me 5-8 hours. I’d like to get 10-12 while listening to audio books at work/home. (Of course as I need to wear prescription glasses, all waking hours would be ideal) You can’t charge while wearing them. It’s a little slow on responsiveness when out in the wild if asking Alexa things like time, weather and such. I find my self repeating the question several times because either I talk too fast, or it just takes longer to process through my poorer phone signal. Overall all my experience with the echo frames has been very positive for the three months that I have had them. It is quite nice to some ask Alexa to call my wife when my hands are full or simply double tap my frames to start my audio book or music.

I have always been an enthusiast for discreet wearable tech. I'm exactly the fringe use case these glasses are designed for, and they fit into my work and home life seamlessly. I had a pebble when they were the new hotness, and loved that I could check my notifications, read texts, and use it in ways that felt like natural extensions of my phone, without taking the brick out of my pocket. These glasses fill the same niche for me. Lcd touchscreens on watches always bugged me, and extensive battery drain on wearables always struck me as too high a price to pay for features (color screens, etc) that I don't need. I bring this up to drive home my particular philosophy on tech like this: it should be a natural extension of mobile phone technology, letting the user seamlessly see and interact with the world in new, but unobtrusive, ways. I work in order fulfillment for a large national home improvement retailer, and thereby do a lot of quick calculations involving fractions and measurements. Before, I used to have to get out my phone, get my calculator app, and do the math. For the year or so since I got the gen1 echo frames, Alexa does this for me, all while quietly serenading me with somewhat thin, but still enjoyable, renditions of Chopin. When my boss or girlfriend texts me with some important task, I can have Alexa discreetly read me their careful instructions, and set a reminder so I don't forget. I might look a little crazy talking on the phone with no earbud in, but we all used to feel the same way before we made peace as a society with Bluetooth headsets. Smartglasses are gaining traction just like smartwatches did, and people in my circle are already learning that when I hold my hand up to cover my left ear and block unwanted noise, that is what's going on. The sound quality for music can best be described as "fine," it's almost all mids; but you get the gist of what you're listening to. Battery life in the second generation is miles better than the first, but I wouldn't throw away your old glasses, as you'll have to charge these when you get home most days. And when you get down to it, that's who these are for: people who need glasses, but want them to do a little more. I would not have bought these if I didn't already wear glasses, (they are just as comfortable as any plastic frames ever were,) and I don't think you should if you don't, either. But if you, like me, love the idea of having immediate access to Alexa's many skills even when you're not at home, and taking your phone out less often to check the time, or read the notifications that you find important (thank you VIP filter,) then I imagine that you miss your pebble, and will quickly find these smart frames a quiet boon that you could never live without.

I’m used to Shokz “bone conducting” open ear headphones. Sometimes I use them while wearing sunglasses, so I figured I’ll get these Echo Frames so I don’t have to hang two things over my ears. Compared to the Shokz, the Echo Frames sound is absolutely terrible. I mostly listen the spoken voice (like audiobooks or podcasts, not music). Switching from the Shokz to the Echo Frames turns a very nice, very clear, very audible voice into a tiny little squeaking mouse. If there’s zero ambient noise the I can still make out what the little voice is squeaking, but anywhere near other people, or less than 100 feet from a passing car, or on a windy day, forget about it. I can switch to music and make out a tiny little drum track - and maybe catch the melody - but nothing more. Then there’s the battery life. No - strike that - there’s no life in this thing’s battery. I need to charge it after every use or it’ll be half drained the next time I pick it up. (Here too I’ve been spoiled by the Shokz, which I use for 30 to 60 minutes a day and charge once a week). Also annoying is how many words it speaks every time I switch it on. Just one beep for “on” and maybe another blip for “connected” would have been fine. I’ll give it three stars though because they are functioning sunglasses. I think they look OK (sufficiently nondescript). And sometimes having that tiny little drum track to listen to is a nice distraction. On the whole, it’s better to wear regular sunglasses and better headphones.

I’d been researching smart glasses for several months before deciding to go with echo frames. As soon as they came in I took them to lens crafters and got my prescription put in. I’ve had them about a month and will never get dummy frames again. I can listen to videos in public without bothering anyone. It works in a theater so I can hear work messages without looking at my phone. If I get an email while I’m washing dishes, it can read it to me so I don’t have to stop. Phone calls sound great and sound normal to the caller. You don’t sound muffled or far away but if you have the volume too loud, they’ll hear an echo. I can conduct meetings on them without having to sit at the computer. They work like a Bluetooth headset but also with Alexa anywhere. These aren’t for everyone, but as someone that utilizes Alexa and my phone all day for work and needs glasses to see, they're amazing. And I get to call regular glasses “dummy” glasses like some kinda jerk and that’s fun too :) They do not replace Bluetooth headsets. If you’re thinking these would be great for music or gaming, no. They’re great for calls, phone notifications (which you can filter by app and by contact) and Siri and Alexa, and for seeing (if you’re into that). A common question I bet is “How long does the battery last?’ Depends on what you’re doing. Because I use them for work, they last about 6-8 hours on the weekend. During the work day I just charge them from my computer when I’m sitting at it while wearing them. Do I look crazy with a charger cord coming out of my face? Probably, but I work from home so I don’t care. They only require one or two 30 minute charge sessions throughout the work day if I’ve used them to do a meeting. I figured I’d charge them at night, but once fully charged, they turn back on and that can drain the battery, so really, you have to charge them during the day while wearing them, but it doesn’t take very long to get to a full charge. And if I’m not going to use them for awhile, I just turn them off. It’s not like they have to be turned on to work as glasses, lol. As far as the cost goes, they’re about the same as some high-end dummy glasses. $300 is not all that uncommon for glasses (yes, I know you can get frames for $150). Lens crafters had no problem putting the lenses in. I walked in, said hey I’ve got these echo frames. They said ok, what kind of lenses do you want in them? They have a new transition lens that “work” in the car. They do work as long as I’m not driving straight towards the sun.

Update: 15th June, 2022. The frame broke down near the temple (photos attached) even with my ultra-careful handling and removing the glasses with both hands when not used. Very disappointed with durability of the product. As I am using them with prescription lenses with no insurance coverage, I have to use them. So, tried attaching it with superglue which worked for a few hours only and the parts separated. Tried 3M tape, it held for a few days but drags my hair out every time I remove the frame. Again did not keep the frame together. Chatted with Amazon but they just offered 15% discount if I order again! Thinking if the cost is worth buying at all or worth recommending echo frames to others. Feel sad I bought two frames and gifted. Wonder when they will break down. Disclaimer: I am an Alexa addict and have almost all the Echo Shows/Echo Dots/Echo Spots/Echo Auto etc etc. I bought the Generation 1 Echo Frames and have been using it for nearly 2 months. Got my prescription lenses fitted immediately. Told them not to bend the frame or apply any heat as mentioned in the Instructions supplied. What I liked: 1) I was excited that I can hear the phone calls without others nearer to me listening to it,. When I use a phone esp iPhone, others can distinctly hear. Privacy is nice to have. 2) Having Alexa on the go is very useful. (I have Echo Auto but when I am out of the car, the Echo Frames help to maintain all things done with Echo Auto) The facility to instruct Alexa to turn on the lights and airconditioner (living in a temperate area) is cool. 3) Quick listening to the news or podcast as I walk to my work place is very useful. 4) Last but not the least: With my daily work in Covid ICU, it is a greatly useful appliance as I don't have to zip down my PPE to take my plastic-covered mobile phone to answer urgent calls. The fact that I can slide the right temple bar to answer the calls is a great relief. But I take care to use an alcohol wipe to clean the frame though I wash my hands/gloves with soap/water or alcohol sanitizer after patient contact. It's a boon to Health Care Workers in this current pandemic. I strongly recommend. How about a special offer for the front line workers, Amazon?? What I would have liked more: 1) The sound quality is very good; but when someone around makes a loud conversation or a bit more noise around, I need to press the volume increase button and lower it later. I wish Amazon engineers incorporate some sort sound levelling so the audio quality reaching our ear adjusts with the ambient noise; will help the user a lot of hassle. 2) Battery power is not great; lasts almost a day. I believe Gen 2 is better. (I ordered 2nd one and to use it as sunglasses). I ordered a spare charging cable and keep in my hospital office room lest I lose the chance to charge in case. 3) Would have preferred a bit lighter frame, and thinner sides, though the current one is not that heavy. 4) If they have optional Echo Frames that come with dark glasses of different tint/shade to use as sunglasses, it will be very nice. Especially if they come polarized, with UV protection, scratch guard, antifog etc. 5) Would have preferred a bit lower cost. Say $150 or so. But with the current demand, I doubt Amazon will reduce it!! Hope to get some good deal in Prime Day Sale to gift to someone. A lot of my friends are ordering them too esp those working Covid wards!! 6) Would like to know if they can be cleaned/sterilized with the alcohol wipes or something safe and can be kept in UV-C light boxes. Instructions that came with Echo Frames mention not to use abrasive agents or alcohol, I think. I do keep them in my UV-C sterilizing box daily after my work. So far no issues. Touch wood. 7) I don't like the Echo Frame getting automatically connected to the mobile phone once the charging is over and the charging cable is disconnected. Good if you use the frame immediately but drains the battery if you leave it overnight. Thanks Amazon for bringing out a very useful appliance; a lot more useful than the Echo Dots, and Echo Shows. I tried ordering a smaller size for my wife but they are not available currently. :-(

When I think about these glasses, I think: Glasses Sunglasses Alexa Glasses Each of those have a time when its appropriate to use them. I don't wear these all the time, but at times when I'd like to have some music without wearing ear buds, or want to be on a phone call while doing something with my hands ( like yard work, gardening) or when I need to stay connected to messaging or work chat while not able to be at the computer. People tell me they are stylish. I don't mind the style. They do look good, but for me, I struggle a bit to keep them from sliding down. While I am not Asian, I often buy Asian Fit frames (like Oakley) because they stay up better for me with a low bridge and small nose. I am still experimenting with ear adjusting to see if I can get them to fit better and not slide down. Battery life is "okay". I don't wear them full time, so I am often making sure they are charged up when I do want to grab them and go. They don't seem to shut off and fully power down when I put them down upside down as stated in the instructions, so for a less frequent wearer, I find myself having to charge them a lot just for the occasional times I grab and go. I wish the Bluetooth would disconnect as well when they are not on, so the audio would by default go through my phone speaker again. Maybe I'm missing a configuration setting for this. I was impressed with the way it lets you indicate whether you want to hear notifications or not by sliding or tapping on the arm of the glasses to "answer" yes or no to different alerts. It is really intelligent in reading you more content of things than you would hear just connected to regular bluetooth like in the car, etc. I did find after activating these I am sometimes having issues with the Garmin Speak and Bluetooth in my car-- sometimes I'm getting verbalized notifications there now that I don't really want to announce to my whole car-- so I guess what I'm saying is, if you have Echo/Alexa in other places, there can be some overlap. The frames don't coordinate with your other Alexa devices to say: Ah! The glasses are on, so don't respond everywhere else. I would like this as a feature in the future. Overall, these are useful, still somewhat experimental for me, but I'm still interested and wearing them and figuring out when to wear them. The audio quality is impressive and immersive. If you aren't listening regularly and a video starts playing on the phone it can sometimes be surprising/shocking as it seems like someone is there who isn't-- it's that real, the way the audio comes into your ears, yet it's always easy to hear those around you, traffic, outside noises that you should hear. These do not feel like a beta product, it is version two, though I had never learned much about them personally until now. These are not just for geeks. They are a good augmentation and improvement to life in many ways, and I would encourage anyone who is slightly interested to try them out. I had my lenses put in them from the partnership with Boomerang Lenses, which is a company I had used many times before and was very familiar with. Their lens quality and support is BETTER than the best lenses I have had from any local eye doctor in my lifetime. I use the polycarbonate lenses that darken when you go outside. Don't hesitate to ask questions if you have them!