Bose Frames: A Review - J O Y C O M P L E X

Bose Frames are the world’s best bluetooth sunglasses*

*There aren’t many Bluetooth glasses currently available.

They come in two sizes - small/large termed Rondo/Alto - and one color, Black.

Quick Description

Unlike earbuds, Bose Frames do not intrude into the ear. Speakers, placed at strategic places along the arms direct audio towards your ears. The effect is uncanny and the sounds they reproduce are very good for a first-generation product. Quite a change from other market entrants like the start-up Zungle. The Frames paired easily with my iPhone and use is not complicated.

They cost around $200.

TLDR; For a first effort, they’re great. The sound they reproduce is perfectly adequate in an indoor environment and surprisingly decent when used outdoors. In loud environments - like a busy city sidewalk, a subway car, or around a gas lawn mower - they are pretty much useless.

Here’s What’s Wrong With The Bose Frames

Battery Life is good but not "all day"
Just One Control Button when two would be ideal- see controls below
That’s about it

I purchased a pair of Alto Frames at the end of May. Thank you, eBay. I have used them exclusively nearly every day in place of AUKEY's best Bluetooth earbuds (which are well made and reasonably priced). Now, the only time I use the earbuds is when I cut the grass or exercise.

My one quibble (other than the limited styles and colors) is the battery life. This is a weird complaint since glasses don't typically even need batteries. But since the battery is what powers the speakers and the speakers are the selling point I think the battery needs to last all day like an apple watch.

It lasts around 3 hours if you use them heavily for streaming music or talking on the phone. It’s good but not great.

Bose should consider offering a buy one get one half-off deal so that you can swap one pair and charge the other. You'll want to use them that much.

Where I use Them

I wear them walking - I like to hear the world around me - approaching cars, etc. - and I also like listening to podcasts. They allow me to do this with one fewer accessory
I wear them driving - GPS is right in my ear as well as music/podcasts. If I want to use the car stereo instead I can as well.
The office - I went ahead and put prescription transitions lenses in mine. UPDATE 1: I ended up returning them because the transition lenses did not get dark enough for me to use them as sunglasses. UPDATE 2: I got a pair of Rondo Frames and putting prescriptions in those. This will be my go-to pair and used primarily indoors and driving. Even if the music only lasts 3 hours, they still are proper glasses.

Where I Don’t Use Them

Exercising - I don’t think they are quite ready for serious athletic activities. They slide around a bit when you’re sweaty. UPDATE: The Rondo fit snugly.
Sleeping - because my eyes are closed then.

How To Control Them

The Frames are controlled by a single button on the right arm. Both arms really should have a button. If someone starts talking to you and your right hand is holding something - say a coffee or a leash - you have awkwardly reach for that button with your left hand.

The sides of the frames do accept taps but curiously you can’t map them to accept make a tap pause music or end a call. You have to use that one physical button.

Do They Do Anything Else?

Bose says the frames have a type of augmented auditory reality capability (AR). Some apps take advantage of this feature. I’ve tried a few and they aren’t that great. They are neat but not a reason to buy the Frames. That may change as AR matures.

Who are these for?

Basically, anyone that wants a decent pair of sunglasses. They cost about as much as a good pair of RayBans and are great headphones.

If you walk, drive, or work in an office (with prescription lenses in them) they are for you.

They’d be great for museums that offer self-guided tours. Easier to clean than earphones, more hygienic, and super easy to use. Just pair it with an iPod touch and you’ve got a great self-guided tour system. (Just get a deposit first.)

If you are one of those people that have to listen to the game - no one will know if you are wearing these glasses - even in church.

They aren’t for heavy exercise and the color and size options are limited. Hopefully, new models will add more options.

Conclusion

For a first-generation product, they are surprisingly great and I use them way more than I initially anticipated. I also enjoy demoing them - even to strangers. Nine out of ten people I show are seriously impressed. All smiled. The tenth person I showed had Bluetooth hearing aids and was used to this sort of thing.

My take is that Bose Frames are like electric cars, people see the wow and value in them only after they try them out.

With a few simple tweaks, they’d be perfect. Hopefully, Bose will keep plugging away at this product. A few colors or different styles and they will have a surefire hit and/or technology that they can license to traditional frame makers.

Bose Frames Audio Sunglasses, Alto, Black - with Bluetooth Connectivity

By Bose

$199.00