Bose’s new AR Frames
Bose's Alto-style Frames

Bose’s new AR Frames

December 12, 2018 Staff reporters

Noise and sound tech firm Bose has launched its own sunglass range incorporating it’s wireless headphone technology and an audio augmented reality platform.

Bose said its new ‘Frames’, which will retail at US$199, take micro-acoustics and voice control to an entirely new level, debuting the future of mobile sound in the tiniest, thinnest, most lightweight Bose system ever. It adds that with a proprietary open-ear design, Frames can stream music and information, take and make calls, and access virtual assistants — while keeping playlists, entertainment, and conversations private.

Bose says its Frames, which will retail at US$199, take micro-acoustics and voice control to an entirely new level, debuting the future of mobile sound in the tiniest, thinnest, most lightweight Bose system ever. It adds that with a proprietary open-ear design, Frames can stream music and information, take and make calls, and access virtual assistants — while keeping playlists, entertainment, and conversations private.

“Bose Frames are both revolutionary and practical,” said Bose Frames director Mehul Trivedi. “They look and act like classic sunglasses — until you turn them on. And then you’re connected to your phone, contacts, the web, and all its audible content, just like headphones.”

Bose Frames come in two styles — square and angled, or round and slightly smaller. According to Bose, both block up to 99% of UVA/UVB rays, include gold-plated steel hinges and charging pins, and are scratch and shatter resistant. It says they weigh 45 grams and are shaped, fit, and feel like eyewear.

A wafer-thin acoustic package is set in each arm’s interior and an ultra-small microphone and multi-function button are embedded on the right temple for power and pairing, Siri and Google Assistant, calls and commands, or to pause and skip songs.

Bose also says its Frames are all augmented reality (AR) compatible, although this functionality will only be unlocked when a free software update is released, allowing augmented reality experiences including fitness, travel and games to be added. The specs use a lithium battery that connects to a pogo-pin cable for charging, and Bose says they run on average up to 3.5 hours for playback or up to 12 hours on standby, and can be fully recharged in less than two hours.