These frames keep Alexa close (All the time!)
Key Takeaways
Amazons new Echo Frames are nowavailable to anyonewho wants them.
These smart spectacles manage to skirt many privacy problems by ditching the cameras, and instead focusing on audio.
Amazon
The Echo Frames are pretty much just an Alexa speaker, embedded into a pair of glasses.
But thats enough for many people, with the bonus that the glasses dont end up bulky and dorky.
Also, smart audio assistants can be a huge boon to people with limited vision.
Amazon
Echo Frames
TheEcho Frameslook like regular spectacle frames, with slightly bulky arms.
Compared to something like AirPods, the battery life is poorjust four hours of listening time.
Then again, these arent really designed for extended music listening.
Or you’ve got the option to also use them with Siri or Google Assistant.
The frames cost $249.99 a pair, and come supplied with non-prescription lenses.
you’re able to get your own lenses fitted in your usual optician.
Audio AR?
The best feature of these glasses is that theyre invisible.
Not literally, of course.
With AirPods or other headphones, people immediately assume you are blocked off.
But when we see glasses, we ignore them.
One wonders ifbone conductionmight have been an even better choice, but this is good enough.
The advantages of always-available audio, coupled with an always available voice assistant, are many.
Audio can offer discreet alerts without you having to focus on them.
You just notice them.
Visual messages have to be noticed, then looked at and read, or interpreted.
For blind or low-vision people, audio AR can significantly extend their ability to interact with the world.
Added to this is Amazons privacy record.
It alreadycollaborates with policedepartments tomake recordings available fromits Ring doorbells.
It alsocollects recordings from your Alexa history.
Do you really want to be in the vicinity of somebody wearing an Amazon-connected microphone?
Youll just have to cross your fingers for government legislation, or never leave your home.
