Bose announces Frames, the world’s first audio AR wearable

Bose today announced Frames, a premium sunglass that includes the functionality of wireless headphones, along with the world’s first audio AR platform. Frames can stream music and information, take and make calls, and access virtual assistants. While you will be hearing rich, immersive sound, others around you will hear practically nothing. Exclusive technologies and custom speakers direct sound at you and away from others. Using the audio AR platform, applications will utilize contextual audio to deliver first-of-a-kind experiences. Read more about it below.

Key highlights of Bose Frames:

• Bose Frames are Sunglasses: Bose Frames come in two timeless styles — square and angled, or round and slightly smaller. Both block up to 99% of UVA/UVB rays, and feature uniformly tinted lenses and distinct accents — including gold-plated steel hinges and charging pins. They’re scratch and shatter resistant, and weigh a mere 45 grams — standard for the category. Each element is smooth, modern, and minimal. And they are shaped, fit, and feel like the world’s most iconic eyewear.
• Bose Frames are a Personal Audio Device: Bose Frames function like truly wireless headphones — with engineering that crushes the limitations of size-to-performance for personal listening. A miniscule, wafer-thin acoustic package is set seamlessly in each arm’s interior — rather than an earbud, or attached component — to produce discreet, jaw-dropping sound for the user, and no one else. For touch and voice control, 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. The Bose Connect app provides additional features now, and software updates for new features in the future — like Bose AR.
• Bose Frames are an Audio AR Wearable: Bose Frames are Bose AR compatible — the first commercial product embedded with the Bose audio augmented reality platform. Unlike other augmented reality glasses and platforms, Bose AR doesn’t change what you see, or use a lens or phone camera to superimpose objects in your sightline. Instead, it knows where you are and what you’re facing using a 9-axis head motion sensor and the GPS from your iOS or Android device — and automatically adds a layer of audio, connecting that place and time to endless possibilities for travel, learning, entertainment, gaming, and more. It’s all accessible through the ease of listening — clear-eyed, heads-up, hands-free. And with Bose AR experiences in development, it’s coming soon to Bose Frames.
• Battery and Storage: Bose Frames use a lithium battery that connects to an included pogo-pin cable for charging. At average listening levels, they run up to 3.5 hours for playback and up to 12 hours on standby, and can be fully recharged in less than two hours. For smudges and storage, they come with a cleaning cloth/bag and protective case.

Watch the promo video below.

Frames will be available in January next year for $199 and you can preorder it starting today.