Bose Frames, the first audio AR wearable from Bose

When we think about AR (Augmented Reality), we only think about visual AR where real-world subject get augmented by a computer and show you different information. Bose thought out of the box and it’s working on an AR project that will use audio to deliver information right to your ear. The company released the first step of the project which is a new wearable device. Bose Frames, an audio AR sunglasses that will be the alternative of your wireless headphones.

Bose announced its new AR platform back during SXSW festival in March with some prototypes for an AR sunglasses. Back then, the company said that the release is coming later. And here we are, Bose Frames are sunglasses with built-in microspeakers in each of the glasses arms that will deliver the sound right into your ears, and microphones that would let you interact with your smart assistant whether it is Siri, or Google Assistant.

Using the GPS in your connected Android or iOS smartphone the glasses would know your exact location, it can also know which direction are you facing through a nine-axis head motion sensor so it can deliver the right information let’s say when you are asking for direction via Google Maps.

Bose Frames weight only 45g which is a bit more than what a normal sunglasses would usually weight, considering that there are two microspeakers built-in this is quite impressive. There are no earbuds here, meaning that you will be able to hear the ambient sound which has both a positive and a negative side.

For now, the sunglasses would work just like any wireless headphones, that means that they can stream music and information, make calls, and access smart assistants like Google Assistant or Siri. but more features and functions are coming later next year when Bose releases its new AR apps and features. The company said that an update will be coming during SXSW 2019 festival, so let’s hope that all the AR features will be added then.

The Frames would be available in two different styles, the first one is Alto which is the lager design and has a square design, the second would be Rondo which is a bit smaller and has a circular design as you could guess from the name.

Battery life as you would expect isn’t that good. Bose Frames will be up to 3.5 hours of music playback and up to 12 hours on standby. But you can get them fully charged in less than 2 hours which is good. In order to charge this pair of sunglasses, you will be using an included pogo-pin cable. just like any other glasses, the Frames will come with a protective case as well as a cleaning cloth.

The Frames will be available in the US in January for $199, but pre-order already started at Bose website, while Bose AR apps will be available later next year as we mentioned. As for other countries, a global release is expected in spring 2019.

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