Amazon's Alexa digital assistant has been helping consumers accomplish various home automation tasks, enjoy movies and music and get useful information at home for years. Just ask Alexa a question on an Echo or Fire TV stick or compatible device, and you can find out the weather, local traffic, world news or simply what to watch on TV this evening. Recently, Amazon introduced "Echo Auto" to bring that digital assitant functionality to the car. But now the company is going two steps further in allowing you to bring Alexa with you into the world at large: Echo Buds, and Echo Frames.
The Echo Buds ($129.99 at press time) are wireless Bluetooth earbuds with built-in Alexa support. The Echo Frames ($249.99) are eyeglass frames with Alexa on board. Both devices include microphones for interaction with Alexa. Both must be paired with your phone via Bluetooth in order to access the Alexa service and the internet at large.
The Echo Buds have advanced noise-cancelling technology on board, powered by Bose technology. They come with a charging case and are IPX4 rated for water and sweat resistance. As a pair of Bluetooth earbuds, the Alexa Buds support any streaming media platform or digital media that can be accessed from your phone or other mobile device. But the built-in microphone allows you to access that media using your voice, or control home automation tasks such as turning on the lights, locking the door or adjusting your thermostat. In addition to the integrated Alexa support, the Echo buds can be used to call upon Google Assistant (Android) or Siri (Apple iOS) via a touch of a button.
The Echo Frames have four small speakers built into the temples (two on each side) beaming sound directly to your ears. Because there are no earphones or earbuds in your ears, you can still hear what's going on around you so you'll be less distracted. The Echo Frames come with clear lenses, but you can have custom lenses made at your local optician. With the frames on you can discretely stream music, audio books or podcasts from your phone, from Amazon Music, Audible, or a compatible service.
Although you might be tempted to compare Echo Frames with the flash-in-the-pan fad known as "Google Glass," the Echo Frames include no screen or visual display of any kind. It's strictly an audio-only solution. The assumption is you can use your phone screen or TV screen when you need visuals. By omitting a visual display, Echo Frames make it easier for the wearer to concentrate on important things like crossing the street without walking in front of a moving bus or walking down stairs instead of falling down them.
In addition to streaming music, listening to audio books or podcasts, Google Frames allow you to place phone calls or listen to text messages hands-free. A "VIP" feature in the Alexa app allows you to screen your text and app notifications so only the important stuff makes it though (just like a real assistant would do). The Echo Frames do not include any camera on board, and if you need privacy, you can disable the microphone with a quick press of a button on the temple.
The Echo Buds can be pre-ordered now, for delivery on or around October 30. The Echo Frames are currently available "by invitation only." You can request an invitation on the Amazon product page. If you get accepted for the early access program, the Echo Frames will only cost $179.99. The general release price after the introductory period will be $249.99.
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