HomeSmart Glasses Outshine Meta Ray-Bans in Key Areas, Now $90 Off
The Echo Frames from Amazon are impressively light, with the weight cleverly distributed along the sides where the speakers, buttons, and tiny components reside. The rubberized tips at the ends of the frames enhance the fit, although folding them after adjustments can be a bit tricky.
Storing the glasses in the provided case is straightforward, but if they're not folded correctly, you might run into trouble when it's time to charge them. Unlike the Meta Ray-Ban's USB-C case, the Echo Frames come with a separate charging dock. Getting the wireless charging coils to line up with those on the glasses can be a real challenge. More often than not, I end up forcing the glasses into place, which feels risky, or I meticulously slot them in until they fit just right.
Functionally, the Echo Frames don't feature the multimodal AI cameras found in Meta Ray-Bans, nor do they project visual overlays like XR glasses. Instead, they offer Bluetooth audio streaming, call handling, text messaging, notification reading, and interaction with Alexa-enabled smart home devices, much like a smartphone or smart hub would. These are entry-level smart glasses, but that's not a downside.
While my home isn't as tech-savvy as my colleague Maria Diaz's, I've found the Echo Frames quite handy for controlling various smart switches, sparing me the need to fetch my phone from the kitchen or nightstand. The extensive range of Alexa-compatible devices allowed me to easily command my three-year-old August entry lock, adding a layer of security to my home.
The same "Alexa" wake word is used for commands. Kerry Wan/ZDNET
I've also relished listening to podcasts and making calls on my evening strolls. It's likely a combination of being able to enjoy my audio content while staying alert to my surroundings, and the speakers on the Echo Frames prioritizing mid and high frequencies over bassy, immersive lows. They're excellent for vocal-centric audio and decent for multi-layered tracks.
The button navigation could be simpler, but since I mainly use voice commands, the need to press the front or back button to accept or decline actions (or mute the microphone) didn't bother me much. If you're upgrading from an older Echo Frames model, prepare to retrain your muscle memory, as the touch strip and swipe gestures are no longer available.
ZDNET's Buying Advice
Priced at $269, though currently on sale for $179 at Amazon, the Echo Frames (3rd Gen) aren't the cheapest option on the market. They're only $30 less than the more feature-rich Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses.
However, the Echo Frames have two major advantages: seamless Alexa integration and a sleek design. For smart home enthusiasts, these glasses serve as a constant controller with all-day battery life. For first-time smart glasses buyers, they're less intimidating than models with built-in projectors and cameras. Plus, they're less likely to cause issues at airport security.
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Comments (26)
0/500
![BruceRoberts]()
Ces lunettes ont l'air vraiment légères, un gros avantage face aux Ray-Ban encombrantes ! Mais le pliage délicat que tu mentionnes, ça a l'air un peu chiant à l'usage quotidien... Et côté vie privée avec Amazon qui écoute, ça me rend un peu sceptique 🙄. Pour 90$ de moins, ça reste intéressant, mais est-ce que la réduction vaut les inconvénients ? À voir !
![StevenMartínez]()
C'est marrant que ça soit si léger ! Meta va devoir s'armer d'innovation, car Amazon rattrape vite sur l'aspect pratique du quotidien. Le prix en promo est tentant, mais j'hésite encore sur la vie privée avec Alexa dans mes lunettes... 😅
![JonathanMiller]()
Hatte diese Brille vor ein paar Monaten kurz getestet, und das Gewicht war wirklich der größte Pluspunkt – fast merkt man gar nicht, dass es Smartglasses sind! 😮 Die Klangqualität war für Alltagssituationen völlig ausreichend. Mich würde aber interessieren, ob Amazon das Potenzial dieser Hardware für mehr als nur Musik und Benachrichtigungen nutzen wird. Der Preisnachlass ist auf jeden Fall verlockend.
![HenryTurner]()
Óculos inteligentes por $90 de desconto? Estou quase comprando só pelo preço! 😅 Mas será que a bateria dura o dia todo? Isso sempre me pega com esses gadgets...
![KevinGarcia]()
These Echo Frames sound super light and comfy, but $90 off still feels steep for no AR or cameras. Anyone else think smart glasses need more pizzazz to justify the price? 🤔
![CharlesHernández]()
These Echo Frames sound like a steal at $90 off! Super light and packed with Alexa, but I’m curious—how’s the sound quality in noisy places? 😎
The Echo Frames from Amazon are impressively light, with the weight cleverly distributed along the sides where the speakers, buttons, and tiny components reside. The rubberized tips at the ends of the frames enhance the fit, although folding them after adjustments can be a bit tricky.
Storing the glasses in the provided case is straightforward, but if they're not folded correctly, you might run into trouble when it's time to charge them. Unlike the Meta Ray-Ban's USB-C case, the Echo Frames come with a separate charging dock. Getting the wireless charging coils to line up with those on the glasses can be a real challenge. More often than not, I end up forcing the glasses into place, which feels risky, or I meticulously slot them in until they fit just right.
Functionally, the Echo Frames don't feature the multimodal AI cameras found in Meta Ray-Bans, nor do they project visual overlays like XR glasses. Instead, they offer Bluetooth audio streaming, call handling, text messaging, notification reading, and interaction with Alexa-enabled smart home devices, much like a smartphone or smart hub would. These are entry-level smart glasses, but that's not a downside.
While my home isn't as tech-savvy as my colleague Maria Diaz's, I've found the Echo Frames quite handy for controlling various smart switches, sparing me the need to fetch my phone from the kitchen or nightstand. The extensive range of Alexa-compatible devices allowed me to easily command my three-year-old August entry lock, adding a layer of security to my home.
I've also relished listening to podcasts and making calls on my evening strolls. It's likely a combination of being able to enjoy my audio content while staying alert to my surroundings, and the speakers on the Echo Frames prioritizing mid and high frequencies over bassy, immersive lows. They're excellent for vocal-centric audio and decent for multi-layered tracks.
The button navigation could be simpler, but since I mainly use voice commands, the need to press the front or back button to accept or decline actions (or mute the microphone) didn't bother me much. If you're upgrading from an older Echo Frames model, prepare to retrain your muscle memory, as the touch strip and swipe gestures are no longer available.
ZDNET's Buying Advice
Priced at $269, though currently on sale for $179 at Amazon, the Echo Frames (3rd Gen) aren't the cheapest option on the market. They're only $30 less than the more feature-rich Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses.
However, the Echo Frames have two major advantages: seamless Alexa integration and a sleek design. For smart home enthusiasts, these glasses serve as a constant controller with all-day battery life. For first-time smart glasses buyers, they're less intimidating than models with built-in projectors and cameras. Plus, they're less likely to cause issues at airport security.
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Ces lunettes ont l'air vraiment légères, un gros avantage face aux Ray-Ban encombrantes ! Mais le pliage délicat que tu mentionnes, ça a l'air un peu chiant à l'usage quotidien... Et côté vie privée avec Amazon qui écoute, ça me rend un peu sceptique 🙄. Pour 90$ de moins, ça reste intéressant, mais est-ce que la réduction vaut les inconvénients ? À voir !
C'est marrant que ça soit si léger ! Meta va devoir s'armer d'innovation, car Amazon rattrape vite sur l'aspect pratique du quotidien. Le prix en promo est tentant, mais j'hésite encore sur la vie privée avec Alexa dans mes lunettes... 😅
Hatte diese Brille vor ein paar Monaten kurz getestet, und das Gewicht war wirklich der größte Pluspunkt – fast merkt man gar nicht, dass es Smartglasses sind! 😮 Die Klangqualität war für Alltagssituationen völlig ausreichend. Mich würde aber interessieren, ob Amazon das Potenzial dieser Hardware für mehr als nur Musik und Benachrichtigungen nutzen wird. Der Preisnachlass ist auf jeden Fall verlockend.
Óculos inteligentes por $90 de desconto? Estou quase comprando só pelo preço! 😅 Mas será que a bateria dura o dia todo? Isso sempre me pega com esses gadgets...
These Echo Frames sound super light and comfy, but $90 off still feels steep for no AR or cameras. Anyone else think smart glasses need more pizzazz to justify the price? 🤔
These Echo Frames sound like a steal at $90 off! Super light and packed with Alexa, but I’m curious—how’s the sound quality in noisy places? 😎
