Skip to main content

Amazon Echo Frames arrive in blue light and sunglasses forms for summertime

The Amazon Echo Frames originally launched in December but came with a somewhat limited series of options. Today, Amazon announced two new models of the Echo Frames: A set of polarized sunglasses and a set of blue-light filtering glasses. The new options come after a lot of customer feedback asking for different options and styles.

The sunglasses themselves are available in two different versions, too. One is a classic set of sunglasses, while the other is a set of blue mirror sunglasses. Both versions are IPX4-rated, which means they are perfect for wearing while working out or walking outside. While they shouldn’t be worn while swimming, they can withstand a few splashes of sweat or rain.

Recommended Videos

On the other hand, the Echo Frames with a blue-light filter are perfect for people that spend a lot of time at their computers. Blue light can interfere with your circadian rhythm and interrupt your sleep cycle, so the blue light filter makes it possible to play video games or browse the web in the evenings without worrying about disturbing your rest.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The polarized blue mirror sunglasses will start shipping on May 18, while the Echo Frames with blue-light filtering lenses and the polarized classic sunglasses begin shipping on June 9. Both options are available in the classic black frames for $270.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

The Echo Frames are more than just glasses. They provide access to Alexa with a touch of a button, as well as give you easy access to music, podcasts, and more without the use of headphones. You can control your music and playlists by saying “Alexa, pause,” or “Alexa, next.”

Another feature allows you to communicate with other Echo devices by dropping in and communicating with friends and family. You can also broadcast to Alexa devices in your home to let your family know you’re on your way home, or to let everyone know that dinner is ready.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The new options are available for purchase now. Though the cost might be prohibitive for some, the launch of these new versions — and the coming of summer months and outdoor activities — are a great time to try out these smart audio glasses for yourself.

Patrick Hearn
Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technology like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more. If it's a…
What is the Amazon Echo Hub?
A person using the Amazon Echo Hub.

Amazon already has a robust lineup of smart displays, but the new Echo Hub is something entirely different. While it looks a bit like an Echo Show, the Echo Hub isn't a smart display -- it's a smart home hub designed to be mounted directly on your wall.

Unlike the Echo and Echo Show products, the Echo Hub isn’t a tabletop device. In fact, you'll need to pay extra for an optional stand just so you can place it on your table or countertop. That's because the Echo Hub is a smart control panel, not a smart speaker or smart display. Amazon bills the Echo Hub as "an Alexa-enabled control panel for your smart home devices." After getting it mounted to your wall, it'll sync up with the rest of your smart home and make it easy to control your various gadgets via its touchscreen.

Read more
Echo Show 8 vs. Nest Hub: Does Amazon or Google offer the best smart display?
Google Nest Hub 2nd Gen on table.

Anyone in the market for a reasonably priced smart display has probably stumbled across the Echo Show 8 and Nest Hub. Both clock in at under $150 (often less when on sale) yet provide homes with many of the same features found on premium alternatives like the Nest Hub Max and Echo Show 10.

But is the Echo Show 8 better than the Nest Hub? And what exactly is the difference between these two smart displays? Here's a comprehensive look at both to help you decide which one to bring into your smart home.
Pricing and design

Read more
Amazon’s grab-and-go stores arrive in hospitals
A health care worker shopping at a store using Amazon's Just Walk Out technology.

Amazon is bringing its Just Walk Out technology to hospitals so that busy staff can shop food and drinks without having to wait in line.

For the uninitiated, Just Walk Out technology uses cameras and sensors -- and, in more recent setups, radio-frequency identification (RIFD) tags -- to track customers' selections as they make their way around a store and then automatically charge their accounts when they leave.

Read more