Bose Frames Audio Sunglasses, Alto (S/M), Black

Product Information

Instead, charging duties are handled via a short USB cable which has a tiny magnetic latch that attaches to the inside of the frames. Everything below 200Hz is challenging for the Bose Frames, and you would be better off sticking to less bass-heavy music for general listening. There’s a choice of two frames: the larger, squarer Alto (as tested) and the smaller, rounder Rondo.

The one thing they’re missing is volume control, so you’ll be reaching for your phone for that, which is a shame. The Bose Frames are an interesting concept and well-designed, but a few missing features and frustrations mean they’re not a must-have item for everyone just yet. Bose has included this headphone functionality inside the body of a fairly stylish pair of sunglasses, and the likelihood is that the average person wouldn’t even realize these are smart audiowear at all.Bose had to design tiny speakers to fit into the arms of the Frames from scratch, along with some proprietary tech that, Bose promises, directs 99% of the sound to the wearer’s ears, with only 1% leaked.

You can also check out some similarly angled products from companies like Trekz, such as the Trekz Titanium headphones, and the new Aftershokz Aeropex, both of which use bone conduction to send sound to your ear canal through a bone in your jaw, while keeping your ears unfettered to let in the world around you. Depending on your product and region, you will be provided a contact number or the ability to setup service online. while vents at the bottom aim patented drivers directly at your ear canals, with no need for earpads, eartips, or any physical contact.Don't expect the big bass you get from a standard set of headphones and they can distort a bit at higher volumes. Connecting by Bluetooth with your smart device they play music for a personal and immersive audio experience. There is a distinct Bose signature and quality to the upper midrange that lets vocals and strings poke through with an impressive amount of detail and texture that you wouldn't dare expect from a product of this form factor.

A single LED tucked into the earpiece interior shows charge status, while charging is accomplished via a gold magnetic plate and proprietary USB cable. The Bose Frames are delightful – a set of premium sunglasses that also act as your personal music system. They’re both IPX2 water-resistance rated which, for a product meant for outdoor use, is lower than we’d like. The Frames’ slim, rectangular box gives way to an over-sized sunglasses case layered in beaded vinyl with a Bose logo on the front. If you’re looking for a unique and exciting new way to get your tunes, and you love to get out in the sun, Bose’s Frames are definitely worth considering.A sun-drenched morning walk for a smoothie with my wife similarly transformed from lovely to inspired as I added just a splash of Vampire Weekend’s latest record, while still carrying on a cordial conversation. Strings and guitar are sweetly rendered, horns crunch with breathy definition, and vocals are clean and clear at the center, even as the sounds of the outside world move through your ears with breezy nonchalance. The StereoNET editorial team includes some of the world’s most experienced and respected hi-fi journalists with a vast wealth of knowledge. You get just over three hours of continuous listening out of the Frames before the battery runs dry, which is normally enough. And we also employ professional IT and home theatre specialists who work at the cutting edge of today’s technology.