View source for Bose Frames

{{Device Infobox
|name = Bose Frames
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Audio AR]]
|Type = [[Smart glasses]]
|Subtype = [[Audio Glasses]], [[Wearable Audio]]
|Platform = iOS, Android
|Creator = [[Bose]]
|Developer = [[Bose Corporation]]
|Manufacturer = [[Bose]]
|Announcement Date = January 2019 (CES)
|Release Date = January 2019
|Price = $199.95 (launch), $249-$299 (sport/premium styles)
|Website = https://www.bose.com/
|Versions = Alto, Rondo, Soprano, Tenor, Tempo (sport)
|Requires = iOS 9.0+ or Android 5.0+ smartphone
|Predecessor = None
|Successor = Bose Frames Tempo, Soprano, Tenor (2nd gen)
|Operating System = iOS 9.0+, Android 5.0+
|Chipset = Custom Bose audio
|CPU = N/A
|GPU = N/A
|HPU =
|Storage = N/A
|Memory = N/A
|SD Card Slot = No
|Display = None
|Subpixel Layout = N/A
|Peak Brightness = N/A
|Resolution = N/A
|Pixel Density = N/A
|Refresh Rate = N/A
|Persistence = N/A
|Field of View = N/A (audio only)
|Horizontal FoV = N/A
|Vertical FoV = N/A
|Average Pixel Density = N/A
|Peak Pixel Density = N/A
|Foveated Rendering = N/A
|Optics = UVA/UVB blocking lenses
|Ocularity = N/A
|IPD Range = N/A
|Adjustable Diopter = No (prescription-ready frames available)
|Passthrough = N/A (optical see-through sunglasses)
|Tracking = 9-axis head motion sensor
|Tracking Frequency = N/A
|Base Stations = N/A
|Eye Tracking = No
|Face Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = No
|Body Tracking = No
|Rotational Tracking = Yes (head orientation)
|Positional Tracking = No (GPS from phone)
|Update Rate = N/A
|Tracking Volume = N/A
|Play Space = N/A
|Latency = Low latency audio
|Audio = Miniaturized Bose speakers (open-ear)
|Microphone = Yes (built-in)
|3.5mm Audio Jack = No
|Camera = No
|Connectivity = Bluetooth
|Ports = Pogo-pin charging
|Wired Video = No
|Wireless Video = No
|WiFi = No
|Bluetooth = Bluetooth (30ft/9m range)
|Power = Lithium battery
|Battery Capacity = Not specified
|Battery Life = 3.5 hours playback, 12 hours standby
|Charge Time = <2 hours
|Dimensions = 53mm lens (S/M), 20mm bridge, 135mm temple
|Weight = 45g
|Material = Nylon frame, gold-plated steel hinges
|Headstrap = None (temples)
|Haptics = No
|Color = Matte Black
|Sensors = 9-axis head motion sensor, GPS (via phone)
|Input = Touch controls (temple), voice assistant
|Compliance = FCC, CE
}}

The '''Bose Frames''' are audio-focused [[smart glasses]] developed by [[Bose Corporation]], announced at CES 2019 and released in January 2019 at $199.95. As Bose's first wearable product combining premium audio with eyewear, the Frames pioneered the "audio sunglasses" category by embedding miniaturized Bose speakers in the temples that produce rich, immersive sound for the wearer while others hear practically nothing—creating an open-ear audio experience that leaves users free to hear the world around them. The original collection launched with two styles: Alto (larger rectangular frames) and Rondo (smaller rounded frames), both featuring scratch and shatter-resistant lenses that block up to 99% of UVA/UVB rays. Key features include a built-in microphone for hands-free calls and voice assistant access, a 9-axis head motion sensor for Bose AR (an audio-only augmented reality platform that uses head orientation and phone GPS to deliver location-aware audio experiences), and approximately 3.5 hours of playback on a single charge. Weighing just 45 grams with gold-plated steel hinges and charging pins, Bose Frames established the foundation for the audio smart glasses category, later expanding with the Soprano (cat-eye), Tenor (rectangular), and Tempo (sport) models.

== History and Development ==

=== Bose Wearable Entry ===
Company expansion:
* Premium audio heritage
* Wearable market entry
* Audio AR innovation
* Sunglasses form factor

=== CES 2019 Announcement ===
Product reveal:
* Audio sunglasses concept
* Bose AR platform
* Two initial styles
* $199.95 pricing

=== January 2019 Release ===
Market launch:
* Alto and Rondo styles
* Matte Black color
* Premium positioning
* Consumer availability

=== Product Line Expansion ===
Style evolution:
* Soprano (cat-eye, 2020)
* Tenor (rectangular, 2020)
* Tempo (sport, 2020)
* Multiple generations

== Design Philosophy ==

=== Open-Ear Audio ===
Sound innovation:
* No ear blocking
* Environmental awareness
* Personal listening
* Public-friendly audio

=== Sunglasses First ===
Fashion priority:
* Premium eyewear design
* UV protection
* Style-conscious
* Daily wearable

=== Audio AR Vision ===
Platform concept:
* Audio-only augmented reality
* Location-aware sound
* Head tracking
* Spatial audio experiences

=== Premium Materials ===
Build quality:
* 45g lightweight
* Gold-plated hinges
* Scratch-resistant lenses
* Fashion-grade finish

== Audio Technology ==

=== Miniaturized Bose Speakers ===
Sound system:
* Hidden in temples
* Open-ear design
* Rich, immersive sound
* Personal listening

=== Privacy Design ===
Sound directionality:
* Directed to wearer
* Others hear practically nothing
* Discreet listening
* Public-friendly

=== Audio Quality ===
Bose sound:
* Clear audio reproduction
* Bass performance
* Premium sound quality
* Music and calls

== Bose AR ==

=== Audio Augmented Reality ===
Platform innovation:
* Audio-only AR
* Sound-based information
* No visual display
* Innovative approach

=== Head Motion Sensor ===
Tracking capability:
* '''Sensor''': 9-axis IMU
* Head orientation tracking
* Direction awareness
* Motion detection

=== GPS Integration ===
Location services:
* Phone GPS access
* Location awareness
* Position tracking
* Context-aware audio

=== Use Cases ===
AR applications:
* Audio navigation
* Location-based content
* Contextual information
* Experiential audio

== Lens Technology ==

=== UV Protection ===
Eye safety:
* 99% UVA/UVB blocking
* Protective lenses
* Outdoor suitable
* Sun protection

=== Lens Quality ===
Durability:
* Scratch-resistant
* Shatter-resistant
* Uniformly tinted
* Premium quality

=== Prescription Options ===
Vision correction:
* Prescription-ready frames
* Lens replacement
* Optician compatible
* Accessibility

== Physical Design ==

=== Weight ===
Lightweight design:
* '''Weight''': 45 grams
* Standard for sunglasses
* All-day wearable
* Comfortable

=== Styles ===
Original collection:
* Alto (larger, angular)
* Rondo (smaller, rounded)
* S/M and M/L sizes
* Universal appeal

=== Materials ===
Construction:
* Nylon frames
* Gold-plated steel hinges
* Gold-plated charging pins
* Premium finish

=== Dimensions (S/M) ===
Frame measurements:
* Lens width: 53mm
* Bridge width: 20mm
* Temple length: 135mm

== Microphone ==

=== Built-In Mic ===
Voice capability:
* Hands-free calls
* Voice assistant access
* Communication
* Voice commands

=== Voice Assistants ===
Integration:
* Siri (iOS)
* Google Assistant (Android)
* Voice activation
* Hands-free control

== Battery ==

=== Battery Life ===
Power specifications:
* '''Playback''': 3.5 hours
* '''Standby''': 12 hours
* Average listening levels
* All-day standby

=== Charging ===
Power system:
* Pogo-pin connector
* Proprietary cable
* <2 hours full charge
* Magnetic attachment

== Connectivity ==

=== Bluetooth ===
Wireless connection:
* Bluetooth audio
* '''Range''': 30ft (9m)
* Phone pairing
* Standard connection

=== Compatibility ===
Device support:
* iOS 9.0 or newer
* Android 5.0 or newer
* Smartphone required
* App connectivity

== Controls ==

=== Touch Controls ===
Temple interface:
* Tap gestures
* Swipe controls
* Play/pause
* Track navigation

=== Button Functions ===
Physical controls:
* Power button
* Pairing mode
* Voice assistant
* Call management

== Product Line ==

=== Original (2019) ===
First generation:
* Alto (angular)
* Rondo (rounded)
* $199.95

=== Second Generation (2020) ===
Style expansion:
* Soprano (cat-eye)
* Tenor (rectangular)
* Improved audio

=== Tempo (2020) ===
Sport edition:
* Athletic design
* Sweat-resistant
* Sport performance
* $249-$299

== Water Resistance ==

=== Limited Protection ===
Durability:
* Not water-resistant
* Dripping water tolerance
* Beach caution needed
* Indoor/dry outdoor

== Comparison with Audio Glasses ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Feature !! Bose Frames !! Ray-Ban Meta !! Amazon Echo Frames !! Fauna Audio
|-
| Price || $199 || $299 || $269 || $249
|-
| Camera || No || 12MP || No || No
|-
| Display || No || No || No || No
|-
| Audio || Bose speakers || Custom || Open-ear || Open-ear
|-
| Assistant || Phone assistant || Meta AI || Alexa || Phone assistant
|-
| Weight || 45g || 50g || ~50g || 50g
|-
| Battery || 3.5 hours || 6 hours || 6 hours || 4 hours
|-
| UV Protection || 99% || Yes || Optional || Yes
|}

== Strengths and Limitations ==

=== Strengths ===
* Premium Bose audio quality
* Open-ear design (environmental awareness)
* 99% UVA/UVB protection
* 45g ultra-lightweight
* Bose AR platform innovation
* 9-axis head motion tracking
* Prescription-ready frames
* Multiple style options
* Gold-plated premium finish

=== Limitations ===
* No visual display
* No camera
* 3.5 hour battery life (limited)
* Not water-resistant
* Proprietary charging cable
* Bose AR limited adoption
* Audio only (no visual AR)
* Bluetooth range limited (30ft)

== Technical Specifications Summary ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Specification !! Details
|-
| Type || Audio sunglasses
|-
| Audio || Miniaturized Bose open-ear speakers
|-
| Battery || 3.5 hours playback, 12 hours standby
|-
| Sensors || 9-axis head motion sensor
|-
| Microphone || Yes (built-in)
|-
| UV Protection || 99% UVA/UVB
|-
| Weight || 45g
|-
| Connectivity || Bluetooth (30ft range)
|-
| Compatibility || iOS 9.0+, Android 5.0+
|-
| Price || $199.95 (launch)
|}

== See Also ==
* [[Bose]]
* [[Audio Glasses]]
* [[Smart Glasses]]
* [[Bose AR]]
* [[Open-Ear Audio]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Smart Glasses]]
[[Category:Audio Glasses]]
[[Category:Bose]]
[[Category:Wearable Audio]]
[[Category:2010s Wearables]]