Amazon Echo Frames

Amazon Echo Frames
Basic Info
VR/AR	Smart Glasses
Type	Smart glasses
Subtype	Audio Glasses, Voice Assistant Glasses
Platform	iOS, Android (Alexa app)
Creator	Amazon
Developer	Amazon Lab126
Manufacturer	Amazon
Announcement Date	September 2019 (Gen 1), September 2021 (Gen 2), September 2023 (Gen 3)
Release Date	December 2019 (Gen 1), 2021 (Gen 2), Late 2023 (Gen 3)
Price	$249.99 (Gen 2), $269-$299 (Gen 3)
Website	https://www.amazon.com/
Versions	Echo Frames (Gen 1), Echo Frames (Gen 2), Echo Frames (Gen 3)
Requires	iOS 14.0+ or Android 9.0+ smartphone with Alexa app
Predecessor	None
Successor	Echo Frames Gen 3 (latest)
System
Operating System	Alexa Voice Service (via Alexa app)
Chipset	Custom audio processor
CPU	N/A
GPU	N/A
Storage
Storage	N/A
Memory	N/A
SD Card Slot	No
Display
Display	None
Subpixel Layout	N/A
Peak Brightness	N/A
Resolution	N/A
Pixel Density	N/A
Refresh Rate	N/A
Persistence	N/A
Image
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
Optics	Blue light filtering or polarized sunglass lenses
Ocularity	N/A
IPD Range	N/A
Adjustable Diopter	No (prescription-ready frames)
Passthrough	N/A (optical see-through)
Tracking
Tracking	No
Tracking Frequency	N/A
Base Stations	N/A
Eye Tracking	No
Face Tracking	No
Hand Tracking	No
Body Tracking	No
Rotational Tracking	No
Positional Tracking	No
Update Rate	N/A
Tracking Volume	N/A
Play Space	N/A
Latency	Low latency audio
Audio
Audio	Open-ear directional speakers (4 micro speakers Gen 3)
Microphone	Yes (always-listening with mute option)
3.5mm Audio Jack	No
Camera	No
Connectivity
Connectivity	Bluetooth
Ports	USB-C charging (Gen 3)
Wired Video	No
Wireless Video	No
WiFi	No (via phone)
Bluetooth	Yes
Power	Rechargeable lithium-ion
Battery Capacity	Not specified
Battery Life	6 hours media (Gen 3), 14 hours moderate use
Charge Time	Not specified
Device
Dimensions	Multiple frame styles
Weight	~50g (varies by style)
Material	High-quality plastic/acetate
Headstrap	None (temples)
Haptics	No
Color	Classic Black, Charcoal Gray, other colors
Sensors	Microphones (always-listening)
Input	Voice (Alexa), touchpad gestures
Compliance	FCC, CE

The Amazon Echo Frames are voice-assistant smart glasses developed by Amazon, first announced in September 2019 as part of Amazon's Day 1 Editions program and released in December 2019. As Amazon's first wearable with built-in Alexa, Echo Frames bring hands-free voice assistant functionality to a standard eyewear form factor, featuring open-ear audio technology that directs sound toward the wearer's ears while minimizing what others hear nearby. The glasses include no camera or display, focusing entirely on audio and voice interaction. The current third-generation Echo Frames (September 2023) feature an upgraded audio system with 4 micro speakers delivering 3x more bass than previous generations, up to 6 hours of continuous media playback (14 hours moderate use), 15% slimmer temples, seven new frame designs, IPX4 splash resistance for sweat and water, and "Alexa+ Early Access" AI capabilities. Key features include Auto Volume that automatically adjusts based on environmental noise, VIP Filter for customizing which notifications to receive, and privacy controls allowing users to disable microphones with a double-press. Available with prescription-ready frames, blue light filtering lenses, or polarized sunglass options, Echo Frames retail at $269-$299 (Gen 3) and represent Amazon's vision for ambient computing through wearable Alexa access.

History and Development

Amazon Lab126

Development origin:

Amazon hardware division
Day 1 Editions program
Experimental products
Wearable computing

September 2019 Announcement

First generation:

Amazon hardware event
Day 1 Editions invite
Limited initial release
Voice-first design

December 2019 Release

Gen 1 launch:

Invite-only initially
Limited availability
Early adopter focus
$179.99 pricing

Generation Evolution

Product progression:

Gen 1 (2019): Initial release
Gen 2 (2021): Improved audio, IPX4
Gen 3 (2023): 3x bass, new designs
Continuous improvement

Design Philosophy

Alexa Everywhere

Voice-first computing:

Hands-free Alexa
Ambient AI access
Always available
Seamless integration

Audio-Only Approach

Focused functionality:

No camera (privacy)
No display
Audio + voice only
Simplified experience

Everyday Eyewear

Normal appearance:

Regular glasses look
Multiple styles
Fashion-acceptable
Daily wearable

Privacy Considerations

User control:

No camera
Mic mute option
Visual indicator (red light)
Transparent operation

Audio Technology

Open-Ear Speakers

Sound system:

Gen 3: 4 micro speakers
Directional audio
Sound to wearer
Minimized leakage

Audio Quality (Gen 3)

Improvements:

3x more bass than Gen 2
Upgraded audio system
Richer sound
Better music/calls

Privacy Audio

Leakage minimization:

Designed to minimize external sound
Others hear less
Personal listening
Public-appropriate

Auto Volume

Adaptive audio:

Environmental noise detection
Automatic adjustment
Volume optimization
Seamless adaptation

Alexa Integration

Always-Listening

Voice activation:

"Alexa" wake word
Hands-free activation
Continuous listening
Instant response

Capabilities

Alexa functions:

Music and podcasts
Audible audiobooks
Reminders and to-do lists
Smart home control
Calls and messages
Information queries

Alexa+ Early Access

Gen 3 feature:

Advanced AI capabilities
Enhanced interactions
Future AI features
Amazon AI platform

Smart Features

VIP Filter

Notification control:

Contact customization
App filtering
Priority notifications
Reduced interruptions

Top Contact

Quick calling:

Single press and hold
VIP contact call
Fast communication
Convenient access

Privacy Controls

Microphone management:

Double-press to mute
Red light indicator
Wake word disabled
User control

Physical Design

Frame Styles (Gen 3)

Design options:

Rectangle (Classic Black)
Modern Rectangle (Charcoal Gray)
Square (Classic Black)
Seven total designs
Multiple colors

Weight

Lightweight design:

Weight: ~50g (varies)
Standard eyewear weight
All-day wearable
Comfortable fit

Temple Design (Gen 3)

Slim profile:

15% slimmer than Gen 2
Circuitry moved to temples
Streamlined appearance
Improved aesthetics

Materials

Build quality:

High-quality frames
Multiple material options
Durable construction
Fashion-grade finish

Lens Options

Blue Light Filtering

Digital eye care:

Blue light protection
Computer/screen use
Reduced eye strain
Clear lenses

Polarized Sunglass

Outdoor option:

UV protection
Glare reduction
Outdoor suitable
Sunglass functionality

Prescription-Ready

Vision correction:

Compatible frames
Optician installable
Prescription lenses
Accessibility

Battery

Gen 3 Battery Life

Power specifications:

Continuous media: 6 hours
Moderate use: 14 hours
Improved over Gen 2
All-day capability

Moderate Use Definition

Typical usage:

2.5 hours media playback
1 hour talk time
20 Alexa interactions
90 incoming notifications

Charging

Power system:

USB-C charging (Gen 3)
Included cable
Standard connector
Convenient charging

Water Resistance

IPX4 Rating

Protection level:

Splash-resistant
Sweat-resistant
Light rain tolerance
Active lifestyle suitable

Connectivity

Bluetooth

Wireless connection:

Smartphone pairing
Audio streaming
Phone calls
Alexa connection

Alexa App

Required software:

iOS 14.0+ or Android 9.0+
Registration required
Configuration
Feature management

Comparison with Smart Audio Glasses

Feature	Echo Frames Gen 3	Ray-Ban Meta	Bose Frames	HUAWEI Eyewear
Price	$269-$299	$299	$199-$299	~$300
Camera	No	12MP	No	No
Display	No	No	No	No
Assistant	Alexa	Meta AI	Phone assistant	Phone assistant
Battery	6 hours media	6 hours	3.5 hours	6 hours
Water Resistance	IPX4	IPX4	No	IPX4
Speakers	4 micro	Custom	Bose	Huawei
Wake Word	"Alexa"	"Hey Meta"	N/A	N/A

Strengths and Limitations

Strengths

Built-in Alexa voice assistant
No camera (privacy-focused)
6 hours media playback (Gen 3)
3x bass improvement (Gen 3)
Auto Volume adjustment
IPX4 splash/sweat resistance
VIP Filter notifications
Privacy mic mute control
Multiple frame styles
Prescription-ready options

Limitations

No camera (some may want)
No visual display
Requires Alexa app/account
No standalone operation
Limited to Amazon ecosystem
No spatial audio features
Battery dependent
Bluetooth range limited

Technical Specifications Summary

Specification	Gen 3 Details
Type	Voice assistant smart glasses
Audio	4 micro speakers (3x bass vs Gen 2)
Assistant	Alexa (Alexa+ Early Access)
Battery	6 hours media, 14 hours moderate
Water Resistance	IPX4 (splash/sweat)
Microphones	Always-listening (mute option)
Lenses	Blue light, polarized, or prescription
Weight	~50g (varies by style)
Connectivity	Bluetooth
Price	$269-$299

References