When you think of augmented reality, you probably think of a screen that appears in your field of vision. You probably imagine a screen that’ll show you key information, or even one that lets you play games that involve the world around you. Your mind probably travels to thoughts of virtual reality as well, but augmented and virtual reality are actually quite different.
Bose has a different vision, as the company just put out a pair of augmented reality glasses that function through the use of sound, rather than visuals. The Verge posted about the new AR sunglasses, and it immediately caught our attention.
Introducing the Bose Frames
The Bose Frames are $ 199 pair of sunglasses that use audio to relay information about the world around you. The actual lenses on the sunglasses are just that—sunglasses.
Everything works through the built-in microphone and open-ear headphones for both receiving and relaying information to the user. Both Siri and Google Assistant are integrated into the headphones, so users will be able to control music, ask questions, and so on.
Bose plans to launch a full platform of apps later in 2019, so for the time being, they’ll serve as an interesting way to interact with your favorite digital assistants.
The sound you love. Made to wear. Meet Rondo and Alto, the new #BoseFrames. U.S. only. Coming soon globally. https://t.co/q0GeTcP5Au pic.twitter.com/3JdbX2HJsx
— Bose (@Bose) December 4, 2018
Because they use an open-ear headphone design, privacy could be a bit of a concern. Bose promises that the devices won’t broadcast sound to everyone around you, but they won’t be nearly as discreet as a pair of closed-back headphones, so you might want to be careful broadcasting anything too personal.
Here are some other interesting things to know about the Bose Frames:
- Battery Life: 3.5 hours of playback, 12 hours of standby
- Recharge Time: 2 hours for a full charge
- 9-axis head motion sensor detects the direction you’re facing
- Uses GPS from Android or iPhone to know user’s location
- Includes cleaning cloth and protective case
- Headphones weight 45 grams
- Available in round and square frame shapes
When Are the Bose Frames Available?
Bose announced that The Frames are available for preorder right now for $ 199 from Bose.com. The company is planning on shipping the devices in January 2019, so anyone who decides to throw down their money on a pair won’t need to wait too long to get their hands (or eyes and ears, as it were) on a set.
If you’re interested in the world of augmented reality as it relates to your eyes, check out some of the best AR apps out there right now.
Read the full article: Bose’s Audio-Based AR Future Available to Preorder for $ 199
