Amazon launches 8 new Echos – including voice in glasses

Echo Frames are prescription-ready glasses that offer hands-free access to Alexa. The glasses have a VIP Filter, which allows users to select and hear only the phone notifications from apps that are pre-selected, while filtering out the rest. When an alert comes through, users can swipe on the temple to listen.

They are designed to look and feel like regular glasses, Echo Frames have no camera or display and are made from lightweight materials. The frames have four beamforming micro speakers that use Amazon open-ear audio technology to direct sound towards a user’s ears. After purchasing Echo Frames, one can visit an eyewear professional to add prescription lenses or adjust the fit of the frames. It is only compatible with Android phones.

The first Alexa-enabled smart ring, the Echo Loop allows access to Alexa from a finger. One can click the action button to ask for the right amount to tip at dinner, or confirm the front door is locked. It can be used for short phone calls. To do this, one needs to set a top contact and double click the action button to give their top contact a call. To hear audio feedback, users need to hold the smart ring up to their ear to hear the other end of the phone call, or Alexa’s response.

The smart ring has two microphones, and features the smallest speaker on an Echo device. It makes use of piezo haptics that vibrates discreetly for notifications or an incoming call, or to signal the button has been pressed and Alexa is streaming a request to the cloud. Echo Loop can last for a day of use with one charge, and the included charging cradle recharges it completely in 90 minutes. Echo Loop is scratch-resistant and water-resistant—meaning it can handle hand-washing and splashing. It connects to Alexa through the Alexa app and uses the device’s data plan. 

The new Echo devices are available for pre-order in the US and will start shipping later this year. To learn more, visit: www.amazon.com/morealexa. 

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