Anker’s Soundcore brand has announced a set of glasses that beam music right into a user’s temples. Dubbed Soundcore Frames, the $199 glasses make use of bone conduction technology, allowing the wearer to “hear” audio via vibrations in their skull. This means a user can enjoy their favorite podcasts and songs without having to put anything in their ears.
Bone conduction technology has been with us for a while but has never featured prominently in mainstream devices. The reasons vary, but headphones have been around for many decades and consumers have become well-accustomed to listening to music through wireless earbuds. Indeed, by putting something directly onto the ears, users can typically enjoy a more immersive experience. However, with features such as Apple AirPods’ Transparency Mode, there has been a shift to listening to audio while also absorbing external sounds. And in this case, adding bone conduction listening to glasses makes a lot of sense.
Soundcore Frames handle audio playback via twin speakers on each temple of the glasses, which touch against the user’s skin when worn. Anker says the contact is enough to ensure the user can comfortably listen to their music without disturbing anyone nearby. It's worth noting that listening at a high volume can leak sound, much like regular earbuds do. The device temples also serve as touch-sensitive controls, allowing the wearer to tap and swipe to manage playback.
Buyers Can Try On Soundcore Frames Virtually
Anker will make the Soundcore Frames available from November 10 via its website, Best Buy, and Amazon. Those interested in purchasing the audio sunglasses will be able to try on various designs virtually using Soundcore’s smartphone app. The company is offering 10 different styles, though each one will always feature the same glossy black temples. Anker is also offering various glass options, including prescription lenses, polarized, and blue light filters. Additional frames cost $49.99 apiece.
Anker is not the first company to launch audio glasses. Amazon has gotten into the space and Bose has a range of bone conduction sunglasses. Indeed, the camera-equipped Ray-Ban Stories and Snap Spectacles also feature earbud-free audio playback. Still, sunglasses tech is a nascent space, and Anker is arguably better known for its power banks and charging bricks than dabbling in emerging device categories. It will be interesting to see if the Soundcore Frames prove popular, and if so, what Anker will do next with the technology.