Bose Frames Audio Sunglasses, Alto (S/M), Black

Product Information

Don't expect the big bass you get from a standard set of headphones and they can distort a bit at higher volumes. Apart from GPS, the only really practical one for me is the golf guide, and I’m still not sure I want a robot in my head on the course. We appreciate that they’re IPX2 certified for basic water resistance, but that means they’re only splash proof and can’t withstand a serious douse. We believe that no other online hi-fi and home cinema resource offers such expert knowledge, so when StereoNET gives an Applause Award, it is a trustworthy hallmark of quality.

Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian View image in fullscreen The Bose Frames look like a regular set of sunglasses, with nylon frames and user-replaceable lenses, but hides sensors and speakers in the arms. You'll need a certain level of volume to hear your music, and that level will be sure to get you funny looks from the neighbours. And when you do switch them on they sound surprisingly good, with rich audio that sparkles with the right track. Do these Bose Frames pull it off and supply superb sound, all the while leaving your ears unadorned as you make your way through the urban jungle or enjoy a scenic stroll?The Frames support standard Bluetooth audio (SBC) as well as the higher quality AAC audio, and had rock-solid connectivity with both Android phones and the iPhone. If you wish to connect to another device, even one previously paired, you must power off Bose Frames by flipping them upside down for two seconds. It should be easy to find compatible AR apps when more are added, as the Bose Connect app highlights them almost instantly. Allowing for such detail and spritely definition makes the Frames not just functional, but friendly when you put them on, almost daring you to take them along on your outdoor adventures — especially when the sun is shining brightly above. Bose says the Tempo plays "deeper and louder -- loud enough for cycling at 25 mph -- while still able to hear traffic and your training partners.

Once you’re done with the Bose Alto for the day, they can be switched off by folding them and placing them upside down. That inspired more potential use cases for the Frames: A musical trek in Oregon’s emerald Gorge (without bothering my fellow hikers), pulling weeds on a Sunday afternoon, or just relaxing in the backyard with an icy drink. The Tenor fits my face better than the Soprano, which -- as its name implies -- Bose is aiming at women who like oversized sunglasses (my daughter likes them). This is the company that patented noise cancellation, after all, and creating functioning headphones in a pair of sunglasses you feel good about wearing is its own impressive feat. Because there's nothing in your ears, people will really think you're talking to yourself, but I undoubtedly got a certain feeling of freedom from not having anything in my ears, even something as light as the AirPods.

Instead of having to look at a screen, you could be walking around the world as you normally would and have a guide speak to you. Of course, the one thing those types of device offer over the Alto is some degree of sound suppression. Frames were initially hyped as audio augmented-reality sunglasses that were compatible with Bose's upcoming AR audio platform, Bose AR. There are currently two styles available – the square-framed Alto is similar to Ray-Ban’s Wayfarer sunglasses, while the Rondo is rounder, smaller and looks a bit more retro.