Glasses: A Brief Overview

The allure of Google Glass was its ability to provide real-time information directly in my line of sight, allowing me to capture moments and enjoy audio without the hassle of traditional headphones. As time passed, my priorities shifted; I now rely on my smartwatch for notifications, and my mild Tinnitus makes bone conduction headphones a more suitable option. Smart glasses that could discreetly play music while at work would be ideal, especially since I’ve been wearing glasses since second grade.

A Dive into the Frames

Throughout my search for intelligent eyewear, I encountered three notable options.

The first was Bose Frames, which I discovered at Best Buy. These stylish auditory sunglasses resembled the specs worn by the 12th Doctor. The sound quality was impressive, and I could enjoy music at a reasonable volume without disturbing those around me. Unfortunately, the battery life was limited to around four hours, which poses a challenge for full workdays.

Although I initially intended to replace the tinted lenses with prescription ones, I learned that doing so would void the warranty. It wasn't until years later that Bose partnered with Lensabl, allowing users to purchase prescription lenses alongside the Frames. I ordered mine but faced discomfort, likely due to the thicker lenses or potential errors in the prescription. They are great for short uses but not suitable for long hours.

Next, I experimented with JLab's JBuds Frames, which are essentially Bluetooth speakers that attach to regular glasses. They are compatible with various frames but are rather conspicuous. While they deliver decent sound, they require high volume, which isn’t ideal for everyday use. Despite their shortcomings, I appreciate their affordability and am keen on trying future iterations.

Most recently, I tested Anker’s Soundcore Frames. Their less bulky design makes them visually appealing, and the arms can be swapped for different styles. However, they currently lack a partnership for prescription lenses, which complicates things for everyday users. While they suggest visiting an optometrist or online retailer, the lack of a seamless solution is a drawback.

I attempted to gauge their sound quality with and without my glasses but faced challenges. Ultimately, I resorted to a DIY fix, attaching the Soundcore arms to an old pair of glasses. This provided a glimpse of their potential but highlighted the need for proper prescription lenses.

The sound quality is commendable, but privacy is an issue, as others nearby can easily hear the audio.

Looking Ahead

Despite my explorations, I remain unsatisfied with the smart glasses currently available. I briefly considered Amazon's Echo Frames but found them pricey, especially without prescription options. Likewise, I explored GlassesUSA.com’s Revel Tunes, but their battery life and lack of reviews dissuaded me.

For now, I’m holding out hope for Apple’s anticipated smart glasses and wishing for easier access to prescription lenses for the Soundcore Frames. Until then, I’ll stick with bone conduction headphones for my Tinnitus, and my quest for discreet audio solutions continues.

Have you had any success with smart glasses or found easy ways to add prescription lenses? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments.

As always, my insights come from personal experience, and others may find different results with these devices. If you know of other options I should explore, please let me know!