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December 4, 2018 — Bose today announced Frames, a breakthrough product combining the protection and style of premium sunglasses, the functionality and performance of wireless headphones, and the world’s first audio augmented reality platform — into one revolutionary wearable. Frames take micro-acoustics and voice control to an entirely new level, debuting the future of mobile sound in the tiniest, thinnest, most lightweight Bose system ever. With a proprietary open-ear design, Frames can stream music and information, take and make calls, and access virtual assistants — while keeping playlists, entertainment, and conversations private. Frames are available in January 2019 for $199, preorders start today, and Bose AR apps are coming next year.
“Bose Frames are both revolutionary and practical,” said Mehul Trivedi, director of Bose Frames. “They look and act like classic sunglasses — until you turn them on. And then you’re connected to your phone, contacts, the web, and all its audible content, just like headphones. There’s nothing else like them — they’re a breakthrough you have to see, wear, and hear to believe.”
Bose Frames are Sunglasses
Bose Frames come in two timeless styles — square and angled, or round and slightly smaller. Both block up to 99% of UVA/UVB rays, and feature uniformly tinted lenses and distinct accents — including gold-plated steel hinges and charging pins. They’re scratch and shatter resistant, and weigh a mere 45 grams — standard for the category. Each element is smooth, modern, and minimal. And they are shaped, fit, and feel like the world’s most iconic eyewear.
Bose Frames are a Personal Audio Device
Bose Frames function like truly wireless headphones — with engineering that crushes the limitations of size-to-performance for personal listening. A miniscule, wafer-thin acoustic package is set seamlessly in each arm’s interior — rather than an earbud, or attached component — to produce discreet, jaw-dropping sound for the user, and no one else. For touch and voice control, an ultra-small microphone and multi-function button are embedded on the right temple for power and pairing, Siri and Google Assistant, calls and commands, or to pause and skip songs. The Bose Connect app provides additional features now, and software updates for new features in the future — like Bose AR.
Bose Frames are an Audio AR Wearable
Bose Frames are Bose AR compatible — the first commercial product embedded with the Bose audio augmented reality platform. Unlike other augmented reality glasses and platforms, Bose AR doesn’t change what you see, or use a lens or phone camera to superimpose objects in your sightline. Instead, it knows where you are and what you’re facing using a 9-axis head motion sensor and the GPS from your iOS or Android device — and automatically adds a layer of audio, connecting that place and time to endless possibilities for travel, learning, entertainment, gaming, and more. It’s all accessible through the ease of listening — clear-eyed, heads-up, hands-free. And with Bose AR experiences in development, it’s coming soon to Bose Frames.
Battery and Storage
Bose Frames use a lithium battery that connects to an included pogo-pin cable for charging. At average listening levels, they run up to 3.5 hours for playback and up to 12 hours on standby, and can be fully recharged in less than two hours. For smudges and storage, they come with a cleaning cloth/bag and protective case.
Details and Availability — Frames and Bose AR
Bose Frames come in Matte Black and two universal styles — the larger (Alto) and smaller (Rondo). Both are available in the U.S. beginning in January 2019 at Bose stores and Bose.com at launch, followed by select resellers; and global markets in Spring 2019. An update on Bose AR, the industry’s first audio augmented reality platform, will be shared at SXSW 2019.
About Bose
Bose Corporation was founded in 1964 by Dr. Amar G. Bose, then a professor of electrical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Today, the company is driven by its founding principles, investing in long-term research to develop new technologies with real customer benefits. Bose innovations have spanned decades and industries, creating and transforming categories in audio and beyond. Bose products for the home, in the car, on the go and in public spaces have become iconic, changing the way people listen to music.
Bose Corporation is privately held. The company’s spirit of invention, passion for excellence, and commitment to extraordinary experiences can be found around the world — everywhere Bose does business.
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