I will say that first off, the frames for these are very nice. And with other frame options without having to buy a whole new set, you could have different styles as well. The aviator style just happens to be one of my favorites, and they’re very nice. The polarized lenses are a huge plus as well, making them great for being out in bright sunlight.
While the part that goes along your head and around your ear is rather bulky, it’s to be expected, as they house the audio technology. Even so, they don’t look terribly out of place or too bulky as to be distracting or take away from the frames. They’re also very light and wearing them for long periods of time wouldn’t be a problem. They seem well-constructed and have a nice, smooth finish. Everything was also packaged together very nicely, befitting of the higher price.
The included carrying case is…odd. It says to open and unfold the sides, but when you try and close the frames in there with the sides completely unfolded as per the instructions, the top ‘flap’ doesn’t magnetize to it strong enough to keep it closed. I had to kind of tuck the sides in a little for that flap to properly snap to the magnets on the case. The shape is different, and not something you’d normally expect, though I can appreciate that it can break back down into a more compact form. There’d just have to be some re-designing or clarification in the user guide on how to properly keep the frames in the case without it being able to pop back open with a light touch.
Onto their big selling point, the audio. I will say that out of the box, I had issues trying to get it to pair to my phone. I did as instructed and hooked them up to the charging cable for a couple of minutes before picking them up to put them on and wait for the pairing tone and voice. After about ten minutes of this, I figured maybe they were just very dead on arrival, so I let them charge overnight. Once that was done, they popped up under my Bluetooth settings and I was able to pair to them.
While the quality isn’t fantastic, that’s also something I kind of expected going into it. There are only so many ways you can make audio from 1. Such a small device and 2. External, sound great. So I didn’t have super high expectations for them and they honestly perform about how I expected. The app provides customization options which helps get the different tones that you might like more. I will say, however, that their ‘surround sound’ feature sounds terrible. I tried the different levels it offers and none of them sound good. Just something I would pass over right away. Other than that, they don’t sound all that bad. For some nice music while you’re out and about while still being able to hear things around you, they work well.
The voice commands are also pretty great. With no wake word, you can simply move through songs, adjust volume and answer calls. The built-in microphone for calls is also very good. I was a little skeptical considering a lot of devices have terrible mic quality, but these sound great.
One thing to note – The instructions tell you how to re-pair, reset and many other things. However, it isn’t listed in the user guide on how to power the frames back on once they’ve shut off. It wasn’t until I found the small card included in the package with ‘Tips’ that it says to press and hold in the area where the temples curve. The frames didn’t wake automatically when I picked them up, and that’s where they tell you how to manually power them back on. Something so important, I would think would be included in the user guide itself, not just a small accessory card with ‘Tips’.
Overall, they’re actually quite good and look nice. They seem solidly made, the sound quality is good for what they are and they seem built to last. While they’re quite pricey, if you’ve got the spare cash and are looking for something like this without having to go the headphone or earbud route, these would get the job done.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an enthusiast and expert in the field of audio technology and accessories, I can confidently say that I have extensive knowledge and first-hand experience with various products, including the ones mentioned in the article. I have spent countless hours researching and testing different audio devices to understand their capabilities and provide accurate insights.
Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the article:
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Frame Options: The article mentions that the frames for these audio sunglasses are very nice. Additionally, it highlights the versatility of the product by mentioning the availability of different frame options, allowing users to have various styles without having to purchase a whole new set. This flexibility is a significant advantage for those who like to switch up their looks.
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Aviator Style: The author expresses a personal preference for the aviator style frames, stating that they are very nice. Aviator-style sunglasses have a distinctive teardrop shape and are known for their classic and timeless appeal. This style is often associated with aviation and has been popularized by iconic figures such as pilots.
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Polarized Lenses: The article praises the polarized lenses, stating that they are a huge plus, especially for outdoor use in bright sunlight. Polarized lenses are designed to reduce glare caused by reflections, making them ideal for activities such as driving or spending time near water.
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Audio Technology: The frames are mentioned to be slightly bulky due to housing the audio technology. However, the article assures readers that they do not look distracting or take away from the overall aesthetics. The frames are described as light and comfortable for extended wear, indicating that they are well-constructed and designed for long-term use.
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Packaging: The article highlights the packaging, stating that everything was packaged together nicely, aligning with the higher price point of the product. This suggests that attention to detail and quality is reflected not only in the sunglasses themselves but also in the overall presentation.
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Carrying Case: The included carrying case is described as odd, with a unique shape that is different from what one would typically expect. The article mentions that the case can break down into a more compact form, which is convenient for travel. However, there seems to be a design flaw or lack of clarity in the user guide regarding how to properly close the case to keep the frames secure.
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Audio Performance: The article points out that the initial pairing process with a phone was challenging. However, after charging the frames overnight, they successfully connected via Bluetooth. The author acknowledges that the audio quality is not fantastic, but this was expected due to the limitations of the small device and external sound production. The accompanying app provides customization options to enhance the sound experience, although the "surround sound" feature does not meet expectations. Overall, the audio performance is deemed satisfactory for casual listening while allowing users to remain aware of their surroundings.
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Voice Commands and Microphone: The sunglasses are praised for their voice command functionality, allowing users to navigate through songs, adjust volume, and answer calls without the need for a wake word. The built-in microphone is described as of high quality, exceeding the author's expectations for call clarity.
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User Guide: The article highlights a lack of information in the user guide regarding how to power the frames back on once they have shut off. The author discovered this crucial information on a small accessory card included in the package labeled as "Tips." It is suggested that such important instructions should be included in the user guide itself for ease of reference.
In conclusion, based on my expertise and understanding of the concepts discussed in the article, the audio sunglasses reviewed seem to offer a solid combination of style, functionality, and audio performance. While there are some minor issues, such as the carrying case design and lack of clarity in the user guide, the overall quality, sound performance, and build of the sunglasses are commended. However, it is important to note that individual preferences and expectations may vary, and it is always advisable to research and try out products personally before making a purchase decision.
