Bose releases sunglasses/headphone combo

Bose Frames, the company's combination sunglasses and wireless headphones wearable, has come to Australia and New Zealand.

There are are also mirrored and gradient lenses available for customisability and feature the tiniest, thinnest, most lightweight Bose system ever.

With a proprietary open-ear design and micro-acoustics it allows for voice control and personal audio without loss of privacy.

There are two available designs: Alto, which is square and angled; and Rondo, round and smaller.

Both block up to 99% of UVA/UVB rays, weigh 45 grams, and come with uniformly tinted lenses - which can be popped out and replaced.

An acoustic package is set in each arm's interior - rather than an earbud, or attached component - to produce discreet 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 control now, and software updates for new experiences in the future and they are Bose AR compatible

Unlike other augmented reality glasses and platforms, Bose AR doesn't change what you see, integrate a camera lens, or require your phone's 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 through Bose AR apps.

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 cloth bag and a protective case.

"Frames are both magical and practical," says Bose Frames director Mehul Trivedi.

"With the new lens options, they're more versatile premium sunglasses.  But when you turn them on, they function like headphones, instantly connecting to your phone, contacts, the web, and all its audible content.  Frames have taken the wearable category by storm since their U.S. release six months ago, and we're really excited to bring their groundbreaking performance - and new accessories - to people all over the world.