Soundcore Frames: audio glasses with speakers and microphone

Anker today introduced a new type of wearable in its audio brand Soundcore: the Soundcore frames. These are audio glasses, i.e. glasses with speakers and a microphone. A total of four loudspeakers - one in front of and one behind each ear - should provide the best stereo sound thanks to the patented OpenSurround system from Anker. Similar to headphones, however, only the wearer of the Soundcore Frames should hear something. A wearing detection ensures that the playback of music, podcasts and the like is paused when you take off the glasses. The integrated microphone enables video and telephone calls. There are a total of ten different frame models.

Soundcore Frames Specifications

Here you will find the most important technical data from the Soundcore Frames data sheet from Anker. With this you can already get a first impression. Further information, for example about the operation, the release and the price of the audio glasses, can be found below. Now first of all the specs:

• Frequency range: 20-20kHz
• Drivers (Speakers): 4 (2 per side)
• Driver size / material: 25mm x 8mm (main); 8mm diameter (back) / PET
• Battery type / capacity: 2 x lithium polymer / 110 mA each 
• Playing time / talk time (normal mode): 5,5 hours at 60% volume / 5 hours
• Fast charging: 10 minutes = 1,5 hours
• Charging cable: Magnetic charging cable with USB
• Bluetooth version: 5.2
• Protection class: IPX4
• Control type: Touch control with tap and swipe inputs + voice control
• Compatible with voice assistants
• Audio codecs: SBC, AAC
• Wear recognition on the ear
• 10 frame options including prescription lenses, polarized lenses, and blue light filtering lenses 

Audio playback through four speakers

There are two loudspeakers on each temple of the Soundcore Frames - one in front of and one behind the ear. The main speaker is of course the one in front of the auricle. Unfortunately, detailed information on the OpenSurround system patented by Anker is not yet available. So how loud you can listen to music, podcasts and the like without bothering people around you is not known. Also, there is still no information on how well you can hear the audio output when you are outside - on a street, at a construction site, etc.

Use and control of the Soundcore frames

The use of the Soundcore frames is possible via touch inputs and voice control. Various touch and swiping gestures can be used on touch surfaces to start or pause the music playback, to answer or end calls, and the like. There is a noise reduction feature for voice input, e.g. for telephony or the use of voice assistants, so that background noise does not interfere and only what is spoken is transmitted.

Availability and prices of audio glasses and accessories

According to current information, the Soundcore frames will come onto the market in Germany and the rest of Europe around mid-November 2021. In addition to the Soundcore website, Amazon can then also be used as a source of supply. The price for the basic model is set at 179,99 euros. The other, previously announced frame or glass models, of which there will initially be ten pieces, will be offered for 49,99 euros. It is not yet known what prescription glasses and similar custom-made products will cost.

Johannes Domke

After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.