Echo & Alexa Forums

General Category => Alexa New Technology Day 1 Editions => Topic started by: renegade600 on December 17, 2019, 05:44:56 am

Title: Alexa Frames
Post by: renegade600 on December 17, 2019, 05:44:56 am
Got the invite to order the frames.  Decided to get it and it will be deliver Thursday - another christmas gift for myself.   cannot wait to see if it works as well as they claim.  I have plans for it like hands free when driving and when outside.   
Title: Re: Alexa Frames
Post by: jwlv on December 18, 2019, 07:26:10 am
Wow lucky you! I'm jealous. I would love to try the Echo Frames.
Who knows when I'll get the invite for it though. When I signed up for Echo Auto in the past, I didn't get the invite until over a year later.
Title: Re: Alexa Frames
Post by: renegade600 on December 20, 2019, 05:22:09 am
got it last night just before going to work.  going to put it to a better test later today.  just got it set up and so far I am very impress with it.  works around the house even though I have other echos so esp works great on it.   no button to press in order to use it while wearing it.   it sounds great and it does not disturb others because they cannot hear it even though you can hear it.   I tried a couple of skills like playing the radio show the shadow and read my emails and it work... I am going to assume it can do just about everything a regular echo can do. 

the only real question I have so far is what is it going to do to the battery on the phone since the alexa is running in the background on the phone.    guess it will take a few days to find that one out. 

at this time I am going to leave it with plain glass since I wear contacts most of the time.
Title: Re: Alexa Frames
Post by: renegade600 on December 29, 2019, 06:38:37 am
after over a week of use, I find that they do come in handy.  I can take timers with me and I can take items off the shopping list as I get them from the store shelf in stores with good wifi.   They perfect for when outside in the storage shed.  I tried putting a dot out there but it did not work in the cold or heat. 

when I am home, I do not wear the smartwatch.  believe it or not, the glasses will pickup phone notifications.  it will also do skills so it will let me know when I have email and read them to me. 

the accuracy of the commands is a whole lot better than regular dots.  If wearing the glasses all the time, there would be no need for the other echo devices for most users. 

what I don't like, the glasses themselves, still think they look dorky.  all I need to do is to put tape around the nose piece and look like a stereotypical nerd.   IMO, they are more for the your, professional crowd, not some fat old guy.   

If I wanted to use them all the time, I would need two pairs, one for contacts and one when I take them out.  wish I got the ear buds instead.   I guess they went with glasses because some insurance will cover the cost of the glass and might even cover the frame.  good selling point. 

If I had to describe the music, it is a bit better than the original dot but not by much. 

I also wish the battery was better.   If not use it for music, audiobooks or podcasts, then it will last just about all day - otherwise it will only last a couple of hours.   the charger cable has a magnetic connection to the glasses without a port so a couple of times it did not charge properly.  good thing it charges fast. 
Title: Re: Alexa Frames
Post by: jwlv on December 29, 2019, 04:52:16 pm
I got the echo buds the day it came out. Returned it two days later. The tap and tap & hold command just didn't work. In other forums I read a lot of other people had the same problem. And they were just uncomfortable to me. I think the echo frames would suit me better.
Title: Re: Alexa Frames
Post by: renegade600 on December 30, 2019, 12:25:41 am
I got the echo buds the day it came out. Returned it two days later. The tap and tap & hold command just didn't work. In other forums I read a lot of other people had the same problem. And they were just uncomfortable to me. I think the echo frames would suit me better.

maybe I will stick with the frames after all :-)  I was considering getting the buds with my tax refund.  use them only when wearing glasses.   Look like the buds still needs work.  was just on the amazonforums and saw the problems they were having. 
Title: Re: Alexa Frames
Post by: jwlv on February 26, 2020, 05:43:38 pm
Oh yes! Got my invitation today. Just placed my order and it will be here Friday. :)

(https://i.imgur.com/UkhaQRe.jpg)


Title: Re: Alexa Frames
Post by: renegade600 on February 27, 2020, 04:26:21 pm
bout time - right  :-)   I think you will be happy with them.  I know I am.  they are not perfect but I don't leave the house without them.
Title: Re: Alexa Frames
Post by: jwlv on February 27, 2020, 05:14:18 pm
Renegade, did you ever get prescription lenses fitted for your Echo Frames? If so, where did you get it done?

I went to Costco the other day and their optical department said that they can fit lenses in most frames. The price would be the regular price of lenses + a $25 fee. And it takes about 2 weeks.

Title: Re: Alexa Frames
Post by: renegade600 on February 28, 2020, 04:20:05 am
I decided against prescription lenses.  I wear contacts all the time so prescription would limit usage.   I got the buds for when I am wearing my glasses. 

If you decided to go prescription, you may need an extra charging cable or two.  I got an extra charging cable and keep it at work.   they were not lying about the battery.  when I am listening to the old time radio skills, the battery will only last a couple of yours. 
Title: Re: Alexa Frames
Post by: renegade600 on March 03, 2020, 04:34:01 am
Oh yes! Got my invitation today. Just placed my order and it will be here Friday. :)


well, did you get them?  if so, what do you think?
Title: Re: Alexa Frames
Post by: jwlv on March 03, 2020, 05:59:48 pm
Yep. Got them on Friday. I really like it. I ran all over town yesterday looking for a store that can put prescription lenses in it. I went to 4 stores and they all say they can't do it.

I talked to Amazon about that and they said I have 60 days to return it if I can't find a place to fit lenses for it.

I really do like it but if I can't wear it with my prescription lenses, it's useless to me.
Title: Re: Alexa Frames
Post by: renegade600 on March 04, 2020, 04:16:50 am
you mean the stores would not do it, not even with the card that came with the glasses???    anyway, there places online where you can order the lenses and put them in yourself.   
Title: Re: Alexa Frames
Post by: jwlv on March 04, 2020, 04:53:41 am
Yea, the stores all say that can't do it. Costco optical initially said they could, but then said no after they looked at the frames. I found an online store (lensesrx.com) that can make lenses pre-measured to fit the Echo Frames for $45 + shipping. I don't have to send my Echo Frames to them. I just placed my order for my prescription lenses. I chose standard service so it'll probably take 2 or 3 weeks to receive it.

BTW, this is the page where I ordered my lenses for my Echo Frames: https://lensesrx.com/53278-prescription-lenses-for-amazon-echo-frames-eye-glasses/
Title: Re: Alexa Frames
Post by: renegade600 on March 04, 2020, 05:49:55 pm
I wonder if the no they can't do it is the same no you can't use it when trying to use samsung pay on a non-nfc terminal just before proving how wrong they are.   the instructions that came with the frames seemed clear enough. 
Title: Re: Alexa Frames
Post by: jwlv on March 05, 2020, 07:18:47 pm
How do you get the battery level from the Echo Frames?

I tried asking, "what is the battery level?" and Alexa says, "I'm having trouble finding your battery status. Try again later."

BTW, is there a way to turn off the mic but keep phone notifications on? Right now the only setting is to double-click the action button which turns both off. I think having the mic on all the time will shorten battery life since it's always waiting for the wake word. But I would still like to get notifications if I get a text message or something.

Title: Re: Alexa Frames
Post by: renegade600 on March 06, 2020, 05:24:05 am
How do you get the battery level from the Echo Frames?

I tried asking, "what is the battery level?" and Alexa says, "I'm having trouble finding your battery status. Try again later."

BTW, is there a way to turn off the mic but keep phone notifications on? Right now the only setting is to double-click the action button which turns both off. I think having the mic on all the time will shorten battery life since it's always waiting for the wake word. But I would still like to get notifications if I get a text message or something.



like you I would like to get the battery level.  would make it easier to manage usage, especially when traveling.  as far as I know the only way to find the battery level is in the phone settings under connected devices.  another way is to plug in the power cable, then unplug it and it will tell you.  otherwise you will have to wait till it drops to 20 percent and again at 10 percent. 

I don't think there is a way to receive notifications when mic is off.  I don't have the frames  with me right now but I think, you can still  slide your finger across the arm and check notifications.   I really have not played with turning the mic off much other than accidents. 
Title: Re: Alexa Frames
Post by: jwlv on March 07, 2020, 04:18:08 pm
Just got my prescription lenses today. They fit the echo frames perfectly. It was very easy to just pop in the lenses. I got them from the website I mentioned previously. Now I'm a happy echo frames owner.
Title: Re: Alexa Frames
Post by: renegade600 on March 08, 2020, 03:28:37 pm
makes you wonder why the local stores could or would not do it.   
Title: Re: Alexa Frames
Post by: Tzarcone on March 12, 2020, 06:38:50 pm
Just got my prescription lenses today. They fit the echo frames perfectly. It was very easy to just pop in the lenses. I got them from the website I mentioned previously. Now I'm a happy echo frames owner.

Just curious how long did it take to get the lenes from the time that you ordered? Just received my frames today, so going to look for a place this weekend near me first. Unless the other place is quicker because it seems easy enough to do yourself.
Title: Re: Alexa Frames
Post by: jwlv on March 12, 2020, 11:45:02 pm
Just curious how long did it take to get the lenes from the time that you ordered? Just received my frames today, so going to look for a place this weekend near me first. Unless the other place is quicker because it seems easy enough to do yourself.

The website says 2-3 weeks for standard service. I chose the standard service because I didn't want to pay extra. I placed my order on the morning of March 4. It was shipped via First Class Mail on March 5. It was delivered to me on March 7.
Title: Re: Alexa Frames
Post by: Tzarcone on March 13, 2020, 11:22:59 pm


The website says 2-3 weeks for standard service. I chose the standard service because I didn't want to pay extra. I placed my order on the morning of March 4. It was shipped via First Class Mail on March 5. It was delivered to me on March 7.

Damn got to love that 2-3 weeks, and you end up getting in 2-3 days :)

I've been wearing the frames for part of yesterday and today just to make sure they feel ok before I invest in lenses. Figure tomorrow I start looking locally if nothing else just to get a script for the lenses. I know my current lenses but they are a few years old. But honestly will probably order the lenses and diy it. Thanks for the quick response!
Title: Re: Alexa Frames
Post by: jwlv on March 14, 2020, 03:55:27 am
What's even more amazing is that their lab is in New York and my shipping address is in California. And it only took 3 days.
Title: Re: Alexa Frames
Post by: Tzarcone on March 27, 2020, 12:58:25 pm
I wonder if the no they can't do it is the same no you can't use it when trying to use samsung pay on a non-nfc terminal just before proving how wrong they are.   the instructions that came with the frames seemed clear enough.

Funny thing happened to me...... I went to first one medium sized chain. Said would do it but I would need to sign release. Not thrilled about that, asked if after exam he would give me script for lenses said yes he would. Scheduled an appointment 5 days out. Than went to small shop that I went before he was like no way looked at frames said don't want to be bothered with them. So figured I would wait to get the most from my insurance for the lenses and wait 5 days. Afternoon before my appointment I get a notification that they are cancelling all appointments till further notice due to the virus.

Great that is now 2 week min wait time just for exam. I went online to lensesrx, didn't have physical script for prescription but had my current numbers documented. I figured I want to use them for now and for the money they are a backup pair of lenses if needed. Or maybe will 3D print another set of frames for the lenses later lol. Well I ordered and picked 2 week shipping because of other comment on how fast they are. I got mine just under a week took like 30 seconds to put on each lense. Didn't come with instructions but still very very simple there are even YouTube videos of needed for it. I ended up getting the standard lenses for Amazon echo $45 but ended up adding the HD option for $40 giving shatter resistant, scratch resist, UV protection, and anti reflective plus 10% off. So not too bad was nice being able to see so clear though the echo frames. Lenses are so light weight also about the same as the lenses that came with it.

So if you need lenses and have a script or atleast know all your script numbers grab them through lensesrx.com if you pick 2 week delivery you could get them in half the time. You pick quick might get in days.
Title: Re: Alexa Frames
Post by: jwlv on March 27, 2020, 06:24:40 pm
BTW, I submitted my receipts to my insurance (EyeMed) and they reimbursed me for out-of-network coverage on the frames & lenses.

I can't remember how much they covered on the frames and on the lenses individually, I think it was $45 & $25. But the total was $70.

I blurred the picture intentionally.

(https://i.imgur.com/SznD4Lk.jpg)
Title: Re: Alexa Frames
Post by: jwlv on March 27, 2020, 06:32:33 pm
If you have vision coverage, you should contact your insurer to find out if they provide out-of-network coverage. If you do decide to make a claim, be aware that most vision insurance allow you to get only one frame and one pair of lenses every 2 years (sometimes 1 year if you have better coverage). If you make a claim, you've basically removed yourself from getting new eyeglasses for the next 2 years. Exams are usually once per year.
Title: Re: Alexa Frames
Post by: renegade600 on March 27, 2020, 08:43:11 pm
If you have vision coverage, you should contact your insurer to find out if they provide out-of-network coverage. If you do decide to make a claim, be aware that most vision insurance allow you to get only one frame and one pair of lenses every 2 years (sometimes 1 year if you have better coverage). If you make a claim, you've basically removed yourself from getting new eyeglasses for the next 2 years. Exams are usually once per year.

wonder if hsa will cover the difference  :-)