The Echo Loop is a $179.99 ring ($129.99 at launch) with a button to activate Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant, depending on your phone’s default. The ring connects to your phone through Bluetooth, and uses your phone’s mobile network to fetch answers to your questions from the cloud. Because it’s such a tiny device, you’ll mostly have to bring it near your mouth and practically whisper your queries, and then bring it to your ear to listen to its response. You can accept or reject calls using the button, or speed dial your favorite number. The Echo Loop also lets you know about notifications by vibrating on your finger.
The Echo Frame is a similar device, but for your eyes. It doesn’t have any fancy AR tech as seen previously on the Google Glass, so don’t expect to show it anything hologram-style in your field of view. It’s essentially a pair of prescription-ready glasses with Alexa (or Google assistant) with sophisticated little speakers. Just like the Echo Loop, it tethers to your Android phone via Bluetooth, and relies on its internet connection to answer your queries. You can utter the wake word, or press the temple of the frame to invoke Alexa. While both ring and glasses with assistant sound great, they are still tethered to the phone, and the current generation of assistants don’t work flawlessly just yet. So, unless you’re an enthusiast, you can promptly ignore these wearables for now, and wait for improved iterations.
