JBL launches sunglasses – JBL Soundgear Frames

Audio legends JBL have pioneered a new product category for the brand – “Audio Glasses” – with the introduction of the JBL Soundgear Frames in Australia.

Available exclusively at JB HiFi as well as online at JBL.com.au, EFTM understands that despite JBL being a mega global audio brand, these sunnies are launching first in Australia.

Of course, they are not the first to make such a product. We’d give that title at a mass-market level to Bose for their “Frames” product some four or so years ago, and more recently to Facebook or Meta in partnership with Ray-Ban for the Ray-Ban Stories, and more recently the Ray-Ban Meta sunglasses.

Ahh, move over everyone else and try match this price – $169.95 – cracking great price! You’re getting a set of sunnies, and a set of headphones in one device.

Like other products in this market, they have speakers in the arm of the glasses which point the sound down into the ear – simple as that.

JBL’s approach is a transparent plastic look so you can see the inner workings.

Marcus Fry from JBL in Australia says “JBL has been at the forefront of sound for 78 years and with Soundgear Frames, we merge that heritage with cutting-edge design. These glasses aren’t just stylish, they also revolutionise the way you experience sound on-the-go, setting a whole new standard in wearable audio,”

The JBL Soundgear Frames come in two “styles” – round and square, and each in three colours – Onyx, Pearl and Amber.

JBL call this “OpenSound” technology to allow for ambient noise awareness for the user, as well as clarity and detail from the audio you’re listening to, along with a 2-mic array to allow you to take calls while you walk.

Thermoplastic materials have been used to make them, and what you end up with are slim, flexible and lightweight sunglasses.

JBL claim a full 8 hours playback time for music, with an additional two hours available from a 10 minute charge.

They turn off automatically when closed, plus there’s a single control button which is the JBL logo so you can have all your audio controls.

The best decision of all is to make them USB-C charged. Interestingly, each arm needs to be charged, as there is no wire across the front, which allows for the frames to be heated for those preseciption lenses you might need.

Stunning glasses, and a fantastic price.