Maroc - THECEKODOK.COM - A La Une - 21/Aug 20:04

JBL Soundgear Frame Review – Colorful Series Dance With Style

The use of smart glasses is still not quite popular. Google Glass is a failed project because it was introduced too early. Then Ray-Ban Meta is not widely sold. What is becoming common are glasses that also function as TWS. Huawei is there, Bose is there and various brands have their own iterations.JBL Malaysia has given us the Soundgear Frame and when I wear it – every music makes me dance more stylishly. The question is, is it worth buying?SPECIFICATIONSA type of TWS in the form of sunglassesAudio Driver 25mm x 9 mm dynamic typeJBL OpenSoundMicrophone Dual-microphoneEnvironmental noise cancellationSmart Features Access virtual assistants with voice commandsBluetooth Connection/Protection 5.2IP54110mAh battery2 hours of chargingDual-USB CTouch Controls/Applications on the JBL logo on the frameMyJBL Headphones AppAndroid, iOSPrice RM999 RM888DESIGN AND USEI've been a glasses wearer since school, but I rarely wear sunglasses. This JBL Soundgear Frame makes me confident to wear sunglasses because it not only repels glare but also has the additional function of listening to audio. It's designed like regular glasses only, the review unit I used took inspiration from Nothing because everything is transparent with every component clearly visible.The Soundgear Frame doesn't look too thick either, the size is also moderate and fits my face size very well. The overall frame is actually a bit short but because it is thick and the non-slip quality plastic surface makes each stem have a good grip on the ear. Glasses also look neat when hung on the collar of a shirt.Each component of the Soundgear Frame is in a stem. Audio drivers, chips, batteries and more are clearly visible. Not only that, it is also recognized with IP54 water and dust protection so that it can be used when it rains or sweats without any worries. One strange thing about the design of these JBL audio glasses is the charging port that requires two USB-C on each stem. It's annoying and really hope the next generation uses magnetic charging from inside the storage case.Speaking of the storage case, the JBL Soundgear Frame only comes with a regular case made of faux leather. No built-in battery, no smart features and only basic protection. For the lenses, JBL states that it is free for users to exchange with prescription lenses but be careful to ask eyeglass store representatives not to soak in an ultrasonic cleaner.AUDIO QUALITYJBL Soundgear Frame uses its own OpenSound technology that takes the concept of open-back headphones. It's about listening to quality audio while being aware of what's going on around and is very different from bone conduction audio products. However, it's only a concept because the Soundgear Frame actually uses a technology similar to the usual TWS – where one main stem will connect to another.Interestingly, there is no extreme time lag this is due to Bluetooth 5.2 which helps deliver audio accurately and balanced. There are also no disconnection issues and usage is very smooth. The audio quality in my opinion is very good. It's not as bad as the cheap TWS on the market, instead trying to deliver good audio directly to the user's ears. The problem is, an open type like this will cause a weak bass boom that contributes to a less immersive listening experience.Listening to music or podcasts is quite interesting because of the bright vocals. High tones can also be heard well but not enough because when it is too high, there is a little noise effect. Listening to music for a long time is interesting for me when I'm outside, because while walking or taking public transport I don't feel bored. The only problem was when there was a phone call where, I had no privacy and would sound like I was fighting in a conversation about where to eat.In the office, the use of the Soundgear Frame disturbs other officemates because of the faint subtle sound that comes out as if listening to music in a shopping mall. I also noticed that using the Soundgear Frame is more fun when in a teleconference session, just wearing sunglasses when meeting with the boss feels a little strange.CONTROL AND APPLICATIONThe control is also I did not expect easy and very smooth. The first is with voice commands that use the default virtual assistant on the device that these glasses are connected to. The second is on the JBL logo on each temple of the glasses. It uses touch either finger moving gestures or press and hold. Controls are for various things like volume or even skipping songs and answering phone calls.JBL doesn't include a button so, opening the Soundgear Frame's stem is on and folding it back is off. This is also a bit of a problem because the loose hinge makes it open for a second and then it shuts off and you have to wait a few seconds for it to reconnect.Another control method is through the My JBL Headphones App. The same application is used for Tour One M2 headphones. It's a neat, easy-to-use and very user-friendly audio product app. All the settings are straight forward, the equalizer is also easy to set and makes me wonder why JBL can but Sonos and Sony can't?BATTERYThe battery for these audio glasses is not clear enough. I understand it's 110mAh but not sure for one stem or both. The charging period is 2 hours from 0% to 100%. What about durability? In about a month of use, I only used it about 20 minutes a day. This provides enough durability for around 3 weeks. For continuous use, it can last up to 8 hours with 10 minutes of charging for 2 hours of use. I can confirm, the battery life that JBL promotes is true.WHAT'S IN THE BOX?1x JBL Soundgear Frame.1x special Y-shaped USB-C cable.1x Microfiber cloth.1x storage container made of fake leather.1x Set of manual and safety book.CONCLUSIONJBL Soundgear Frame is an interesting product. It offers affordable audio glasses for everyone and doesn't have to cost more than the big brands. Only for RM999 or now there is still a promotion of RM888, it is actually still expensive for just basic TWS glasses. I can buy good quality eyeglass frames and mid-range TWS for RM500 on Shopee and it will still give more or less the same experience. The difference is, Soundgear Frame is not harassing.If JBL changed the hinge and included a smart feature like a collapsible stem that doesn't die straight away but has time before it actually dies, I might buy one for myself. Then, provide more smart features such as pausing the audio when the glasses are removed or an easy charging method. Who knows, if this version is bought by many Soundgear Frame 2.0 could be a Ray-Ban Meta competitor complete with camera and AI?PROS/ADVANTAGESListen to audio in a unique style.A wearable and fashionable device like a smart watch.Acceptable audio and quite loud.Very user friendly application.Affordable price compared to other brands.CONS/DISADVANTAGESThe bass lacks a satisfying thump.The hinges are weak, easily dead as well as live on their own when open and folded.Plastic construction that scratches easily.Doesn't have many size options.It doesn't have the smart features that TWS usually has in the same price.