56 Macworld • August 2019REVIEW
through ultra-precise geometry, at the same time
being sampled and ‘silenced’ by ports on the arms
so no sounds are delivered to anyone else.
What this means is the wearer gets an ‘open
ear experience’. With Bose Frames you can have
a conversation with a friend while nodding along
to Grimes, or just enjoy music without having
that pressure of a bud in your ear. Ambient sound
won’t get in the way of your ambient vaporwave
mix, in other words. With this tech, you’re living in
the ‘smart zone’, a place where reality blends with
augmentation – and it’s a nice place to be in.Product build
Bose is primarily marketing these for people looking
to replace their Ray-Bans. Two big problems though- the frames won’t suit all face sizes, and short-
sighted wearers who decide to replace the lenses
with prescription ones will be instantly voiding their
warranty. No alterations allowed, alas.
The Alto design meanwhile doesn’t look too
hot, and with each style there is a certain bulk to
the arms which can’t be missed. The front of the
Rondo almost makes up for it, though, being the
most stylish of the set if you ask us. We do wonder
if a partnership with Ray-Ban would have added to
the aesthetic, as a collaboration would probably
have been the best way to create a meaningful
alternative to traditional sunglasses.
Note that Bose has built these frames in the
sturdy and reliable Grilamid TR90 plastic, and
lenses will block 99 percent of all UV rays. Smart