Skip to main content

Amazon kills Echo Loop, improves Echo Frames

When Amazon first announced the Echo Loop in 2019, it raised a lot of eyebrows — and a lot of hands were raised to be the first ones to try out the device. The smart ring promised to be a way to subtly receive notifications from your phone, activate and control Alexa, and more.

On Thursday, November 19, Amazon announced that the Echo Loop will no longer be supported. The good news, however, is that the company is doubling down on the Echo Frames, a set of smart glasses with built-in Alexa functionality. These frames are designed to operate just like a normal set of glasses, but with smart features implemented in a seamless way.

Related Videos

The Echo Frames are not like early iterations of Google Glass or similar products, with large, bulky protrusions to contain the electronics. Amazon put time into designing a set of eyeglasses that look like designer lenses, while still allowing users to ask Alexa questions and hear her responses.

This functions through the open-ear design. It makes it easy for the wearer to hear Alexa’s responses, while minimizing the amount of sound that escapes to anyone else standing nearby. And that was just in the Day 1 features. The new and improved Echo Frames are poised to build on what made the original model so appealing. These frames are equipped with an Auto Volume feature that adjusts the volume based on the ambient noise around you. In a busy store, the Echo Frames will be louder than in a quiet conference room.

The battery life has also been improved to allow for up to 40% more capacity than before. If you place the lenses upside down for three seconds, they automatically turn off to better conserve battery life. The new Echo Frames still utilize the VIP filter, which lets users sort what apps and contacts they want to hear from while wearing the frames.

From an aesthetic front, the new Echo Frames are available in more colors than before, including Modern Tortoise, Horizon Blue, and Classic Black. The Echo Frames are available for pre-order starting at $250, and are slated to begin shipping on December 10 — just in time for the holidays.

Editors' Recommendations

The best Amazon Echo tips and tricks
Echo 4th Gen on table.

Amazon Echo devices are some of the most popular smart home hubs on the market. These feature-rich, Alexa-powered smart speakers can do it all -- from playing music and dimming your lights to controlling your home security system and checking your calendar, Alexa makes it easy to automate your daily tasks.

While most Echo users know the basics, there are a lot of incredible features that are hidden below the surface. That’s why we’ve put together this guide. Read on to uncover some impressive features across the Echo lineup and make full use of its versatility.
Change Alexa's name or create a nickname for her to call you
Once you've got your Alexa device up and running on your Wi-Fi network, there are still a few more things you might want to do before diving in, so be sure to head over to echo.amazon.com or download the accompanying smartphone app.

Read more
The 8 best Alexa holiday commands
Amazon Echo Dot smart speaker sitting on a table.

The holiday season might be known as the “most wonderful time of the year,” but it’s also one of the busiest. Whether you're gearing up for a road trip or hosting a family get-together, these winter days are bound to seem even shorter than usual. Thankfully, Amazon Alexa is here to streamline your agenda and provide plenty of holiday cheer. From playing games and telling jokes to curating your playlist and tracking the weather, here are eight Alexa holiday commands to make your 2022 holiday the best yet.
Alexa, show me some holiday movies

Plopping down with a warm blanket and watching a holiday movie is one of the best ways to spend your cold December nights. And if you need some help narrowing down all the options, Alexa can show you some of the best holiday movies currently available. When connected to a Fire TV, you can even have Alexa automatically load up the movie for you.
Alexa, spin the dreidel
Dreidel is a popular game to play around Hanukkah, and Alexa can both teach you the rules and serve as the central game piece. Simply ask Alexa “how do I play dreidel” to get a refresher on the rules, then ask to “spin the dreidel” to get the game started.
Alexa, ask Santa if I’m naughty or nice

Read more
Matter Launch Day Event brought big news about future updates, compatible products
The Matter logo on a colorful background.

Matter and its accompanying certification program were announced last month, and now we’re getting our first official look at how companies will be using the new connectivity standard in their smart home lineup.

The Matter Launch Event kicked off today in Amsterdam -- and it sounds like manufacturers are eager to get the tech integrated with their products. Over 190 devices are already Matter-certified or in line to get certified. The organization has also expanded to eight authorized locations for testing, which should speed up the process and get Matter into your home at an accelerated pace.

Read more