If you ride a bicycle or walk outside and want to listen to music, but don't want to block out the outside world, try the Lucyd Loud ($99). Lucyd sent me their Lucyd Loud sunglasses which have built-in audio capabilities. They act as earbuds using Bluetooth 4.1, but you don't have to place anything inside your ears. They use bone conduction to transmit the sound, and they do so quite well.
I found voices (like Siri) to be a bit on the quiet side, but music was quite loud and I could feel the bass thanks to strong vibrations. Indeed others around me could hear the music when it was turned up all the way, so there is some leakage and the audio is not strictly transmitted by bone conduction. Regardless, it was a fun and unusual way to listen to music! And I could also hear sounds around me, which is important for safety.
The glasses available only in black and are fairly stylish—almost like a classic Ray-Ban Wayfarer design but with a slightly larger temple on each side. You can try them on, virtually, using the clever augmented reality try-it-on feature on Lucyd's website. I tried the sunglasses model, but Lucyd also offers clear or prescription lenses.
There are volume buttons on one side, along with a microUSB port for charging. There is a touch interface on the outside of the other temple for music and Siri control, so you can hold your finger down to launch Siri, or swipe to skip a song, etc. That was pretty cool and could be useful, once mastered. There is a built-in microphone to conduct calls, talk to Siri, etc. I have the Spectacles from Snap, and appreciate that the Spectacles charge wirelessly when placed in their charging case and automatically turn off when closed, so I would like to see those features in a future LOUD model.
Pros
- AR try-it-on feature
- Powerful bass with strong vibrations
- Hear surrounding sounds thanks to bone conduction
- Clear, sunglass, or prescription lens options
- 8-hour battery life, after a two-hour charge
- Microphone to conduct calls, talk to Siri, etc.
- Touch interface on outside of temple for music and Siri control
Cons
- One color
- Slightly heavier than typical sunglasses
- Doesn't charge wirelessly or turn off when case is closed
Final Verdict
If you need to hear sounds around you while you listen to music, or you just don't like earbuds, the Lucyd LOUD from Lucyd is a safe choice.
