Focally Spectunes, an innovative product from an Indian brand, offers a unique combination of smart eyewear and wireless audio, providing an intriguing solution for those seeking to reduce the number of devices they carry daily. With the product priced at Rs 5,499, Focally promises to replace both traditional eyeglasses and earbuds, presenting a compelling alternative for people looking for multi-functional eyewear. Having spent the last two weeks using the Spectunes as my primary glasses, I’ve gained a deep understanding of their strengths and limitations. In this review, I’ll break down the various aspects of the Spectunes, discussing both the design and the technology it offers.
**Design and Build Quality:**
When I first unboxed the Focally Spectunes, I was immediately struck by their modern design. The Spectunes come in two frame options: Acetate and Titanium, with the latter costing an additional Rs 1,000. I’ve been using the Titanium Charm variant, and I have to say, it’s a stylish and lightweight option. The build quality is impressive for the price. The arms of the Spectunes, which house the Bluetooth chipset and speakers, seemed a bit bulkier than traditional glasses at first, but after wearing them for a few hours, I got used to the feel. The glasses are surprisingly light, especially when you consider that they house both the speakers and the technology within the arms. This makes them a great alternative to the usual bulky wireless headphones or earphones.
The assembly of the Spectunes is an interesting DIY experience. The frames and arms come separately out of the box, but thanks to the magnetic hinges, putting the glasses together is simple and quick. The magnetic connection makes it easy to swap frames whenever you want, adding versatility to the product. Focally also offers additional frames starting at Rs 799, which is quite affordable. This allows users to change the look of their smart glasses depending on their style preferences.Â
However, the customization doesn’t extend to prescription lenses. If you need corrective lenses, you have to get your eyes checked elsewhere and then submit the prescription details on the Focally website. Focally will then customize the Spectunes with the prescribed lenses. While this is a flexible option, it would be much more convenient if they offered an eye check service or partnered with an optician for this purpose.
**Connectivity and Features:**
One of the standout features of the Focally Spectunes is their Bluetooth connectivity. You can easily pair the glasses with your phone, laptop, or any Bluetooth-enabled device. The process is smooth and efficient, whether you’re using an Android or iOS device. The pairing was quick, and the connection remained stable throughout my two weeks of use, which is impressive. The Spectunes are designed with a set of speakers placed just above the ears. This positioning ensures that the sound is delivered effectively, without completely blocking your surrounding environment, which is important for awareness in public spaces.
The Spectunes also come equipped with swipe and tap gestures that allow you to control music, adjust volume, take calls, and interact with your voice assistant—all without needing to touch the device. The gestures work remarkably well, and I found them to be very responsive. The lack of visible buttons gives the glasses a clean and minimalistic look, while still maintaining excellent functionality. For example, I could easily change songs, answer calls, or check notifications with simple gestures on the frames. This seamless control adds a layer of convenience to the product that I really appreciated.
Charging the Spectunes is a breeze thanks to its magnetic charging system. The magnetic connectors align easily, and it’s simple to plug in the charger without any fiddling. The device charges quickly as well, going from 0 to 100% in just 70 minutes. The battery life is another area where the Spectunes excel. Focally claims that the glasses can last up to 8 hours of playback, and I found this claim to be accurate. In my testing, I used the Spectunes continuously for around 3 hours, and the battery dropped by only 20%. That’s impressive, considering that I was using the glasses to listen to music and take several calls during that time. In total, I was able to use the Spectunes for about two days before needing to charge them again, which is quite good for a smart device of this nature.
**Drawbacks and Areas for Improvement:**
Despite its impressive features and affordability, the Focally Spectunes aren’t without their flaws. One of the most noticeable issues is the lack of a battery indicator that shows the remaining charge. The charging indicator simply tells you when the device is charging, but it doesn’t provide any information about the battery’s current status or when it’s fully charged. This can be a bit frustrating, as the only way to check battery levels is through your connected phone or device. For a product that integrates so much technology, a better battery indicator would have been a useful addition.
Another drawback is the absence of bone conduction technology. While the Spectunes do an admirable job of delivering sound through the speakers, they do not use bone-conduction technology, which means sound can leak if you’re listening to music or taking calls at a high volume. This is a common issue with any device that plays sound openly rather than through in-ear speakers or bone conduction. While this doesn't bother me in more open spaces, it could be a problem in quieter environments like offices or libraries where sound leakage could disturb others. Additionally, if you’re in a noisy environment, the sound quality may not be ideal as the speakers are not designed to block external noise completely.
**Is It Worth It?**
For Rs 5,499, Focally Spectunes offers a lot of value for money, especially considering the dual functionality of eyeglasses and wireless audio. While the sound quality may not be up to par with premium audio devices, the Spectunes work well for general tasks like listening to music, taking calls, or interacting with a voice assistant. The fact that they combine eyewear and audio in a single product is a great convenience, particularly for people who dislike in-ear earphones or need a way to reduce the number of devices they carry.Â
The product is definitely not a game-changer in terms of sound quality or privacy, but it’s a great option for casual use. If you’re not overly particular about high-end audio performance and are looking for a budget-friendly alternative to carry both glasses and earphones, then the Focally Spectunes could be a smart choice. For people who want an all-in-one device that replaces their regular eyeglasses and earbuds, these glasses offer decent performance at a competitive price point. If you’re looking for something that offers better sound isolation or higher-quality audio, however, you may want to look for other options.
In conclusion, the Focally Spectunes are a great option for anyone who wants a stylish, functional pair of glasses that also serve as wireless headphones. For the price, they deliver solid performance with a few areas for improvement, especially in terms of sound quality and charging indicators. If you don’t mind the lack of bone conduction and can deal with the occasional sound leakage, then the Spectunes will likely serve you well. For those who want an affordable and multi-functional solution for both eyewear and audio, the Focally Spectunes make for a worthwhile purchase.
Â
