Oakley Inc. was started in 1975 with its founder, Jim Jannard, selling motorcycle grips. Later on, Jim released a pair of goggles with the Oakley logo on the strap so that brand recognition would become more efficient. Over time, the company grew and evolved into the famous brand we all know today.
Oakley is now well known as a manufacturer of professional athletic accessories and high quality sunglasses. However, despite of the fact that designing professional accessories for professional athletes may have been profitable and led the company to the top, the digital was bound to knock on its door sooner or later.
DesignHe says: I'd have to say the design of the O ROKR PRO is similar to something you'd see colonel Shepard wearing in a Stargate Atlantis episode. It's one of the most futuristic pair of sunglasses I've ever seen. While the product is provided in two color versions, I'd definitely go with the dark one. The high quality finish together with half framed lenses make for an eye catching look.
She says: The O ROKR PRO sunglasses may do a lot, but they definitely don't look like much. From this point of view, they resemble quite a lot the glasses used by cyclists in their races, the plastic used in their frames looking rather cheap than high-tech. Moreover, there's no sign of style in their design, since they look pretty bulky instead.
FeaturesHe says: From a spectacle wearer's point of view, I can say that the O ROKR PRO uses some very impressive technologies to provide crystal clarity for the user. I am mostly intrigued by the impact resistant Plutonite lenses with High Definition Optics and Oakley Hydrophobic coating. This coating is used for dust, water and sebum (skin oil) repelling. While clearly not capable to repel all of these eye straining residues, it's bound to make it a lot easier for users to clean the lens.
Detailing the O ROKR PRO on its electronics we find that it uses a Bluetooth adapter (integrated into the frame) for pairing with different music devices. This is useful if you have an iPod Touch or an iRiver Spinn (both provide Bluetooth pairing) and you want to avoid the discomfort usually posed by wires. What makes the ROKR interesting is that it doesn't actually require an MP3 player, it can also be paired up with any Bluetooth enabled phone (A2DP profile required) and used as an MP3 player through the on-frame controls. If the phone receives an incoming call, music will be paused and resumed at the end of the call.
She says: O ROKR Pro offers the convenience of hands-free wireless communication with your compatible mobile phone — which means it works as a Bluetooth Headset except there’s nothing to clip on your ear, and the conversation comes through crystal clear in both ears.
The glasses sport a durable and lightweight O MATTER frame material that achieves a lower overall weight than the original O ROKR – less than the weight of an empty CD jewel case. They also come with custom Mylar speakers with six directions of movement for precise positioning.
PerformanceHe says: The ROKR Pro integrates a Bluetooth 2.0 module used for syncing with any Bluetooth capable audio player. After a full 3-hour charge, the device is ready for 5 hours of continuous music playback or conferencing. The sad part about calls is that the ROKR doesn't have an integrated microphone and this is a no-go for communication. In the end you still have to take the phone out of your pocket and use like you didn't have a headset. Major drawback if you ask me.
She says: Despite their not-so attractive design, these glasses do provide premium sound quality and an easy to use interface that gives you full wireless control of your music and your mobile phone. Also, the PLUTONITE lens material filter out 100% of all UVA, UVB, UVC and harmful blue light up to 400nm.
User FriendlyHe says: Pairing the device is mostly up to the audio player or mobile phone. The only think the ROKR does is make itself visible so devices can detect it. It's really pretty straightforward, especially if you've done something like this before. Just let your phone scan for Bluetooth signals and after it's done it will display a list of devices. Just select the O ROKR Pro from the list and you're all set.
She says: You don't really have to do anything other than letting your devices do their job. Pairing the device is piece of cake. Plus, so that you know what's happening with the O ROKR Pro all the time, they have a three-color indicator light to show the battery level.
Value for moneyHe says: Selling for $249, I am somewhat impressed by the level of quality the lens and frame provide. My glasses cost 200 US dollars and are pretty the best you can get in my country (lens wise at least). I especially like the hydrophonik feature as you're bound to clean your lens from dust and spots, so making it easier should be a priority.
As far as Bluetooth goes, I really find it useless in this case. I mean if you have an MP3 player with Bluetooth, why wouldn't you just buy a regular set of wireless headphones? Most Bluetooth headphones also come with an integrated microphone providing a truly wireless experience.
She says: Considering the features they include, I'd say that they are worth the price, but don't let me be the judge of that. What would be best to convince yourselves of their capabilities would be to get a chance to try them first, and then make a decision.
Cool factorHe says: The glasses are cool. Sci-Fi cool. Although I normally prefer slim frame sunglasses, I would make an exception and wear these. As for regular use, I can't seem to shake the feeling of how much they resemble biking glasses.
She says: These glasses have cool features rather than being cool themselves and I stand by my opinion when I say that should the design be any different, you'd actually people wearing them all the time, no matter the occasion. But since that's not the case...