Crave

(Credit: Newlaunches.com)

The Thanko All In One Sunglasses out of Japan look more 3D clunky than Prada sleek. But what else would you expect from a pair of shades that incorporate a media player?

The glasses are capable of reading MP3 and WMA audio formats, and playing video formats MP4, MPG, AVI, and ASF. That means you can listen to music or watch movies (at a squinty 432x240 resolution) on the specs themselves. This is no Cinemax, to be sure, but the glasses could be a fun diversion on a train or park bench if you don't mind the bulk. Note to wearers: please lay off the films while crossing the street.

Audio files, videos, and photos are stored in a miniSD card loaded on the flank of the glasses, which come with a remote control, AC adapter, earphones, USB cable for charging the device and transferring files, and carrying case. They also come with four equalizer presets and a lithium ion battery. Oh, and they go for $364--we know, we know, for that amount you could get an iPhone.

(Via Newlaunches.com)

(Credit: ThinkGeek)

These spy sunglasses may look more Maxwell Smart than James Bond, but the built-in 1.3-megapixel camera might be worth the fashion sacrifice for extended stakeouts.

ThinkGeek's spy-cam shades come with an RF remote control, so any aspiring secret agent can snap a few shots of his subject without ever having to take his hands out of his pockets. And while waiting, he can also listen to this favorite tracks through the built-in earbuds.

Back at HQ, the images can be downloaded through a USB 2.0 port and the lithium-ion battery recharged for another 9 hours of shooting. One potential drawback is that there's only 1GB of internal memory with no expansion card slots, so you might have to take more trips back to the computer--which could prove inconvenient on an extended shoot. But they do have UV400 polarized lenses, perfect for extended tanning.

(Source: Crave Asia)

(Credit: Engadget)

After Oakley came out with its "Medusa Hat" last month, we were beginning to wonder what was going on over there. But now that we see it's releasing a new pair of MP3 sunglasses dedicated to Jamiroquai, perhaps it's becoming clearer where they get their inspiration for headgear designs.

The latest version of Oakley's "Split Thump" line of shades is a 1GB Jamiroquai special edition, according to Engadget. With a purple and white camo pattern, it's sure to bring you right back to your disco-rave days--or something. We just appreciate that, thanks to this item, we now know where the band's name comes from.

Oakley's latest MP3 shades now use detachable earbuds.

(Credit: Donald Bell/CNET Networks)

Oakley has announced their latest redesign of their popular Thump series of MP3 player sunglasses. The new design, called the Split Thump, will be out for the holidays in both black and white, offered at 512MB ($249), 1GB ($299), and 2GB ($399) capacities. Aside from a new, more understated look, the Split Thumps now allow you to remove the included earpieces for those times when you just want to wear a normal looking pair of sunglasses.

Of course, I can already tell that the new detachable design will be the Split Thump's biggest drawback as well, since it makes it all too easy to lose the earpieces. Still, it's a small price to pay for having a single pair of respectable-looking sunglasses that can transform into a cord-free MP3 player. Historically, the Oakley Thumps have been a great solution for active, style-conscious, outdoorsy types who need a simple way to break away from messy headphone cables.

Oakley's new detachable earpiece design.

(Credit: Donald Bell/CNET Networks)

The Oakley Thump's latest earpiece slides into the glasses when you need them, but can be removed when you just want normal sunglasses.

(Credit: Donald Bell/CNET Networks)

Like previous versions of the Oakley Thumps, the Split includes a discreetly located mini-USB jack for loading unprotected MP3 and WMA files from your computer. Each side of the glasses features a metallic rocker switch for adjusting volume (left side), and play/pause/skip (right side). No word on battery life, but there is a three-color LED light on the inside of the glasses that indicates when the battery level is low.

While we're usually pretty quick to write off wearable MP3 player convergence devices such as MP3 player shoes, the Split Thumps (despite their vaguely offensive name) actually look pretty useful--especially for snowboarding. The key to the Thumps viability really rests in the quality of the earpieces, which we have yet to test. The unique design of the double-jointed articulation of the Thump's earpieces looks promising, however, as far as comfort is concerned. We'll have a full review up soon on CNET Reviews.

Sharing music has never been easier, or perhaps sillier, than this.

Asia Vantage, a Hong Kong-based company, has designed a sunglasses case that features a built-in portable speaker. Users can plug their iPod or mobile phone into the case and groove away with friends.

The cases also come with compartments for loose change and credit cards.

The cases, called Shady Beats, are designed to protect sunglasses from getting scratched as they are tucked in next to a NXT, flat-panel speaker, the company said on its Web site. The speaker is powered by two triple-A batteries.

Couldn't find them for sale in U.S., but in the United Kingdom, the cases go for, 25 pounds. (That's equivalent to about $50.)

So Shady Beats either could appeal to consumers with too much stuff or too much cash.

(Credit: Spycatcher)

As spy gadgetry is concerned, this one isn't exactly 007 smooth. It's quite the opposite, actually, in that talk-into-my-carnation kind of way.

Although this product is presumably meant for covert activities--it's being sold on Spycatcher, after all--these "Spy Sunglasses" are basically a pair of shades with a camera stuck on the side, about as camouflaged as a snowman in a coal mine. It would go perfectly with the Discovery wrist cam in the Department of Glaringly Obvious.

Besides, now that we can sneak a video feed with a pinhole camera built into a tie, who would need anything else? But if you do end up getting the camera glasses, you might also want to consider another gadget for the inevitable lulls in espionage: You can always pop a "Teleglass" onto the other lens and watch a movie.

(Credit: Discovery Communications)

Crave usually isn't fond of objects that change colors just for the sake of doing so. But there's something about sunglasses that makes a chromatic carousel seem natural.

A pair of shades developed at the University of Washington promises to "change colors on command," though it's limited to various intensities of blue at present. "It uses an organic compound inside the lens, which, once zapped to change, stays that way without any sustaining power," according to Shiny Shiny.

The real fun will begin when researchers add red and green to the mix, which will then allow a veritable rainbow of options. "The wearer spins a tiny dial on the arm to change color or shade," the scientists say. All you'd need is a lava lamp to complete the '60s-style psychedelic experience. But don't spin the colors too fast while looking at something like a mood lamp, or you might end up on a bum voyage.

I wouldn't call it a tech dynasty, but Oakley's Thump franchise has owned the MP3 player sunglass market (despite numerous copycats). Everyone from Manny Ramirez to trash-talking nerds has an opinion about the wearable music accessory that entertains both eyes and ears. Oakley's latest, the Thump Pros, have made it into the office. I have to say, while I'm not into the style, they are incredibly comfortable. Look for Jasmine France's review later today.

Available in up to 1GB, the lunettes de soleil electroniques are based on the athletic style of the open-edged Bottlecap. Details are a little fuzzy at this point, but they'll definitely play back MP3, WMA, and unprotected AAC files; include an Overdrive feature that allows you to select and access your favorite song for that last drip of adrenaline; are compatible with Transitions lenses (so you don't look like a fool indoors); and have the same weak 6-hour battery life. Oh yes, and they''ll cost a pretty penny at $249 (256MB), $299 (512MB), and $349 (1GB). They'll be available November 17.

(Photo: CNET Networks)