Snap dives into ar glasses with $2,200 specs – can they deliver?
Forget fleeting viral trends and disappearing messages. Snap, the company synonymous with Snapchat, is making a bold, and surprisingly expensive, bet on the future of computing: augmented reality glasses. Introducing SPECS, a new line of AR glasses now available for pre-order, signaling a serious pivot from the company’s earlier, more experimental wearable ventures.
A departure from spectacles: from novelty to wearable computer
Remember the original Spectacles? Those quirky cameras built into sunglasses that initially launched with a splash and a vending machine gimmick? They were more of a conversation starter than a serious product. Snap has clearly learned from that experience. SPECS aren't just about capturing moments; they're positioned as a full-fledged “wearable computer built into see-through augmented reality glasses,” as Snap CEO Evan Spiegel puts it, a sentiment that hints at a far more ambitious vision.
For $2,195, you get a device that promises to overlay computer-generated images onto your view of the real world. Two sizes are offered – a 47mm model weighing 132 grams and a 52mm version at 136 grams – both equipped with Snap’s proprietary liquid crystal on silicon display, capable of rendering a staggering 16 million colors and offering a field of view equivalent to a 24-inch desktop display for work, or an impressive 115-inch home cinema experience when viewed from a distance.
Ai in your sightline: seeing what you see
What truly sets SPECS apart, according to Spiegel, is the integration of artificial intelligence. “With SPECS, AI is not intelligence trapped in a chat box,” he stated, a pointed jab at the current chatbot craze. “It is intelligence that can see what you see, understand what you’re trying to do, and help you in the moment.” This is achieved through the use of two Snapdragon processors – one dedicated to computer vision and another to managing the AR “Lenses,” which offer real-time animations, 3D effects, and filters.
Privacy, a crucial consideration for any wearable device with cameras, has been a central focus for Snap. An LED light clearly indicates when the camera is active, and the device is designed to prioritize on-device data processing. “SPECS only work if people trust them,” Spiegel emphasizes, “Privacy has to be built in from the very beginning.” The inclusion of removable inserts to accommodate prescriptions is also a welcome detail.
Facing the competition and a legacy of innovation
SPECS enters a market already occupied by competitors like Meta’s Ray-Ban Display glasses. But Snap confidently asserts that SPECS represent the most advanced and wearable AR glasses available. Spiegel's admiration for tech pioneers like Steve Jobs and Edwin Land clearly informs his vision, and the company’s willingness to invest heavily in this emerging Technology suggests a long-term commitment. The fall shipment to the U.S., U.K., and France will be closely watched, and the virtual try-on feature on SPECS.COM is a clever way to generate initial buzz.
Ultimately, the success of SPECS hinges on whether Snap can convince consumers that augmented reality is more than just a gimmick – that it's a genuinely useful and integrated extension of their daily lives. With a price tag exceeding two thousand dollars, the bar is set high.