Snap has announced an upgraded version of its Spectacles augmented-reality glasses to enhance the view of the real world- quite literally.
At Snap Partner Summit 2024, Snapchat launched its 5th generation of Spectacles, introducing new see-through AR (Augmented Reality) glasses. These standalone AR glasses enable users to interact with Lenses, experiencing augmented reality in real life, alongside friends.
Snap, long known for its social media platform, messaging app Snapchat and animated filters, has been a pioneer in augmented reality, which can add digital effects onto photos or videos of real-life surroundings through a camera or lens.
Close on the heels of their predecessor, the Spectacles 5 are designed specifically for developers.
Snap OS
Spectacles are powered by a new operating system called Snap OS, created for seamless interaction with the real world.
According to Snap, Spectacles is a culmination of ten years of research and development aimed at breaking screen barriers and forging real-world connections.
Other enhancements have been brought to the latest Spectacles is the addition of full hand tracking abilities. Snap has completely revamped the underlying software driving Spectacles so the entire user interface is controlled with hand gestures and voice commands.
In addition, the new operating system will also allow developers to make better AR experiences between two or more Spectacles wearers, as claimed by Snap. For example, two wearers in the same room could play chess on a virtual board that is rendered in the players’ surroundings.
Key Features and Specifications
- Weight: 226 grams.
- Cameras: Four integrated cameras power Snap’s Spatial Engine, enabling hand tracking.
- Optical Engine: Developed in-house, this AR system uses Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) micro-projectors to offer sharp visuals.
- Waveguides: Each waveguide features billions of nanostructures to guide light into view, thereby eliminating complex calibrations or custom fittings.
- Field of View: 46-degree diagonal field coupled with a resolution of 37 pixels per degree. Comparable to a 100-inch screen viewed from 10 feet away.
- Adaptive Tinting: Spectacles automatically adjust depending on lighting, for vibrant images, even under direct sunlight.
- Processor: Backed by dual Qualcomm Snapdragon chips, to improve power efficiency and heat dissipation with titanium vapor chambers. The device provides up to 45 minutes of non-stop use.
Partnerships
Several key content partners are already working with Spectacles to create new AR experiences. Mention may be made of Lego, Niantic, and ILM Immersive. The LEGO Group will feature an interactive AR game, BRICKTACULAR, which uses hand and voice control to build LEGO sets in AR.
ILM Immersive will later launch New Star Wars-themed titles for wearable platforms, and Pokémon GO-creator Niantic will be introducing its titles, Peridot and Scaniverse.
Availability
Spectacles will not be sold to consumers initially. They will instead be available to developers who create AR features at $99 per month.
