Snap is set to release its first consumer version of augmented reality (AR) glasses, known as the Specs, this autumn. After six years in development, Snap, the company behind popular messaging app Snapchat, has invested in crafting a standout device that is distinctly different from regular eyewear.
Features and Design of the Specs
The Specs are designed to be bold, with a striking appearance thanks to their sizable frames and lens options of 47mm and 52mm. This chunky design is not just for aesthetics, but also to incorporate all the components needed for the glasses to function independently, without being attached to external devices such as phones or battery packs.
Despite their bulk, the Specs are lighter than expected, though they are heavier than typical daily glasses. They fit securely on the face even during active movement, although extended wear might cause some discomfort, especially around the ears.
User Experience and Performance
Using the Specs is akin to merging smart glasses with a VR headset experience. They project menus and app interfaces directly in the user’s field of vision. The integrated waveguide displays are capable of showcasing vivid, high-resolution colours, although Snap has not provided specific resolution details. Interactions are handled through built-in hand-tracking technology, enabling users to perform actions like resizing app windows or moving objects with simple gestures. Additionally, the glasses feature a voice-activated AI assistant, though initial tests showed it responds slowly and inconsistently.
However, during practical tests, actions using the Specs sometimes required multiple attempts, particularly in adjusting to light conditions like direct sunlight, which made it challenging to view AR graphics effectively.
Challenges and Limitations
One of the Specs’ notable features is displays in both lenses, an advancement over competitors, which usually offer a single digital screen. This setup allows for a more immersive AR experience, albeit limited by the glasses’ 51-degree field of view. This restriction often causes digital elements to drift out of sight, interrupting the augmented reality effect. Additionally, the Specs support sound playback through in-built speakers, yet this feature proved socially awkward, as others could not hear the audio when close interactions were happening.
Regarding privacy concerns, the Specs also allow users to capture photos and videos, accompanied by a prominent indicator light signaling recording activity. This could address some privacy issues but may not entirely assuage public concerns, especially amidst existing debates around similar devices like Meta’s glasses.
A Glimpse Into the Future
As major companies like Meta, Google, and Apple explore the AR glasses market, Snap’s effort with the Specs represents a significant step. CEO Evan Spiegel previously highlighted the potential for such technology to create more natural human interactions. However, early experiences suggest that the Specs present more obstacles than solutions in achieving seamless social interaction.
Despite Snap’s extensive development period, the forthcoming release of Specs will serve as an important litmus test for consumer interest and usability of AR glasses. As the first of its kind in the consumer market, its success or failure could influence future innovations in the realm of wearable tech.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theverge.com.