Snap introduced its new augmented reality glasses, known as Spectacles, aiming to help users feel closer to friends. The first Spectacles appeared in 2016. They featured colorful circular frames and primarily captured videos and photos in a fun way, resembling normal sunglasses more than traditional smart glasses.
In 2021, Snap shifted focus to include augmented reality. The new designs changed from playful to sharp and rectangular, fitting a more cyberpunk style. The latest version, the 2024 Spectacles, continued this trend, offering smoother curves but still looking bulky.
The 2024 Spectacles are not widely available for purchase. To access them, users must subscribe to Snap’s developer program, costing $99 per month with a one-year commitment. This program targets developers interested in creating applications for Snap’s platform.
– What are the key features of Snap’s 2024 Spectacles that set them apart from earlier versions?
Interview with an Augmented Reality Specialist on Snap’s New Spectacles
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today. With the recent launch of Snap’s 2024 Spectacles, there’s a lot of buzz in the augmented reality space. Can you start by sharing your thoughts on how the design evolution from the original 2016 Spectacles to the latest version reflects changes in consumer technology?
Specialist: Absolutely. The original Spectacles were an innovative blend of fun and functionality, designed to capture moments in a way that felt accessible and playful. They were much more akin to trendy sunglasses than tech gadgets. However, as augmented reality has gained traction, Snap has repositioned the Spectacles to appeal more to developers and serious AR users. The shift to a sharper, rectangular design in 2021, and now to the smoother but bulkier 2024 version, signals an emphasis on integrating more advanced technology while maintaining a distinctive style that still feels individualistic.
Interviewer: Speaking of integration, what are your thoughts on the features that Snap is promoting with these latest glasses?
Specialist: The 2024 Spectacles are indeed ambitious, offering a more immersive experience by connecting seamlessly with Snapchat’s platform and allowing users to interact with the world around them through AR. Features like My AI and the ability to launch immersive Lenses suggest a focus on enhancing social interactions. However, the requirement to subscribe to Snap’s developer program at $99 per month highlights that these glasses are still in a niche market, primarily targeting developers rather than everyday consumers.
Interviewer: It seems like the move to target developers could be a strategic response to what competitors like Meta are doing. How do you view the broader context of AR glasses in the market right now?
Specialist: You’re spot on. The timing of Snap’s announcement coinciding with Meta’s introduction of its Orion glasses suggests a competitive landscape that is rapidly evolving. Both companies are positioning their products towards developers to build the ecosystem around AR tools. This approach can create a foundation for more robust applications, but it also reflects the reality that widespread consumer adoption may still be a distant goal. Both Snap and Meta are navigating a complex balance between offering cutting-edge technology and ensuring there’s a viable market for those features.
Interviewer: With the current trajectory, do you see a future where augmented reality glasses become mainstream consumer products?
Specialist: It’s definitely possible, but several factors will play a role. We need substantial advancements in battery life, miniaturization of components, and a compelling reason for everyday consumers to adopt this technology. Market adoption often hinges on social integration and ease of use, which is why Snap’s emphasis on connecting friends through their glasses is particularly interesting. If they can bridge that gap, we might see AR glasses transform from developer tools into must-have consumer products within a few years.
Interviewer: Thank you for your insights! It will be fascinating to see how Snap and its competitors continue to develop in this space.
Specialist: Thank you for having me! The realm of augmented reality is thrilling, and as technology progresses, I’m excited to see where it all leads.
Scott Myers, Snap’s hardware engineering vice president, emphasized their vision to bring augmented reality to everyone. The recent announcement came shortly before Meta introduced its own Orion glasses, both aimed at developers and featuring similar bulky designs. These glasses are not aimed at everyday consumers just yet.
