Snap has unveiled its next-generation augmented reality (AR) glasses. The fifth-generation Snap Spectacles offer a wider field of view than previous models and new software that can fully track hand movements. But for now, they’ll only be available to developers approved by Snap and who accept a $99 monthly subscription fee.
While this strategy may seem unconventional, Snap believes that developers are currently the ones who best understand the potential and limitations of AR hardware, and the company also argues that developers are willing to pay a subscription fee of over $1,000 for access to these high-tech glasses.
Developers are the biggest enthusiasts in the AR world, according to Snap’s AR platform director Sophia Dominguez. Dominguez believes that these people will build experiences that will excite Snapchatters in the future. “This is not a prototype,” Dominguez says. “We have all the components. We’re ready to grow when the market is ready, but we want to do it thoughtfully and include developers on that journey.”
New Snap Spectacles offer advanced features
Snap previewed the Spectacles ahead of its Partner Summit event, emphasizing that this generation is a far cry from the first AR-enabled Spectacles from 2021. The hardware and software have been significantly beefed up, and AR displays are sharper and more immersive. The Spectacles already support more than two dozen AR experiences, including big names like Lego and Niantic, which Snap has partnered with.
As for the design of the glasses, the fifth generation Spectacles glasses are quite large and wide in proportion to your face. Although the glasses are supported by a small device to better fit the ears, they risk slipping when you move your head quickly. However, they have a slightly more real glasses look than the previous generation. These glasses have thick black plastic frames, and the lenses darken when you go outside, just like transitional lenses.
Snap’s AR capabilities are made possible by “Liquid Crystal on Silicon micro projectors.” Each pair of glasses also includes a camera, microphone, and speakers. Both arms of the glasses are powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, and this dual-processor architecture prevents overheating issues from previous models.
One of the most notable improvements in the revamped glasses is the expanded field of view. Snap says it has tripled that field compared to previous generations, expanding AR content up to 46 degrees. When you put the glasses on, it feels like there’s a 100-inch screen in the room.
However, these glasses don’t provide a truly immersive experience. Sometimes you’ll need to turn your head in different directions or change your position to see AR effects. For example, in a demo showing the human body, you’ll need to move up and down to see the entire figure at once.
Snap OS and hand tracking technology
The other big new feature in the fifth-generation Snap Spectacles is full hand tracking. Snap has completely redesigned the Spectacles’ software, creating a new system it calls “Snap OS.” It’s controlled using gestures and voice commands. You can open a menu with the palm of your hand, and close apps or explore lenses by tapping on the relevant icons.
Snap has partnered with Lego to create a game that lets you pick up bricks and build objects, while Niantic lets you interact with the AR-based Peridot character. You can also communicate with Snapchat’s AI assistant MyAI via AR.
Snap’s AR glasses will also allow developers to create multimodal experiences through a partnership with OpenAI, which could allow the glasses to offer a more functional camera-based experience in the future.
Could augmented reality glasses become popular soon?
Snap CEO Evan Spiegel has been excited about the future of AR glasses for years. The Snap Spectacles, introduced in 2021, showed that they were possible, and the fifth-generation Spectacles show that Snap is finally getting serious about AR hardware.
But the glasses still have some limitations. They’re large and can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time. Also, the battery life of around 45 minutes may be restrictive if they’re to appeal to a wider audience. Snap will have to find ways to lower the price of these glasses.
Meta is expected to introduce augmented reality glasses soon, which could help Snap bring its AR vision to a wider audience.