Snap is unveiling the fifth generation of its augmented reality Spectacles, designed to blend seamlessly into daily life as a hands-free tech alternative. Weighing 226 grams and featuring a stylish, oversized design, the new AR glasses offer interactive experiences through hand gestures and voice commands. Available for a monthly subscription aimed at developers and content creators, they promise innovation in AR applications, although their current performance may feel limited compared to traditional gaming platforms.
Snap is ushering in the future of technology with its latest innovation: smart glasses. As many of us are already accustomed to wearing eyewear, transitioning to tech glasses feels more natural than constantly holding a smartphone. These glasses seamlessly integrate into our daily lives, making them an appealing choice for the tech-savvy.
The latest iteration of Snap’s augmented reality (AR) Spectacles has arrived, marking the fifth generation of this innovative product. Weighing in at just 226 grams, they boast a design reminiscent of oversized 3D movie glasses, complete with a thick frame that stands out.
We had a chance to test the new Spectacles. If you already wear prescription glasses, you’ll need to remove them to ensure a proper fit. However, Snap does offer an option to customize lenses to your prescription needs.
Designed for Comfort
Upon trying them on, we discovered that the Spectacles feature a smooth surface with no sharp edges. The temples glide comfortably over your ears, creating a pleasant wearing experience that feels just right.
Looking in the mirror, it’s clear these are not your average pair of glasses. Their size is significant, making them much more prominent than typical eyewear. Even the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses appear more discreet, despite their visible cameras. However, Snap embraces their unique design, encouraging onlookers to recognize them as Spectacles.
Quick Impressions of the Spectacles
We took a closer look at the Snap Spectacles and captured some images to showcase their capabilities.
Activating the glasses is simple, thanks to a power button located on the right temple. Initially, you need to pair them with your smartphone using the dedicated app; once set up, you can use the glasses independently. While Snapchat isn’t required to use the Spectacles, you do need to create an account with Snap.
As with most AR devices, you can view your real surroundings while interactive virtual content appears in your field of vision, which spans 46 degrees. The user interface of Snap OS presents itself first, and you can navigate using voice commands or hand gestures. We found hand control to be intuitive, and if you stumble upon an unexpected menu, simply glance at your left palm to find a button that takes you back to the main screen—very practical!
Exploring New Applications
We dove into a fun garden app where we could use hand motions to draw flowers around us, turning our colleagues into whimsical plants. Another app allowed for virtual painting, where we could air-write and unleash our creativity with colors. You can even create a shared space for other Spectacles users to showcase their artwork together.
In one app, you’re transported to a golf course, where your smartphone doubles as a golf club. While engaging, the graphics feel reminiscent of earlier motion-control games seen with the Nintendo Wii, but without the need for a TV.
Another feature puts you to the test with a rhythm game akin to Beat Saber, engaging your body as you punch to the beat—great for a workout during tougher levels.
After all this excitement, we took a break at a virtual table to assemble Lego bricks. In collaboration with the iconic Danish brand, these building blocks are authentic. We employed voice commands to summon more pieces, although the responsiveness was occasionally hit or miss.
Creativity Meets AI
One standout feature involves an AI app where you can visualize your imagination. Starting with “Imagine…”, you can conjure various ideas. While some requests, like envisioning an alien strumming a guitar or a combination of pizza and sushi, result in quirky outcomes, others yield more straightforward, cartoonish images.
Pricing and Availability
If we’ve sparked your curiosity, here’s the exciting news: Snap has announced the upcoming release of Spectacles in several countries, including Austria and Germany, by the end of 2024. However, instead of a standard purchase, these glasses are available through a subscription model costing 110 euros per month.
Currently, the Spectacles are primarily targeted toward developers and content creators rather than the average consumer. Interested parties can apply through the Lens Studio platform to learn if they qualify. Note that you will need iOS 16 for iPhones or Android 12 for other smartphones to use them.
Each pair of glasses comes with a carrying bag, a glass cover, and a USB-C charging cable. The subscription also includes access to Snap support for any inquiries.