The new Snap Spectacles with AR are not available to just anyone
Snapchat has announced new augmented-reality (AR) glasses. But these are not meant for the masses. Instead they are being offered to a select group of creators in the AR field.
It has been about two years since the last version of Snapchat Spectacles was released into the wild. The third generation looks like everyday sunglasses. They introduce dual HD cameras to capture scenes in 3D. The new ones look like something out of a 60s book in black with sharp edges. The other difference is that these are Snap’s first true AR specs.
To this end, the tech of the 4th generation comes with dual 3D waveguide displays and a 26.3 degree diagonal field of view. Built for exploration, wearers will see a virtual world overlaid on the real-world in front of them. A good example on what this looks like can be seen in the video embedded in the Tweet below.
Step into the future with the next generation of Spectacles. Our first display glasses built for creators to explore new ways to fuse fun and utility through immersive AR. #SnapPartnerSummithttps://t.co/r4XnSC886z pic.twitter.com/4bPi49KE7n
— Spectacles (@Spectacles) May 20, 2021
The spectacles weigh a mere 134 grams. Snap says the display automatically adjusts brightness. The max is 2000 Nits so the AR should be clearly visible both indoors and out.
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There’s a touchpad built-in along with 2 RGB cameras and four microphones. All of this is powered by a chip specifically designed for AR and VR. The bad news is battery life. You’ll only be able to use the specs for 30 minutes at a time.
As mentioned, these will not be sold to everyone. They are predominantly designed for use by creators on the Snap platform in the AR field. To aid with this, the spectacles are fully integrated with Lens Studio.
The glasses have already been rolled out to a small group of users. There is a form you can fill on the Snapchat website if you want to add your name to this list and project your creation onto the world around you.
Despite all the obstacles and setbacks, Snap is not giving up on its Spectacles idea! With Facebook’s entry in this space expected soon, there should be a lot of movement in this area in the near future.
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