For years, tech enthusiasts have dreamed of smart glasses that display information as you navigate the world.
Now, Snapchat is bringing this vision closer to reality with their new augmented reality glasses called Spectacles.
The company recently showcased them at its Partner Summit in Santa Monica, where I talked with Snapchat influencers and tried on the glasses.
Snapchat says millions of people use its app daily to stay in touch with friends, family, and even fans.
“I feel like Snapchat is where creators can be their most authentic,” explained fitness influencer Alice Klomp, who has amassed over 7 million fans on the platform. She works full-time creating content.
“I’ve been able to travel to over 10 different countries because of Snapchat and meet fans all over the world,” said lifestyle influencer Caryn Marjorie.
Snapchat opens directly to the camera to encourage real-time sharing of photos and videos, which are often enhanced with fun augmented reality lenses.
The glasses are part of that vision.
Sure, the latest Spectacles look like bulky, oversized sunglasses, but they offer us a glimpse into an augmented reality future.
There are cameras, microphones, and speakers built in – plus tiny see-through screens in the lenses.
I tried them out in a few different ways.
First, I played basketball in them as the glasses showed me the arc where I should throw the ball to get it into the basket. It didn’t work, but I could see how this could be handy for training and fun.
Next, I tried a tutorial that showed off the control aspects of the glasses. You can pinch and zoom objects floating in front of you virtually, pop bubbles and even activate a virtual menu by pressing a virtual button on the back of your hand.
Finally, I played a game where virtual bricks fly at you and your job is to punch them away.
Since the glasses are augmented reality, you can still see the real world, but you can also see digital pictures, videos and animations overlaid around you.
Surprisingly, the Spectacles are lightweight.
“When we’re building technology, we’re really building technology that feels really natural and human as a way to use technology, rather than taking you and isolating you elsewhere,” said Sofia Dominguez, who leads AR for the Snap.
Right now, Spectacles are mostly aimed at creators and developers. You can rent them for $100 monthly with a one-year minimum commitment.
If they can make them smaller, lower the price, and increase the battery life, our augmented reality could become interesting.
For years, tech enthusiasts have dreamed of smart glasses that display information as you navigate the world. Now, Snapchat is bringing this vision closer to reality with their new augmented reality glasses called Spectacles. The company recently showcased them at its Partner Summit in Santa Monica, where I talked with Snapchat influencers and tried on […]