Snap launches ambitious AR glasses

Snap officially unveiled its new Specs, waveguide smart glasses with self-contained processing for motion tracking, environment scanning, and gesture controls. At $2,195, they're technically more sophisticated than Meta Ray-Ban Display but face major hurdles before winning mainstream adoption.

Waveguide display breaks free from phones

The Specs use waveguide technology with OLED-based full-color displays etched into the lenses. Unlike other waveguide glasses, they work independently without tethering to a phone, requiring only an internet connection.

Outward cameras enable spatial processing

Outward-facing cameras power six degrees of freedom tracking, environment mapping, hand tracking, and gesture controls. This enables augmented and mixed reality experiences similar to Apple Vision Pro and Samsung Galaxy XR, but in a lighter form factor.

Field of view rivals prism displays

The Specs' waveguide display offers a 51-degree field of view, matching prism display glasses like Viture Beast. This is a massive jump from Meta Ray-Ban Display's 20-degree field of view, potentially making waveguide the future of all smart glasses.

Optional cellular case adds connectivity

Snap introduced a $200 charging case with built-in Verizon cellular connectivity, letting the Specs stay connected without a phone or WiFi. Data plans cost $10 monthly for Verizon customers and $20 for others.

Software partners launch with Lenses

Snap showcased collaborations with NBA, TripAdvisor, Spotify, and HBO Max. The Specs run apps called Lenses, including a basketball trainer, restaurant review overlay, music integration, and Harry Potter augmented reality game.

Celebrity visionaries create custom Lenses

Snap highlighted individual creators including Library Science founder Kaia Gerber, NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler, and Korean actress Jung Ho-yeon, each building custom Lenses for the platform.

Built-in features work without apps

The Specs include native navigation and video calling features. The web browser supports streaming from HBO Max and YouTube, displaying content as a virtual 115-inch screen viewed from 10 feet away.

Specs Intelligence predicts your needs

Snap built an anticipatory AI service into the glasses that tries to show you information before you ask for it. Before meetings, it could highlight decisions to make and questions to ask.

“Before a meeting, it could highlight decisions to make, questions to ask, and things to remember.”

Privacy claims warrant skepticism

Snap claims employees can't access personal data used with Specs Intelligence and won't use it for AI training or ads. However, skepticism is warranted given the visual data processing involved.

Price is the biggest barrier

At $2,195, the Specs cost more than Samsung Galaxy XR and three times the price of Meta Ray-Ban Display. Adding the cellular case brings the total to $2,395, making them inaccessible to most consumers.

Design is bulky and unflattering

The Specs feature a chunky glossy black frame with massive rectangular rims. They're visibly less refined than the development-only Spectacles '24, and even fashion models look awkward wearing them.

Weight and fit cause comfort issues

At 4.7 ounces, the Specs weigh twice as much as Meta Ray-Ban Display and four times more than Even G2. Their size can bend your ears, making extended wear uncomfortable for daily use.

Waveguide glasses still need refinement

Previous waveguide glasses suffered from monochrome green displays, awkward interfaces, and steep learning curves. The Specs' capabilities seem to blow past everything tested so far, but real-world testing will reveal if the tech justifies the price.

Preorders open with fall shipping

The Specs are available for preorder now with a $200 refundable deposit. They're expected to ship later this fall, giving early adopters a chance to test Snap's ambitious AR vision.