From WIRED · Boone Ashworth · · 2m
Snap's $2,195 smart glasses finally revealed
Snap showed off what its pricey AR specs can do, from real-time translation to NBA basketball games.
In brief
Snap showed off what its pricey AR specs can do, from real-time translation to NBA basketball games. Snap's expensive Specs glasses offer AR features like real-time translation, sports overlays, and shopping, but their bulk and price raise questions about practical everyday use. Originally reported by WIRED.
Snap's AR glasses cost $2,195
Snap announced its new Specs augmented-reality smart glasses at a Los Angeles event, with shipping starting this fall. The glasses are expensive and visibly bulky, raising concerns about comfort and practicality.
Make calls, listen to music, capture video
The Specs connect via Bluetooth for calls and stream music from Spotify. They can capture photos and videos, and display content from YouTube and HBO Max through built-in screens.
Shop in 3D, translate languages live
Buy items on Shopify by viewing 3D product models and positioning them in your room before checkout. The glasses translate spoken languages in real time with text on the display, plus Tripadvisor integration for reviews and currency.
Play sports with NBA and WNBA
Snap partnered with the NBA and WNBA to overlay visual guides and drill cues on real basketball hoops and balls. Similar experiences are available for soccer and golf.
Enterprise features for work
Snap partnered with Salesforce, Amazon, and Nvidia to build workplace features that display codes, specs, and product information in the wearer's field of view. Workers can find parts or check inventory hands-free.
Privacy controls and no facial recognition
An LED indicator lights up when cameras are recording or taking photos. Snap says the Specs do not use facial recognition to identify people, distancing them from privacy concerns around camera-equipped smart glasses.
“do not record the world to understand it”
New AI service predicts what you want
Snap launched Specs Intelligence, an anticipatory AI that collects data about your daily life to predict what you need. It organizes information by corners like work, family, and goals, and can book travel or find hotels.
Comfort and price remain big questions
At $2,195, the Specs cost more than three PlayStation 5 consoles. Their bulk and weight raise practical concerns about wearing them during sports or daily activities, leaving real-world usability uncertain.
The essence
Snap's expensive Specs glasses offer AR features like real-time translation, sports overlays, and shopping, but their bulk and price raise questions about practical everyday use.
