# Snap's new Specs glasses tackle the privacy backlash

> Snap launches expensive AR glasses with a visible camera and AI assistant, betting on transparency over the secrecy that sank Meta's version.
- Title: Snap's new Specs glasses tackle the privacy backlash
- Summary: Snap launches expensive AR glasses with a visible camera and AI assistant, betting on transparency over the secrecy that sank Meta's version. Snap's strategy…
- Keywords: snap, specs, smart glasses, camera glasses, evan spiegel, augmented reality, privacy concerns, meta, wearable technology, ai assistant, pre-order, Snap's
- Source: Digital Camera World — https://digitalcameraworld.com/tech/you-can-see-them-from-a-mile-away-new-snap-specs-smart-glasses-released-on-pre-order-boasting-an-all-new-solution-to-the-backlash-against-meta-camera-glasses-and-its-not-just-the-price
- Published: 2026-09-21T15:43:26+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: snap, specs, smart glasses, camera glasses, evan spiegel, augmented reality, privacy concerns, meta, wearable technology, ai assistant, pre-order
## Snap launches Specs smart glasses
Snap CEO Evan Spiegel unveiled Specs, a new operating system built into AR glasses with a camera, aiming to show Meta and Apple what they got wrong in the camera glasses market.
## The privacy problem with camera glasses
Camera glasses have faced heavy criticism over privacy concerns, with Meta even considering a version without a camera. Snap's Specs still have a camera, raising questions about whether they'll face similar backlash.
## Visibility as a privacy solution
Spiegel argues that Specs are so large and obvious that they cannot be used for covert recording, unlike smaller competing devices. A flashing LED also signals when the camera is active.

> You can see them from a mile away
## What the camera can do
Specs use a four-camera system with dual optical and dual infrared sensors to understand the world in 3D without recording, create 3D shopping experiences, and capture photos and video for Snapchat.

> can understand the world without recording it
## Photo capture requires a visible gesture
Taking photos on Specs requires a finger-clicking gesture that leaves your arm and hand clearly visible in the frame, making covert recording difficult.
## Meet Specs Intelligence, the AI assistant
Snap offers a free AI helper called Specs Intelligence available on iPhone and Mac, letting users try the technology without buying the $2,195 glasses.
## Battery life and charging
Specs offer about four hours of use, even with audio playback. A charging case lets you carry power on the move.
## Display and field of view
Specs feature a 51-degree field of view, equivalent to standing ten feet from a 115-inch TV. The lenses can dim for private entertainment or stay transparent as a head-up display.
## Price and availability
Specs cost $2,195 (or £1,999), with a more expensive cellular version available. They ship this fall, with public demos starting at Los Angeles Westfield and select Verizon and EE stores.
## Key takeaway

Snap's strategy to address camera glasses privacy concerns is making the device visibly obvious rather than hiding it, plus emphasizing what the camera can do without recording.