Snap takes on Meta and Apple with new Specs augmented reality glasses

Snap has officially entered the consumer augmented reality market with the launch of Specs, its first AR glasses available to the public. The standalone wearable computer starts at $2,195 and is set to begin shipping this fall.

In Short

• Snap has unveiled a fresh wearable built around augmented reality experiences
• The move places the product against two of technology's biggest players
• It is promised to offer four hours of battery life and support for AR experiences

Snap has unveiled Specs, its first augmented reality (AR) glasses aimed at consumers. The announcement comes after years of development, with the company working on advanced AR eyewear since launching its original Spectacles smart glasses in 2016. The new Specs are priced at $2,195 and are available for preorder through Snap's website. Buyers can reserve a pair with a refundable deposit of $200. According to the company, deliveries are expected to begin this fall in the US, UK and France.

Snap describes Specs as “a wearable computer built into see-through augmented reality glasses.” The device works independently and does not require a separate battery pack or external computing unit.

The glasses will be available in two sizes, weighing 132g and 136g. Snap is also offering removable prescription inserts to support users with different vision requirements.

Specs feature a bold frame design that stands apart from many smart glasses currently available. The device includes visible-light and infrared cameras. To notify people when recording is active, an LED indicator lights up on the front of the glasses.

Digital content can be displayed on both lenses. Snap says the display system offers a 51-degree field of view and can show up to 16 million colours. The lenses can also switch from clear to tinted in about 10 seconds depending on lighting conditions.

The glasses are powered by two Snapdragon processors. One processor is dedicated to computer vision tasks, while the other handles AR experiences. Snap says this setup enables fast hand tracking and responsive interactions, helping virtual objects appear naturally within a user's surroundings.

Battery life is rated at up to four hours on a single charge. The charging case included in the box can provide four additional charges, bringing total usage time to around 20 hours.

The launch comes as competition in the smart glasses category continues to increase. Companies such as Meta and Apple have already introduced their own wearable devices, while questions around privacy and everyday usefulness remain part of the conversation.

Despite those challenges, Snap is moving ahead with its consumer AR plans. The company hopes Specs can bring augmented reality experiences to more people and encourage wider adoption of the technology.

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