Key facts
- Snap launched its first consumer augmented-reality glasses, called Specs, priced at $2,195.
- The glasses aim to overlay digital content onto the wearer's view of the real world.
- Specs will be available for preorder starting June 16th and will ship in the fall in the U.S., UK, and France.
- The device offers up to four hours of continuous battery life, extendable to 20 hours with a charging case.
- Snap CEO Evan Spiegel described Specs as a new type of computer intended to succeed the smartphone.
- Snap is focusing on developers to build AR experiences for the platform.
Snapchat's parent company, Snap Inc., has unveiled its latest augmented reality glasses, named Spectacles, priced at $2,195. The company is positioning the device as a potential successor to the smartphone, aiming to overlay digital content onto the wearer's real-world view.
Unveiled at the Augmented World Expo, the glasses feature two Qualcomm Snapdragon processors and offer up to four hours of continuous battery life, extendable to 20 hours with a charging case. CEO Evan Spiegel described Specs as a new type of computer, developed with new technology across nearly every component to achieve wearability without bulk. The device is lighter than Apple's Vision Pro but heavier than Meta's Ray-Ban smartglasses.
The launch occurs amid pressure on Snap's ad business and significant investment in the Specs unit, driven by growing concerns about smartphone mental health impacts and advancements in AI. Snap is initially focusing on developers to build AR experiences for the platform, rolling out app-building tools to support this effort.
Analysts note the high price point may limit consumer adoption, but acknowledge the difficulty and expense of building full AR glasses. Snap shares fell 1.6% in afternoon trading following the announcement.