Alex Omenye
Snap is preparing to introduce a new generation of augmented reality glasses, according to a report by The Verge. The upcoming glasses, set to be revealed by CEO Evan Spiegel at Snap’s Partner Summit on September 17, will mark the fifth generation of Spectacles and the second pair equipped with AR capabilities.
The company’s previous AR glasses, launched in 2021, were made available to a limited number of creators and developers. These users experimented with combining Snapchat’s lenses with the AR displays, but the device had its limitations. The 2021 Spectacles featured a narrow field of view, only 30 minutes of battery life, and a bulkier design compared to earlier versions that resembled regular sunglasses.
Now, it seems Snap has addressed some of those issues. The Verge reports that the latest version of the Spectacles will offer a wider field of view and improved battery life. However, the glasses are still being positioned as a device primarily for developers rather than the general public. Each pair reportedly costs “thousands of dollars to build,” and Snap plans to produce fewer than 10,000 units.
This development suggests that Snap remains committed to its hardware ventures, despite some setbacks. The company’s last new product, the $250 Pixy selfie drone, was discontinued just four months after its 2022 launch, following a recall due to a battery fire.
With the upcoming AR Spectacles, Snap is signaling that it has not entirely abandoned its hardware ambitions, continuing to explore the possibilities of augmented reality technology.
