Snap bets big on specs: $2,195 ar glasses aim to redefine computing

Snap is doubling down on augmented reality with SPECS, its new line of smart glasses, marking a significant shift from the initial Spectacles experiment. Forget the disposable clip-on of the past; these are aiming for a fundamentally different approach to wearable tech.

A return to hardware: snap’s gamble on a ‘wearable computer’

Following a series of iterations – including the water-resistant Spectacles 2 and the developer-focused Gen 5 – Snap is finally bringing its AR vision to consumers. The SPECS line, priced at a hefty $2,195 with a refundable deposit, represents a bold move, positioning the company as a serious contender in the burgeoning AR market.

Beyond the spectacles: enhanced functionality and a new display

These aren’t just upgraded Spectacles. Snap is touting SPECS as a ‘wearable computer’ built upon a see-through augmented reality platform. The glasses boast a 46-degree field of view and a 51-degree display, rendering 16 million colors – equivalent to a 24-inch desktop or an 115-inch home cinema screen, respectively. This is a substantial leap in visual fidelity compared to previous models.

Key features & privacy focus

SPECS leverage Snap’s proprietary liquid crystal on silicon display and are powered by two Snapdragon processors, one dedicated to computer vision and the other to running Lenses – the AR features that dynamically alter the user’s perception of their environment. Crucially, Snap is emphasizing privacy, incorporating an LED indicator to signal when the camera is active and prioritizing on-device data processing. Co-founder and CEO Evan Spiegel highlights that “SPECS only work if people trust them,” underscoring the importance of a robust privacy framework.

Competition and the future

While Meta’s Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses represent a comparable offering, Spiegel insists SPECS are “the most capable and most wearable AR glasses ever built.” The competition is fierce, but Snap’s commitment – and its backing from tech heroes like Steve Jobs and Edwin Land – suggests this isn’t a fleeting venture. The initial rollout will target the U.S., U.K., and France this fall. The price point is undoubtedly a barrier, but Snap is betting on the potential of a truly integrated AR experience.