Snap’s latest fifth-generation augmented reality (AR) Spectacles feature a revamped design, wider field of view, and full hand-tracking capabilities. Unlike previous models, these are only available to approved developers via a $99/month subscription for one year.
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Snap’s focus on developers stems from their ability to understand AR’s capabilities and limitations, according to Snap’s director of AR platform, Sophia Dominguez. Developers will build experiences that could later excite Snapchat users. “This isn’t a prototype,” Dominguez told Engadget, emphasizing that the company is prepared to scale when the market is ready.
The new Spectacles boast sharper AR displays, improved software, and a larger field of view—nearly tripled from the previous version to 46 degrees, offering an immersive experience akin to a 100-inch display. The glasses also have over two dozen AR experiences available, including collaborations with Lego and Niantic.
Despite their advanced features, the Spectacles are still bulky, much larger than typical glasses. While an adapter helps with fit, they remain cumbersome and prone to slipping off. However, they do look more like regular glasses compared to their predecessors, with clear lenses that darken outdoors.
Internally, each arm of the glasses houses a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, improving performance and battery life to 45 minutes, up from 30 minutes in the previous model. The AR content is crisp and vibrant, even in sunlight.
The biggest leap is the addition of full hand-tracking and Snap’s new operating system, Snap OS. Users can control the interface with gestures and voice commands, creating interactive experiences like building virtual Lego objects or playing AR games.
Though the Spectacles are still a work in progress, Snap envisions them becoming smaller and more accessible. For now, their high cost and short battery life limit their mainstream appeal. However, Snap remains committed to AR’s long-term potential, waiting for the consumer market to catch up.
