Snap Inc. has just unveiled its fifth-generation Spectacles, showcasing significant improvements over the previous version. However, for those eager to buy a pair, there’s a catch: these advanced AR glasses are still exclusively aimed at developers.
Aimed at Developers: Spectacles 5 Not for Consumer Purchase
Despite the impressive upgrades, Snap Spectacles 5 are not available for general consumers. Both the fourth and fifth generations of Snap’s AR glasses are part of the company’s developer program, making them accessible only to those who sign up for the program with a $99 monthly fee for at least one year. These devices are rented, not sold, and Snap is positioning them strictly as developer-focused tools.
Heavier and More Powerful: New Design and Specs
The Snap Spectacles 5 sport a new, chunkier design weighing 226g, almost double the 134g of the previous generation. While this added weight could be a downside, the new glasses offer longer battery life, increasing from 30 minutes to 45 minutes without external power.
Upgraded Display Technology: A Major Boost in Field of View
One of the standout features of the Spectacles 5 is the integration of Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) micro-projectors and waveguides, which deliver a sharp, immersive experience. These glasses now have a 46° diagonal Field of View (FoV), a substantial increase from the 26.3° FoV of the previous generation, making the visual experience much broader and more detailed.
The pixel density has also been improved, with 37 pixels per degree, which is 25% more than the previous version. This means that users can enjoy clearer, sharper visuals, crucial for developers working on high-quality AR experiences.
Qualcomm Chipsets and Efficient Power Management
While Snap hasn’t provided detailed specs, it has revealed that the Spectacles 5 contain two Qualcomm chipsets that work in tandem to power Snap OS. This dual-chip setup enhances power efficiency, reducing overall power consumption. The glasses also feature titanium vapor chambers for effective cooling, ensuring they remain functional during extended use.
Snap OS and Spatial Engine: Fast Motion-to-Photon Latency
One of the key performance metrics Snap is proud of is the 13 millisecond motion-to-photon latency. Thanks to Snap OS and the Snap Spatial Engine, four cameras feed data to the Qualcomm chipsets, which process the user’s movements and overlay virtual 3D elements in real-time. The ultra-fast 13ms latency ensures the AR experience is fluid and responsive, with minimal delay between movement and visual feedback.
Hand Tracking and Voice Commands: Interaction Made Easy
The Snap Spatial Engine not only tracks head movements but also monitors hand gestures, allowing users to interact with virtual objects seamlessly. Additionally, Snap OS supports voice commands, making the glasses even more versatile and user-friendly for developers working on interactive AR experiences.
Developers Only: Why the Spectacles 5 Are Worth the Investment
So, why should developers bother investing in Snap Spectacles 5? Snap’s latest AR glasses provide a cutting-edge platform to develop and test immersive augmented reality content for Snapchat’s Lens Studio. Though limited to developers, Snap is aiming to be at the forefront of the AR market, which is still in its early stages but has massive potential.
Snap’s Long-Term AR Vision: A Partnership with Big Brands
In a move to solidify its leadership in the AR space, Snap has partnered with major brands to create unique experiences for the updated Lens Studio and Snap OS. Lego, for example, is launching BRICKTACULAR, an AR experience where users can build virtual Lego sets with hand and voice commands.
Lucasfilm’s ILM Immersive is also joining forces with Snap, allowing users to engage with the Star Wars Galaxy in AR. Other exciting collaborations include Niantic’s Peridot and Scaniverse, and Wabisabi Games’ “capture the flag” style AR game.
Companion App: Extending the AR Experience to Smartphones
The Spectacles 5 aren’t just limited to standalone use. They can pair with your smartphone through a companion app, which adds several new functionalities. For instance, users can turn their phones into a game controller or access Spectator Mode, allowing non-Spectacles users to see the AR view through their smartphones. Additionally, you can mirror your phone’s screen on the glasses, enhancing the interactive experience.
Competing with Meta: A Tense Rivalry in the AR/VR Space
Snap’s latest promo video for the Spectacles 5 seems to take a subtle jab at VR goggles, which many speculate is aimed at Meta. The timing is interesting, as Meta is set to launch new smart glasses and a more affordable Quest 3S VR headset next week. Snap’s stance suggests a confidence in AR as the future of immersive experiences, setting the stage for a competitive battle in the augmented reality market.
Conclusion: Spectacles 5 Show Snap’s AR Ambitions, But Not for Everyone
The Snap Spectacles 5 offer a massive leap in technology compared to the fourth generation, with advanced features, improved battery life, and powerful AR capabilities. However, the fact that these AR glasses are still restricted to developers keeps them out of the hands of everyday consumers.
For now, Snap’s vision for the Spectacles is firmly rooted in the future of AR development, with partnerships and technologies that could revolutionize the way we interact with digital and physical worlds. Only time will tell if Snap’s long-term AR strategy will pay off.
