At AWE Europe, I had the chance to check out the latest version of Snap’s Spectacles, the fifth edition in their lineup. My experience with these smart glasses was a mixed bag, with both positive and negative observations. Allow me to break it down for you in my typical, detailed hands-on style—complete with a few laughs.
(Note: This piece is based on initial impressions since I had only about 15 minutes to test the device. As such, it’s not as comprehensive as the review I did on the Quest 3S. Please take my comments with a pinch of salt, as initial impressions can sometimes be misleading.)
Snap Spectacles 5
There’s quite a buzz around augmented reality these days, sparked by new announcements from both Snap and Meta in quick succession. While Meta showcased their Orion prototype, Snap unveiled their fifth edition of Spectacles. Unlike before, these glasses have evolved from devices that merely took photos and videos to full-fledged AR spectacles that allow creators to design Snapchat lenses.
The Spectacles are currently available as developer kits, which creatives can rent for $99 a month (or €110 if you’re in the EU), with a commitment of at least 12 months. Once you’re done, you return the glasses to Snap. Recently, Snap announced at AWE EU that these will also become available in several European countries, including Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Austria, and the Netherlands.
According to a report by The Verge, producing these glasses is both costly and complex, so Snap plans on making only about 10,000 units. They’re essentially development kits focused on pushing the boundaries of augmented reality, but aren’t ready for consumer markets just yet.
Specifications
Here are some key specs straight from the Snap Spectacles website:
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Display: See-through display using waveguides and Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) miniature projectors. It has a 46° diagonal Field of View (FOV) and 37 pixels per degree (PPD).
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Audio: Integrated stereo speakers and a 6-microphone array.
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Input: Voice, hand, and a mobile companion app.
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Chipset: Dual Snapdragon processors with distributed computing.
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Battery: Lasts about 45 minutes.
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Sensors: Comes with two full-color, high-resolution cameras, two infrared computer vision cameras, and 6-axis IMUs.
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Connectivity: WiFi 6, Bluetooth, GPS/GNSS.
- Weight: 226 grams.
For more detailed information on the specs, check their official page.
The Purchase Dilemma
While waiting for my turn to try the glasses, I got to chat with some friendly folks from Snap. They gave me the lowdown on the glasses, explaining their potential for creative expression.
The tone shifted slightly when I asked, "If I create amazing lenses with Snap Studio, can I sell them?" The answer was a resounding "No, not currently possible." So, naturally, I followed up with, "Why should I pay over $1,200 for something I can’t monetize?" That inquiry led to a bit of silence.
One of them eventually suggested that creators might find indirect ways to earn money. Sounded cryptic at first, but then he explained there’s a creators’ fund at Snap. If you come up with a stellar lens idea, you might snag some funding. Plus, using the Spectacles can boost your social media visibility, potentially attracting brands to pay you for more lenses. Finally, investing in the devkit could give creators a head start for when a commercial version finally hits the market.
Curious, I asked when the commercial edition might be available, but nobody had a definitive answer. Snap is apparently taking its time to ensure they deliver glasses that are both practical and affordable.
So, was I convinced by their business rationale for owning the Spectacles? Not quite. Unless you have a budget for pure R&D, a special connection with Snap, or you’re a social media influencer already active on their platform, these glasses may not be the best financial fit.
With those thoughts in mind, the demo began, and I was ready to share my initial impressions of these futuristic glasses!
Hands-on Snap Spectacles 5
Comfort & Design
I’ve always appreciated the aesthetics of Snap Spectacles. They tend to be quite stylish, and this fifth edition is no exception. Despite their bulkiness, they look quite fashionable. Here’s a quick look from various angles:
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The catch, however, is their size. At 226 grams, they felt much heavier than your average 30-40g sunglasses. The bulk added discomfort after about 10 minutes of use, but given current technology limits, Snap’s done admirably to pack in all that tech.
Visuals
The visuals reminded me a lot of other AR devices like XREAL Air 2 Ultra, HoloLens 2, and Magic Leap 2. Much like those, the AR elements appear somewhat transparent. The Field of View (FOV), at 46°, feels quite restricted, making certain interactions a little awkward, like drawing in front of you.
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Then there were the "rainbows"—chromatic aberrations that appeared in certain parts of my view. Additionally, rapid head movement caused some blurring, likely a reprojection issue.
That said, there’s a neat feature allowing you to adjust the lens dimming, making them suitable for outdoor use too.
Audio
I’m no sound engineer, but I can say the integrated speakers performed decently throughout my usage.
Tracking & Input
Though it’s hard to gauge the precise tracking quality from my short session, the orientation seemed stable. The glasses use hand tracking, which, while functional, isn’t the fastest or most accurate I’ve tried. You can also use your smartphone as a controller for some games, which is a pretty nifty feature.
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Computational Power
The glasses run on a Qualcomm chipset, possibly the Snapdragon AR2 or something similar. While sufficient for many tasks, it has its limitations, especially under load. The experiences weren’t always smooth, showing the need for optimized simplicity in app development.
Battery
I only had brief hands-on time with a demo model, but they did warn me when battery levels were depleting rapidly. It underscores the limited battery life snapped at around 45 minutes.
User Experience
Snap has crafted an OS specifically for the Spectacles, dubbed SnapOS. Lens Studio powers the "lenses" or apps that run on it. While the initial tutorial and setup were intuitive, navigating with hand gestures didn’t always feel as responsive due to tracking limitations.
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Content
While not vast, there’s a variety of lenses to explore. From playing with a Peridot pet to boxing games, the content, albeit limited, offers a glimpse of the gadget’s potential. The AI-powered "Imagine Together" feature lets users create objects using voice commands, adding another layer of creativity.
The Content Dilemma
Snaps’ reliance on Lens Studio for app development may limit the Spectacles’ broader appeal. It may discourage those accustomed to using platforms like Unity for creating more complex experiences. Expanding support to more versatile development tools could be key in transforming Spectacles from a mere Snapchat accessory to a more general AR platform.
Final Considerations
Experiencing Snap Spectacles first-hand was a highlight of AWE EU. Snap has crafted an intriguing gadget that stands as a stepping stone toward a future consumer edition. Its current form, while promising, remains limited by the technological constraints faced by all AR eyewear today.
Snap has choices to make: refine Spectacles as a Snapchat add-on or venture into the wider AR market by addressing developer and user considerations. As a developer, I’m eager to see which direction they take. Stay tuned for more updates!
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In conclusion, while Snap Spectacles 5 has some room for growth, it offers fascinating features and potential for creativity, making it worth keeping an eye on as AR technology continues to evolve.
