Snap has officially unveiled SPECS, its new augmented reality glasses designed to bring computing, AI and digital information directly into the user’s field of view. Unlike some AR glasses that depend on a separate computing device, SPECS packs its computing hardware directly into the glasses.
Snap is positioning SPECS as a complete computing platform rather than simply another pair of smart glasses. The glasses can handle navigation, translation, entertainment, fitness, education, shopping and productivity.
SPECS can display navigation directions over the real world, which allows users to follow directions without constantly checking their phones. The glasses also support real-time translation, with subtitles available across 60 languages.
For entertainment, SPECS can create a virtual 115-inch display for watching content. The glasses can also connect wirelessly to a computer and provide a larger virtual workspace.
Snap is opening the platform to developers through Lens Studio, allowing them to create AR experiences specifically for SPECS.
The more interesting part of the announcement is SPECS Intelligence, Snap’s new AI system designed to provide more proactive assistance. Instead of simply waiting for a user to ask a question, SPECS Intelligence is designed to understand a user’s goals, priorities, relationships and routines through the apps they choose to connect.
For example, it could help prepare someone for an upcoming meeting or bring together flight, hotel and dinner information when someone is preparing for a trip.
The AI works across iPhone, Mac and SPECS. This means the glasses can act as another way to access the same personal context and information. Snap has already started an iOS preview in the US for users aged 18 and above. The Mac experience will initially be available through an invitation-only early access program.
Privacy is another major part of Snap’s pitch. The company says SPECS does not use facial recognition and does not continuously record the world around the wearer. There is an external LED that indicates when the glasses are capturing photos, video or audio.
Snap also says personal content connected to SPECS Intelligence will not be used to train its AI models or serve personalized ads.
Price
SPECS is also far from cheap. Snap is taking preorders for the glasses at $2,195, with a $200 refundable deposit. The company expects to start shipping them later this fall in the US, UK and France.
Snap is also offering a Connected Case with cellular connectivity and enough power for four additional charges. The Connected Case bundle costs $2,395 in the US.
The company is also working with enterprise partners including NVIDIA, AWS and Salesforce to explore hands-free AR applications in areas such as factories, retail and field operations.
