Snap Spectacles
Property "Chipset" (as page type) with input value "Dual Qualcomm Snapdragon processors" contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process.
| Snap Spectacles | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Augmented Reality |
| Type | AR Glasses |
| Subtype | Developer AR |
| Platform | Snap OS |
| Developer | Snap Inc. |
| Manufacturer | Snap Inc. |
| Announcement Date | September 17, 2024 (Snap Partner Summit) |
| Release Date | 2024 (Developer program) |
| Price | $99/month (developer subscription) |
| Website | https://www.spectacles.com/ |
| Predecessor | Snap Spectacles 4 |
| System | |
| Chipset | Dual Qualcomm Snapdragon processors |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | LCoS + Optical Waveguide |
| Resolution | 37 pixels per degree |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 46° diagonal |
| Optics | |
| Ocularity | Binocular (stereo) |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF (inside-out) |
| Hand Tracking | Yes |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Stereo speakers (spatial audio) |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Device | |
| Weight | 226g |
The Snap Spectacles (5th generation) is a standalone augmented reality smart glasses developed by Snap Inc., unveiled on September 17, 2024 at the Snap Partner Summit. Representing a decade of R&D, the 5th generation Spectacles are Snap's most advanced AR glasses, featuring optical waveguides with billions of nanostructures, LCoS display technology delivering 46° FOV at 37 pixels per degree, dual Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, 6DoF tracking, and hand tracking capabilities. Available through a $99/month developer subscription program, the Spectacles run Snap OS and are designed to merge digital content with the real world in a standalone, glasses-style form factor weighing less than half of typical VR headsets.
History and Development
Snap CEO Evan Spiegel unveiled the 5th generation Spectacles on September 17, 2024, marking the most significant advancement in the Spectacles line since the original 2016 camera sunglasses. The new Spectacles represent years of R&D investment, including Snap's acquisitions of WaveOptics (waveguide technology) and Compound Photonics (LCoS display technology). Unlike previous consumer-focused generations, the 5th gen is initially available only to developers through a $99/month subscription program, with consumer availability planned for later.[1]
Design and Hardware
Display
Advanced optical waveguide system:
- LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) projectors
- Optical waveguides with billions of nanostructures
- 46° diagonal FOV
- 37 PPD (pixels per degree)
- Stereo display (binocular)
- 100-inch equivalent at 10 feet
- See-through optics
- Vibrant AR visuals
Auto-Tint
- Automatic tint adjustment
- Adapts to environment lighting
- Works indoors and outdoors
- Direct sunlight compatible
- Maintains visual quality
Processing
Dual-chip architecture:
- Dual Qualcomm Snapdragon processors
- System-on-chip architecture
- Workload split across processors
- Reduced power consumption
- Titanium vapor chambers
- Enhanced heat dissipation
- Standalone operation
Cameras and Sensors
Comprehensive sensing array:
- 2x high-resolution RGB cameras
- 2x IR computer vision cameras
- 6DoF spatial awareness
- Environment mapping
- Hand tracking support
Hand Tracking
- Natural hand interaction
- Gesture recognition
- Controller-free experience
- "Brings your hands into AR"
Audio
- Stereo speakers
- Spatial audio
- 6 microphones
- Voice recognition
- Hands-free commands
Build
- 226g weight (nearly 3x larger than Spectacles 4)
- Less than half weight of typical VR headsets
- Glasses-style form factor
- Standalone design
- No external compute
Snap OS
New operating system for AR:
- Purpose-built for Spectacles
- Lens Studio integration
- Developer tools
- AR content creation
- Social features
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | LCoS + Waveguide |
| PPD | 37 pixels per degree |
| Field of View | 46° diagonal |
| Equivalent Screen | 100" at 10 feet |
| Processors | Dual Snapdragon |
| Tracking | 6DoF |
| Hand Tracking | Yes |
| Cameras | 2 RGB + 2 IR |
| Microphones | 6 |
| Weight | 226g |
| Price | $99/month (developer) |
Developer Program
- $99/month subscription
- Developer-focused release
- Lens Studio tools
- AR content creation
- Consumer version planned
Reception
Praise:
- True standalone AR glasses
- 46° FOV impressive for form factor
- Hand tracking innovative
- Dual Snapdragon powerful
- Auto-tint works in sunlight
- 6DoF tracking enables spatial AR
- Snap OS purpose-built
- Lighter than VR headsets
- Decade of R&D refinement
- Waveguide technology advanced
Criticism:
- 226g heavier than consumer glasses
- $99/month developer-only access
- Not consumer-ready
- 46° FOV still limited vs VR
- Limited battery life reported
- Wide frame design
- Niche developer audience
- Consumer pricing unknown[2]
See Also
References
- ↑ "Introducing New Spectacles and Snap OS: The Next Frontier of AR Glasses". Snap Inc.. https://newsroom.snap.com/sps-2024-spectacles-snapos.
- ↑ "Snap Spectacles 5 Review: The Latest Snap AR Glasses". XR Today. https://www.xrtoday.com/augmented-reality/snap-spectacles-5-review-the-latest-snap-ar-glasses/.
- ↑ "Snap's fifth-generation Spectacles bring your hands into into augmented reality". Engadget. https://www.engadget.com/social-media/snaps-fifth-generation-spectacles-bring-your-hands-into-into-augmented-reality-180026541.html.