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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|image =
|image=[[file:snap spectacles1.jpg|350px]]
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|VR/AR=[[Augmented Reality]]
|Type = [[AR Glasses]]
|Type=[[AR Glasses]]
|Subtype = [[Developer AR]]
|Subtype=[[Phone-Powered AR]]
|Platform = [[Snap OS]]
|Platform=[[Snapchat]]
|Developer = [[Snap Inc.]]
|Creator=[[Erick Miller]], [[Vergence Labs]]
|Manufacturer = [[Snap Inc.]]
|Developer=[[Snap Inc.]]
|Announcement Date = September 17, 2024 (Snap Partner Summit)
|Manufacturer=[[Snap Inc.]]
|Release Date = 2024 (Developer program)
|Announcement Date=September 24, 2016
|Price = $99/month (developer subscription)
|Release Date=November 10, 2016
|Website = https://www.spectacles.com/
|Price=$129.99
|Predecessor = [[Snap Spectacles 4]]
|Website=https://www.spectacles.com/
|Chipset = Dual [[Qualcomm Snapdragon]] processors
|Versions=Coral, Teal, Black
|Display = LCoS + Optical Waveguide
|Requires=iPhone or Android smartphone with Snapchat app
|Resolution = 37 pixels per degree
|Predecessor=
|Field of View = 46° diagonal
|Successor=[[Snap Spectacles 2]]
|Equivalent Screen Size = 100" (at 10 feet)
|Operating System=
|Ocularity = Binocular (stereo)
|Chipset=
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out)
|CPU=
|Hand Tracking = Yes
|GPU=
|Cameras = 2x RGB (high-resolution), 2x IR (computer vision)
|HPU=
|Audio = Stereo speakers (spatial audio)
|Storage=
|Microphones = 6 microphones
|Memory=
|Connectivity = Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
|SD Card Slot=No
|Auto Tint = Yes
|Display=No display (camera only)
|Weight = 226g
|Subpixel Layout=
|Peak Brightness=
|Resolution=1088 x 1088 (video)
|Refresh Rate=
|Pixel Density=
|Persistence=
|Precision=
|Field of View=115° (camera)
|Horizontal FoV=
|Vertical FoV=
|Visible FoV=
|Rendered FoV=
|Binocular Overlap=
|Average Pixel Density=
|Peak Pixel Density=
|Foveated Rendering=
|Optics=
|Ocularity=
|IPD Range=
|Adjustable Diopter=
|Passthrough=
|Tracking=
|Tracking Frequency=
|Base Stations=
|Eye Tracking=No
|Face Tracking=No
|Hand Tracking=No
|Body Tracking=No
|Rotational Tracking=
|Positional Tracking=
|Update Rate=
|Tracking Volume=
|Play Space=
|Latency=
|Audio=Built-in microphone
|Microphone=Yes
|3.5mm Audio Jack=No
|Camera=Single HD camera
|Connectivity=Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
|Ports=Proprietary charging pins
|Wired Video=No
|Wireless Video=Yes (via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi to smartphone)
|WiFi=Yes
|Bluetooth=Yes
|Power=Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
|Battery Capacity=
|Battery Life=Up to 70 videos per charge
|Charge Time=
|Dimensions=
|Weight=
|Material=Plastic frame
|Headstrap=N/A
|Haptics=No
|Color=Coral, Teal, Black
|Sensors=
|Input=Single button for recording
|Compliance=
|Size=
|Cable Length=
}}
}}


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.
__TOC__
==Introduction==


== History and Development ==
The '''Snap Spectacles''' (also known as '''Spectacles''' or '''Spectacles V1''') are [[smart glasses]] developed and released by [[Snap Inc.]] on November 10, 2016. These were the company's first hardware product and represented Snap's initial foray into wearable technology. The glasses feature a built-in camera that allows users to capture 10-second video clips from a first-person perspective, which can then be transferred to the [[Snapchat]] app for sharing.<ref name="wikipedia">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spectacles_(product)</ref>


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.<ref name="snap">{{cite web |url=https://newsroom.snap.com/sps-2024-spectacles-snapos |title=Introducing New Spectacles and Snap OS: The Next Frontier of AR Glasses |publisher=Snap Inc. |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
Unlike previous attempts at smart glasses such as [[Google Glass]], Spectacles were designed to look like regular sunglasses, prioritizing fashion and social acceptability over technical capabilities. The glasses were initially distributed through proprietary vending machines called [[Snapbot]]s, creating artificial scarcity and generating significant media attention.<ref name="techradar">https://www.techradar.com/reviews/snap-spectacles</ref>


== Design and Hardware ==
==Background and Development==


=== Display ===
In December 2014, Snap Inc. (then Snapchat Inc.) acquired [[Vergence Labs]], the developers of [[Epiphany Eyewear]] smartglasses. Vergence Labs was founded by entrepreneur [[Erick Miller]] in 2011, before Google Glass was even announced. The company's small engineering team consisted of founder CEO Erick Miller, co-founder Jon Rodriguez, software engineer Peter Brook, and designer/mechanical engineer David Meisenholder.<ref name="wikipedia"></ref>


Advanced optical waveguide system:
The acquisition brought Vergence's expertise in-house to develop a more refined eyewear product for Snapchat. In October 2015, a leaked online video showed an early version of the new glasses, dubbed "Spectacles." By mid-2016, news outlets reported that Snapchat was hiring engineers from [[Microsoft]], [[Nokia]], and [[Qualcomm]], with reporters speculating that the hires were to build the new glasses.<ref name="wikipedia"></ref>


* '''LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon)''' projectors
==Release and Distribution==
* '''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 ===
The product was officially unveiled on September 24, 2016, and released on November 10, 2016. The glasses were initially sold exclusively through [[Snapbot]], a proprietary vending machine that first appeared near Snap's headquarters in Venice, Los Angeles. The Snapbot was then relocated to different locations across the United States for several months, including Big Sur, California.<ref name="wikipedia"></ref>


* Automatic tint adjustment
This unique distribution strategy created significant buzz and demand, with people queuing for over an hour to purchase a pair. The limited availability was intended to make the device more sought after, and initially, this strategy succeeded in generating excitement.<ref name="techradar2">https://www.techradar.com/reviews/snapchat-spectacles-2</ref>
* Adapts to environment lighting
* Works indoors and outdoors
* '''Direct sunlight compatible'''
* Maintains visual quality


=== Processing ===
Eventually, Spectacles became available for purchase online through Snap's website and later on Amazon for $129.99.<ref name="techradar"></ref>


Dual-chip architecture:
==Hardware Specifications==


* '''Dual Qualcomm Snapdragon''' processors
===Design===
* System-on-chip architecture
The Spectacles were designed to resemble trendy sunglasses with round lenses inside a plastic frame. They were available in three colors:
* Workload split across processors
* Coral
* Reduced power consumption
* Teal 
* Titanium vapor chambers
* Black
* Enhanced heat dissipation
* Standalone operation


=== Cameras and Sensors ===
The design philosophy prioritized fashion over technology, making them look like "fairly fashionable sunglasses with a camera, not a camera first that tries to be sunglasses second."<ref name="techradar"></ref>


Comprehensive sensing array:
===Camera and Recording===
* '''Camera''': Single HD camera with 115-degree field of view<ref name="techradar"></ref>
* '''Video Resolution''': 1088 x 1088 pixels (circular format)<ref name="wareable">https://www.wareable.com/wearable-tech/snapchat-snap-spectacles-2-release-date-specs-price-2018</ref>
* '''Recording Duration''': 10-second increments (can record up to 30 seconds total in three 10-second segments)<ref name="techradar"></ref>
* '''Format''': Circular video format designed to resemble human eye's field of view<ref name="golden">https://golden.com/wiki/Spectacles_by_Snapchat-8MY884</ref>


* '''2x high-resolution RGB cameras'''
===Indicators and Controls===
* '''2x IR computer vision cameras'''
* '''Recording Indicator''': Bright yellow ring around the camera lens and white LED lights that display while recording<ref name="techradar"></ref>
* 6DoF spatial awareness
* '''Controls''': Single button press to start/stop recording
* Environment mapping
* Hand tracking support


=== Hand Tracking ===
===Connectivity and Syncing===
* '''Bluetooth''': For pairing with smartphones
* '''Wi-Fi''': For HD video transfer
* '''Syncing Process''': Videos stored internally on glasses and individually uploaded to Snapchat's 'Memories' section<ref name="golden"></ref>


* Natural hand interaction
===Power and Battery===
* Gesture recognition
* '''Battery''': Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery
* Controller-free experience
* '''Battery Life''': Up to 70 videos per full charge<ref name="techradar"></ref>
* "Brings your hands into AR"
* '''Charging''': Via proprietary charging case


=== Audio ===
==Software and App Integration==


* '''Stereo speakers'''
Spectacles worked exclusively with the [[Snapchat]] app and required pairing via Bluetooth with users' Snapchat accounts. The syncing process involved:
* Spatial audio
1. Recording videos on the glasses
* '''6 microphones'''
2. Videos stored internally on the device
* Voice recognition
3. Transfer to smartphone via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi
* Hands-free commands
4. Videos appear in Snapchat Memories
5. Users can add text, stickers, geofilters, and other Snapchat editing tools
6. Share to Snapchat Story or export outside the app<ref name="techradar"></ref>


=== Build ===
The glasses introduced a Snapchat-level learning curve for initiating Wi-Fi transfers and managing content.<ref name="techradar"></ref>


* '''226g weight''' (nearly 3x larger than Spectacles 4)
==Reception and Sales==
* Less than half weight of typical VR headsets
* Glasses-style form factor
* Standalone design
* No external compute


== Snap OS ==
Despite initial buzz and excitement, Spectacles faced challenges:
* Less than half of owners used them after the first month<ref name="techcrunch">https://techcrunch.com/2018/04/26/snapchat-spectacles-2/</ref>
* Total sales reached approximately 220,000 pairs<ref name="wikipedia"></ref>
* In late 2017, Snapchat wrote off $40 million worth of unsold Spectacles inventory and unused parts<ref name="wikipedia"></ref>


New operating system for AR:
The glasses were considered more successful than Google Glass in addressing privacy concerns, as they looked like normal sunglasses and the recording indicator was clearly visible.<ref name="techradar"></ref>


* Purpose-built for Spectacles
==Legacy==
* Lens Studio integration
* Developer tools
* AR content creation
* Social features


== Technical Specifications ==
The original Spectacles served as an important learning experience for Snap Inc. According to VP of hardware Mark Randall, "the true purpose of V1 was to get people comfortable wearing and being recorded by a face computer."<ref name="techcrunch"></ref>


{| class="wikitable"
CEO [[Evan Spiegel]] described his experience with an early prototype: "It was our first vacation, and we went to Big Sur for a day or two. We were walking through the woods, stepping over logs, looking up at the beautiful trees. And when I got the footage back and watched it, I could see my own memory, through my own eyes, it was unbelievable."<ref name="bolt">https://blog.bolt.io/the-evolution-of-snap-spectacles-pt-i-craft-reveals-conviction/</ref>
|-
! 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 ==
This first generation laid the groundwork for Snap's continued investment in AR glasses, leading to subsequent generations with improved features and eventually full AR capabilities.


* $99/month subscription
==Images==
* Developer-focused release
<gallery mode="packed">
* Lens Studio tools
File:snap spectacles4.jpg
* AR content creation
File:snap spectacles3.jpg
* Consumer version planned
File:snap spectacles2.jpg
File:snap spectacles1.jpg
</gallery>


== Reception ==
==See Also==
* [[Snap Spectacles 2]]
* [[Snap Spectacles 3]]
* [[Snapchat]]
* [[Augmented Reality]]
* [[Smart Glasses]]


'''Praise:'''
==References==
* True standalone AR glasses
<references>
* 46° FOV impressive for form factor
<ref name="wikipedia">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spectacles_(product)</ref>
* Hand tracking innovative
<ref name="techradar">https://www.techradar.com/reviews/snap-spectacles</ref>
* Dual Snapdragon powerful
<ref name="techradar2">https://www.techradar.com/reviews/snapchat-spectacles-2</ref>
* Auto-tint works in sunlight
<ref name="wareable">https://www.wareable.com/wearable-tech/snapchat-snap-spectacles-2-release-date-specs-price-2018</ref>
* 6DoF tracking enables spatial AR
<ref name="golden">https://golden.com/wiki/Spectacles_by_Snapchat-8MY884</ref>
* Snap OS purpose-built
<ref name="techcrunch">https://techcrunch.com/2018/04/26/snapchat-spectacles-2/</ref>
* Lighter than VR headsets
<ref name="bolt">https://blog.bolt.io/the-evolution-of-snap-spectacles-pt-i-craft-reveals-conviction/</ref>
* Decade of R&D refinement
</references>
* 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<ref name="xrtoday">{{cite web |url=https://www.xrtoday.com/augmented-reality/snap-spectacles-5-review-the-latest-snap-ar-glasses/ |title=Snap Spectacles 5 Review: The Latest Snap AR Glasses |publisher=XR Today |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
 
<ref name="engadget">{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/social-media/snaps-fifth-generation-spectacles-bring-your-hands-into-into-augmented-reality-180026541.html |title=Snap's fifth-generation Spectacles bring your hands into into augmented reality |publisher=Engadget |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
 
== See Also ==
* [[Snap Spectacles 4]]
* [[Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses]]
* [[Xreal Air 2]]
* [[Magic Leap 2]]
 
== References ==
{{reflist}}


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Augmented Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Augmented Reality Devices]]
[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:Smart Glasses]]
[[Category:Smart Glasses]]
[[Category:Snap Inc.]]
[[Category:Snap Inc.]]
[[Category:2024 in technology]]
[[Category:2016 in Technology]]

Latest revision as of 18:17, 7 January 2026

Snap Spectacles
Basic Info
VR/AR Augmented Reality
Type AR Glasses
Subtype Phone-Powered AR
Platform Snapchat
Creator Erick Miller, Vergence Labs
Developer Snap Inc.
Manufacturer Snap Inc.
Announcement Date September 24, 2016
Release Date November 10, 2016
Price $129.99
Website https://www.spectacles.com/
Versions Coral, Teal, Black
Requires iPhone or Android smartphone with Snapchat app
Successor Snap Spectacles 2
System
Storage
SD Card Slot No
Display
Display No display (camera only)
Resolution 1088 x 1088 (video)
Image
Field of View 115° (camera)
Optics
Tracking
Eye Tracking No
Face Tracking No
Hand Tracking No
Body Tracking No
Audio
Audio Built-in microphone
Microphone Yes
3.5mm Audio Jack No
Camera Single HD camera
Connectivity
Connectivity Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Ports Proprietary charging pins
Wired Video No
Wireless Video Yes (via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi to smartphone)
WiFi Yes
Bluetooth Yes
Power Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Battery Life Up to 70 videos per charge
Device
Material Plastic frame
Headstrap N/A
Haptics No
Color Coral, Teal, Black
Input Single button for recording


Introduction

The Snap Spectacles (also known as Spectacles or Spectacles V1) are smart glasses developed and released by Snap Inc. on November 10, 2016. These were the company's first hardware product and represented Snap's initial foray into wearable technology. The glasses feature a built-in camera that allows users to capture 10-second video clips from a first-person perspective, which can then be transferred to the Snapchat app for sharing.[1]

Unlike previous attempts at smart glasses such as Google Glass, Spectacles were designed to look like regular sunglasses, prioritizing fashion and social acceptability over technical capabilities. The glasses were initially distributed through proprietary vending machines called Snapbots, creating artificial scarcity and generating significant media attention.[2]

Background and Development

In December 2014, Snap Inc. (then Snapchat Inc.) acquired Vergence Labs, the developers of Epiphany Eyewear smartglasses. Vergence Labs was founded by entrepreneur Erick Miller in 2011, before Google Glass was even announced. The company's small engineering team consisted of founder CEO Erick Miller, co-founder Jon Rodriguez, software engineer Peter Brook, and designer/mechanical engineer David Meisenholder.[1]

The acquisition brought Vergence's expertise in-house to develop a more refined eyewear product for Snapchat. In October 2015, a leaked online video showed an early version of the new glasses, dubbed "Spectacles." By mid-2016, news outlets reported that Snapchat was hiring engineers from Microsoft, Nokia, and Qualcomm, with reporters speculating that the hires were to build the new glasses.[1]

Release and Distribution

The product was officially unveiled on September 24, 2016, and released on November 10, 2016. The glasses were initially sold exclusively through Snapbot, a proprietary vending machine that first appeared near Snap's headquarters in Venice, Los Angeles. The Snapbot was then relocated to different locations across the United States for several months, including Big Sur, California.[1]

This unique distribution strategy created significant buzz and demand, with people queuing for over an hour to purchase a pair. The limited availability was intended to make the device more sought after, and initially, this strategy succeeded in generating excitement.[3]

Eventually, Spectacles became available for purchase online through Snap's website and later on Amazon for $129.99.[2]

Hardware Specifications

Design

The Spectacles were designed to resemble trendy sunglasses with round lenses inside a plastic frame. They were available in three colors:

  • Coral
  • Teal
  • Black

The design philosophy prioritized fashion over technology, making them look like "fairly fashionable sunglasses with a camera, not a camera first that tries to be sunglasses second."[2]

Camera and Recording

  • Camera: Single HD camera with 115-degree field of view[2]
  • Video Resolution: 1088 x 1088 pixels (circular format)[4]
  • Recording Duration: 10-second increments (can record up to 30 seconds total in three 10-second segments)[2]
  • Format: Circular video format designed to resemble human eye's field of view[5]

Indicators and Controls

  • Recording Indicator: Bright yellow ring around the camera lens and white LED lights that display while recording[2]
  • Controls: Single button press to start/stop recording

Connectivity and Syncing

  • Bluetooth: For pairing with smartphones
  • Wi-Fi: For HD video transfer
  • Syncing Process: Videos stored internally on glasses and individually uploaded to Snapchat's 'Memories' section[5]

Power and Battery

  • Battery: Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery
  • Battery Life: Up to 70 videos per full charge[2]
  • Charging: Via proprietary charging case

Software and App Integration

Spectacles worked exclusively with the Snapchat app and required pairing via Bluetooth with users' Snapchat accounts. The syncing process involved: 1. Recording videos on the glasses 2. Videos stored internally on the device 3. Transfer to smartphone via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi 4. Videos appear in Snapchat Memories 5. Users can add text, stickers, geofilters, and other Snapchat editing tools 6. Share to Snapchat Story or export outside the app[2]

The glasses introduced a Snapchat-level learning curve for initiating Wi-Fi transfers and managing content.[2]

Reception and Sales

Despite initial buzz and excitement, Spectacles faced challenges:

  • Less than half of owners used them after the first month[6]
  • Total sales reached approximately 220,000 pairs[1]
  • In late 2017, Snapchat wrote off $40 million worth of unsold Spectacles inventory and unused parts[1]

The glasses were considered more successful than Google Glass in addressing privacy concerns, as they looked like normal sunglasses and the recording indicator was clearly visible.[2]

Legacy

The original Spectacles served as an important learning experience for Snap Inc. According to VP of hardware Mark Randall, "the true purpose of V1 was to get people comfortable wearing and being recorded by a face computer."[6]

CEO Evan Spiegel described his experience with an early prototype: "It was our first vacation, and we went to Big Sur for a day or two. We were walking through the woods, stepping over logs, looking up at the beautiful trees. And when I got the footage back and watched it, I could see my own memory, through my own eyes, it was unbelievable."[7]

This first generation laid the groundwork for Snap's continued investment in AR glasses, leading to subsequent generations with improved features and eventually full AR capabilities.

Images

See Also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spectacles_(product)
  2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 https://www.techradar.com/reviews/snap-spectacles
  3. ↑ https://www.techradar.com/reviews/snapchat-spectacles-2
  4. ↑ https://www.wareable.com/wearable-tech/snapchat-snap-spectacles-2-release-date-specs-price-2018
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 https://golden.com/wiki/Spectacles_by_Snapchat-8MY884
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 https://techcrunch.com/2018/04/26/snapchat-spectacles-2/
  7. ↑ https://blog.bolt.io/the-evolution-of-snap-spectacles-pt-i-craft-reveals-conviction/
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