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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|name = Snap Spectacles 3
|image=[[File:snap spectacles 31.jpeg|400px]]
|image =
|VR/AR=[[Augmented Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|Type=[[Head-mounted display]]
|Type = [[Smart Glasses]]
|Subtype=[[Phone-Powered AR]]
|Subtype = [[Consumer AR]]
|Platform=[[Snapchat]]
|Platform = [[Snapchat]]
|Developer=[[Snap Inc.]]
|Creator = [[Snap Inc.]]
|Manufacturer=[[Snap Inc.]]
|Developer = [[Snap Inc.]]
|Operating System=Proprietary
|Manufacturer = [[Snap Inc.]]
|Predecessor=[[Snap Spectacles 2]]
|Announcement Date = August 2019
|Successor=[[Snap Spectacles 4]]
|Release Date = November 2019
|Display=No display (camera only)
|Price = $380
|Resolution=video 1216 x 1216 px at 60fps, photos 1642 x 1642
|Website = https://www.spectacles.com/
|Refresh Rate=60fps
|Versions = Spectacles 3
|Field of View=105° (2D), 86° (3D)
|Requires = Smartphone with Snapchat app
|Optics=Dual HD cameras
|Predecessor = [[Snap Spectacles 2]]
|IPD Range=Fixed
|Successor = [[Snap Spectacles 2021]]
|Tracking=GPS and GLONASS
|Operating System = Proprietary (Snapchat app)
|Rotational Tracking=No
|Chipset = Proprietary
|Positional Tracking=No
|CPU = Not specified
|Audio=Four-microphone audio array
|GPU = Not specified
|Camera=Two HD cameras for 3D capture
|HPU =
|Sensors=GPS, GLONASS
|Storage = 4GB
|Input=Two buttons (left and right)
|Memory = N/A
|Connectivity=Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11 ac Wi-Fi, 2.45 / 5 GHz
|SD Card Slot = No
|Power=Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery
|Display = None (camera glasses)
|Battery Life=Up to 70 3D videos or 200+ 3D photos per charge
|Subpixel Layout = N/A
|Charge Time=75 minutes (full charge), 15 minutes (50% quick charge)
|Peak Brightness = N/A
|Weight=56.5 g
|Resolution = N/A (no display)
|Material=Steel frames with polarized lenses
|Pixel Density = N/A
|Color=Mineral, Carbon
|Refresh Rate = N/A
|Size=Frame: 47 - 25 - 153 mm
|Persistence = N/A
|Cable=USB-C charging cable
|Field of View = 105° (2D capture), 86° (3D capture)
|Announcement Date=September 2019
|Horizontal FoV = N/A
|Release Date=November 12, 2019
|Vertical FoV = N/A
|Price=$380
|Average Pixel Density = N/A
|Website=https://www.spectacles.com/
|Peak Pixel Density = N/A
|Foveated Rendering = No
|Optics = N/A (camera glasses)
|Ocularity = N/A
|IPD Range = N/A
|Adjustable Diopter = No (prescription compatible)
|Passthrough = N/A (no display)
|Tracking = No
|Tracking Frequency = N/A
|Base Stations = None
|Eye Tracking = No
|Face Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = No
|Body Tracking = No
|Rotational Tracking = No
|Positional Tracking = No
|Update Rate = N/A
|Tracking Volume = N/A
|Play Space = N/A
|Latency = N/A
|Audio = 4-microphone array
|Microphone = Yes (4 microphones)
|3.5mm Audio Jack = No
|Camera = 2× HD cameras (1216×1216 video, 1728×1728 photo)
|Connectivity = Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz)
|Ports = None (charging case)
|Wired Video = No
|Wireless Video = No (app transfer)
|WiFi = Wi-Fi 5 (dual-band 2.4/5 GHz)
|Bluetooth = Bluetooth 5.0
|Power = Internal battery
|Battery Capacity = Not specified
|Battery Life = Up to 70 videos or ~4 recharges from case
|Charge Time = ~75 minutes (full charge)
|Dimensions = Sunglasses form factor
|Weight = 56.5g
|Material = Stainless steel, acetate, polycarbonate
|Headstrap = None (glasses temples)
|Haptics = No
|Color = Carbon (black), Mineral (gold)
|Sensors = GPS, GLONASS, accelerometer, gyroscope
|Input = Button controls (tap to capture)
|Compliance = FCC, CE
}}
}}


The '''Snap Spectacles 3''' is the third generation of camera-equipped [[smart glasses]] developed by [[Snap Inc.]], announced in August 2019 and released in November 2019 at a price of $380. Representing a significant evolution from previous generations, Spectacles 3 featured dual HD cameras enabling stereoscopic 3D capture for the first time, stainless steel construction with premium acetate frames, and the ability to create immersive "3D Snaps" viewable through an included cardboard 3D viewer. The dual cameras captured 1216 × 1216 video at 60fps and 1728 × 1728 photos with a 105° field of view (2D) or 86° (3D), while a four-microphone array provided high-fidelity spatial audio. Targeting fashion-conscious early adopters and creators, the premium-priced Spectacles 3 positioned Snap's eyewear as both a creative tool and a fashion accessory, bridging the gap between consumer camera glasses and Snap's long-term AR glasses ambitions.
__TOC__
==Introduction==


== History and Development ==
The '''Snap Spectacles 3''' are the third generation of [[smart glasses]] from [[Snap Inc.]] (creator of [[Snapchat]]), released on November 12, 2019. Unlike previous generations that captured standard video and photos, Spectacles 3 introduced dual HD cameras capable of capturing 3D video, audio, and photos. While not true [[augmented reality]] glasses with displays, they enable users to upload 3D footage to [[Snapchat]] to apply AR filters and effects in post-production.<ref name="alpha">https://www.spectacles.com/shop/spectacles-3/</ref>


=== Spectacles Evolution ===
The glasses marked a significant design departure from previous generations, featuring premium steel frames and a more sophisticated aesthetic. At $380, they were priced at more than double the cost of [[Snap Spectacles 2|Spectacles 2]], positioning them as a limited-production device for creative professionals and early adopters rather than mass-market consumers.<ref name="beta">https://techcrunch.com/2019/11/12/snapchat-spectacles-3-review-pretty-pricey/</ref>
Product line history:
* Spectacles 1 (2016) - Initial launch
* Spectacles 2 (2018) - Water resistance
* Spectacles 3 (2019) - Dual cameras, 3D
* Premium positioning shift


=== 3D Capture Innovation ===
==Development Philosophy==
New capability:
* Dual camera system
* Stereoscopic capture
* 3D Snaps creation
* Depth effects


=== August 2019 Announcement ===
CEO [[Evan Spiegel]] described the vision behind Spectacles 3: "What's really exciting about this version is that, because V3 has depth, we're starting to actually understand the world around you. So those augmented reality effects are not just a 2D layer. It actually integrates computing into the world around you. And that is where, to me, the real turning point is."<ref name="bolt">https://blog.bolt.io/the-evolution-of-snap-spectacles-pt-i-craft-reveals-conviction/</ref>
Product reveal:
* Premium design unveiled
* $380 price point
* Stainless steel construction
* November availability


=== Fashion Focus ===
[[Matt Hanover]] of the Snap Lab team stated: "Spectacles 3 is a limited-production run. We're not looking for massive sales here. We're targeting people who are excited about these effects, creative storytellers."<ref name="bolt"></ref>
Design direction:
* Premium materials
* Fashion-forward
* Two color options
* Accessory positioning


== Design Philosophy ==
Snap intended these glasses to be an iteration on their long-term goal of creating consumer-grade augmented reality headsets, using them to gather feedback for future improvements.<ref name="beta"></ref>


=== Premium Materials ===
==Hardware Specifications==
Fashion accessory:
* Stainless steel construction
* Acetate frames
* Premium finish
* Designer aesthetic


=== Dual Camera 3D ===
===Design and Build===
Depth capture:
* '''Frame Material''': Lightweight steel construction<ref name="bolt"></ref>
* Two HD cameras
* '''Colors''':
* Stereoscopic video
**Mineral (lighter shade)
* 3D effects
**Carbon (darker shade)<ref name="alpha"></ref>
* Immersive content
* '''Weight''': 56.5 grams
* '''Dimensions''': Frame 47-25-153mm
* '''Lenses''':
**ANSI Z80.3 rated
**Tinted for 100% UVA and UVB protection
**Lens Category 3 (high sun glare reduction)
**Polarized<ref name="celery">https://www.spectacles.com/shop/spectacles-3/</ref>


=== Fashion-First ===
===Cameras and Capture===
Style priority:
* '''Dual HD Cameras''': Two cameras positioned on either side of the frame
* Designer sunglasses look
* '''3D Capture''': Stereoscopic video and depth mapping capabilities
* Premium positioning
* '''Video Resolution''': 1216 x 1216 pixels at 60fps
* Carbon and Mineral colors
* '''Photo Resolution''': 1642 x 1642 pixels
* Lifestyle accessory
* '''Field of View''':
**2D: 105 degrees
**3D: 86 degrees
* '''Aperture''': F-stop of f/2.2<ref name="golden">https://golden.com/wiki/Spectacles_by_Snapchat-8MY884</ref>


== Camera System ==
===Audio===
* '''Microphones''': Four-microphone array for spatial audio capture
* '''Audio Features''': Improved sound quality compared to previous generations<ref name="alpha"></ref>


=== Dual HD Cameras ===
===Storage and Performance===
Stereoscopic capture:
* '''Internal Storage''': 4GB flash memory
* '''Video''': 1216 × 1216 @ 60fps per camera
* '''Capacity''':  
* '''Photo''': 1728 × 1728 per camera
**Up to 100 3D videos
* '''FOV''': 105° (2D), 86° (3D)
**Up to 1,200 3D photos<ref name="celery"></ref>
* '''Aperture''': f/2.2
* '''Sync Capability''': Up to 70 videos per full charge


=== 3D Capture ===
===Connectivity===
Depth capability:
* '''Bluetooth''': Version 5.0
* Stereoscopic video
* '''Wi-Fi''': 802.11ac, dual-band 2.45/5 GHz
* 3D photo effects
* '''Location Services''': Built-in GPS and GLONASS<ref name="celery"></ref>
* Depth sensing
* Immersive playback


=== Capture Controls ===
===Battery and Charging===
Simple operation:
* '''Battery Type''': Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery
* Tap button for photo
* '''Charging Case''':  
* Hold for video
**Stores up to 4 full Spectacles charges
* Up to 60 seconds continuous
**Built-in rechargeable battery
* LED indicators
**75 minutes for full glasses recharge
**15 minutes for 50% quick charge<ref name="celery"></ref>


=== 3D Viewer ===
==3D Capture Technology==
Playback accessory:
* Included cardboard viewer
* Stereoscopic viewing
* 3D Snaps playback
* Phone-based display


== Audio System ==
The dual-camera system enables several advanced features:
* '''Depth Perception''': Two cameras capture wide field-of-view video from both angles
* '''Stereoscopic Video''': Reconstruct 3D video for immersive playback
* '''Depth Mapping''': Build 3D depth maps of physical objects
* '''3D Effects''': Enable special AR filters that utilize real-world positioning<ref name="bolt"></ref>


=== Four-Microphone Array ===
Users can create "3D selfies" and apply effects that interact with the depth information captured by the cameras. By mid-2020, Snap's [[Lens Studio]] platform had enabled creators to make more than 735,000 Lenses utilizing these 3D capabilities.<ref name="bolt"></ref>
High-fidelity capture:
* Spatial audio recording
* High-quality sound
* Environmental capture
* Communication capable


=== Audio Quality ===
==Software Integration==
Recording capability:
* Multi-microphone capture
* Directional recording
* Noise handling
* Clear audio


== Storage and Transfer ==
===Compatibility===
* '''iOS''': iPhone 7 or above, running iOS 11 or above
* '''Android''': Select Android devices running Android 6 or above<ref name="celery"></ref>


=== 4GB Internal Storage ===
===Snapchat Integration===
Content capacity:
The glasses sync with Snapchat to enable:
* Up to 100 videos
* Transfer of 3D photos and videos to Snapchat Memories
* Up to 1,200 photos
* Application of 3D Lenses and effects
* Transfer via app
* Export capabilities for use outside Snapchat
* Limited local storage
* Viewing content through included 3D viewer accessory<ref name="data">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9oU5hECPi4</ref>


=== Wireless Transfer ===
==Package Contents==
Snapchat integration:
* Bluetooth transfer
* Wi-Fi for faster speeds
* Snapchat app sync
* Cloud backup


== Connectivity ==
===In the Box===
* Spectacles 3 glasses
* Charging case with built-in battery
* USB-C charging cable
* Microfiber cleaning cloth
* 3D viewer (cardboard-style viewer for smartphone)<ref name="celery"></ref>


=== Bluetooth 5.0 ===
==Setup and Usage==
Device pairing:
* Smartphone connection
* Content transfer
* Settings control
* Stable connection


=== Dual-Band Wi-Fi ===
===Initial Setup:===
Fast transfer:
1. Download [[Snapchat]] app
* 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
2. Create account or log in
* Faster video transfer
3. Navigate to Settings
* Large file handling
4. Select Spectacles option
* Quick sync
5. Pair Spectacles with iPhone or Android device<ref name="data"></ref>


=== GPS and GLONASS ===
===Recording:===
Location services:
* '''Video''': Press either button to record 10-second clips
* Geotagging
* '''Photos''': Press and hold either button to capture 3D photos
* Location memories
* '''Syncing''': Footage transfers to Snapchat Memories after recording<ref name="data"></ref>
* Maps integration
* Travel documentation


== Physical Design ==
==Accessories and Options==


=== Premium Construction ===
* '''3D Viewer''': Included cardboard viewer similar to [[Google Cardboard]] for viewing captured 3D content
Material quality:
* '''Prescription Lenses''': Available through partnership with [[Lensabl]]<ref name="alpha"></ref>
* Stainless steel frame
* Acetate components
* Polycarbonate lenses
* Premium finish


=== Weight ===
==Market Positioning==
Comfortable wear:
* 56.5g
* Heavier than Spectacles 2 (45.4g)
* All-day wearable
* Balanced design


=== Color Options ===
Unlike previous generations aimed at mainstream consumers, Spectacles 3 were positioned as a premium product for:
Fashion choices:
* Creative professionals
* Carbon (black)
* Content creators
* Mineral (gold tones)
* Early adopters
* Premium aesthetics
* AR developers and enthusiasts<ref name="beta"></ref>
* Fashion-forward


=== Prescription Compatibility ===
The $380 price point and limited production run reflected Snap's strategy of using this generation as a development platform and stepping stone toward full AR glasses rather than a mass-market product.<ref name="bolt"></ref>
Vision options:
* Compatible with prescription lenses
* Third-party lens services
* Custom fitting
* Accessibility


== Battery ==
==Technical Innovations==


=== Glasses Battery ===
According to hardware analysis, Spectacles 3 featured significant engineering improvements:
Internal power:
* Complex rigid-flex PCB with surface mount components on both sides
* Up to 70 videos per charge
* 24 LEDs for recording indication
* Daily use capable
* Sophisticated antenna architecture
* Moderate capacity
* Premium materials and construction<ref name="bolt"></ref>
* ~75 minutes full charge


=== Charging Case ===
==Legacy and Impact==
Extended power:
* ~4 additional charges
* Protective storage
* USB-C charging
* Portable power


== Software ==
Spectacles 3 represented a crucial transition in Snap's hardware journey, bridging the gap between simple camera glasses and true AR displays. The 3D capture capabilities and depth sensing technology laid important groundwork for the AR display glasses that would follow with [[Snap Spectacles 4|Spectacles 4]] in 2021.<ref name="wikipedia">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spectacles_(product)</ref>


=== Snapchat Integration ===
==Images==
Platform core:
[[File:snap spectacles 32.jpeg|400px]]
* Snapchat app required
* Memories storage
* Story creation
* Social sharing


=== 3D Effects ===
==See Also==
AR filters:
* Depth-aware effects
* 3D AR lenses
* Special filters
* Creative tools
 
=== Editing Tools ===
Content creation:
* In-app editing
* Filter application
* 3D effect creation
* Story tools
 
== Use Cases ==
 
=== Content Creation ===
Primary use:
* POV capture
* Travel documentation
* Event recording
* Social sharing
 
=== 3D Memories ===
Immersive capture:
* Stereoscopic memories
* 3D photo viewing
* Depth experiences
* Future VR viewing
 
=== Fashion Accessory ===
Lifestyle integration:
* Daily wear sunglasses
* Premium accessory
* Style statement
* Occasional capture
 
== Comparison with Spectacles 2 ==
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Feature !! Spectacles 3 !! Spectacles 2
|-
| Price || $380 || $199
|-
| Cameras || 2× HD (stereo) || 1× HD
|-
| 3D Capture || Yes || No
|-
| Material || Stainless steel || Plastic
|-
| Weight || 56.5g || 45.4g
|-
| Video || 1216×1216 || 1216×1216
|-
| Photo || 1728×1728 || 1642×1642
|-
| Microphones || 4 || 2
|}
 
== Strengths and Limitations ==
 
=== Strengths ===
* Dual camera 3D capture (first in consumer glasses)
* Premium stainless steel construction
* High-quality four-microphone array
* 60fps video recording
* 3D Snaps creation
* Fashion-forward design
* Snapchat AR effects
 
=== Limitations ===
* Expensive ($380)
* No display (capture-only)
* Requires Snapchat for functionality
* Limited 4GB storage
* Heavier than previous gen
* Niche appeal
* 3D viewing requires separate viewer
 
== Technical Specifications Summary ==
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Specification !! Details
|-
| Cameras || 2× HD (1216×1216 video, 1728×1728 photo)
|-
| FOV || 105° (2D), 86° (3D)
|-
| Video || 60fps per camera
|-
| Audio || 4-microphone array
|-
| Storage || 4GB
|-
| Connectivity || Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 5
|-
| GPS || GPS + GLONASS
|-
| Weight || 56.5g
|-
| Price || $380
|}
 
== See Also ==
* [[Snap Inc.]]
* [[Snap Spectacles 2]]
* [[Snap Spectacles 2]]
* [[Snap Spectacles 2021]]
* [[Snap Spectacles 4]]
* [[Snap Spectacles 2024]]
* [[Snapchat]]
* [[Smart Glasses]]
* [[Lens Studio]]
* [[Camera Glasses]]
* [[Augmented Reality]]
* [[3D Photography]]


== References ==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
<references>
<ref name="alpha">https://www.spectacles.com/shop/spectacles-3/</ref>
<ref name="beta">https://techcrunch.com/2019/11/12/snapchat-spectacles-3-review-pretty-pricey/</ref>
<ref name="celery">https://www.spectacles.com/shop/spectacles-3/</ref>
<ref name="data">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9oU5hECPi4</ref>
<ref name="bolt">https://blog.bolt.io/the-evolution-of-snap-spectacles-pt-i-craft-reveals-conviction/</ref>
<ref name="golden">https://golden.com/wiki/Spectacles_by_Snapchat-8MY884</ref>
<ref name="wikipedia">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spectacles_(product)</ref>
</references>


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Augmented Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Smart Glasses]]
[[Category:Smart Glasses]]
[[Category:Camera Glasses]]
[[Category:3D Cameras]]
[[Category:Consumer AR]]
[[Category:Snap Inc.]]
[[Category:Snap]]
[[Category:2019 in Technology]]
[[Category:2010s AR]]

Latest revision as of 10:33, 8 January 2026

Snap Spectacles 3
Basic Info
VR/AR Augmented Reality
Type Head-mounted display
Subtype Phone-Powered AR
Platform Snapchat
Developer Snap Inc.
Manufacturer Snap Inc.
Announcement Date September 2019
Release Date November 12, 2019
Price $380
Website https://www.spectacles.com/
Predecessor Snap Spectacles 2
Successor Snap Spectacles 4
System
Operating System Proprietary
Storage
Display
Display No display (camera only)
Resolution video 1216 x 1216 px at 60fps, photos 1642 x 1642
Refresh Rate 60fps
Image
Field of View 105° (2D), 86° (3D)
Optics
Optics Dual HD cameras
IPD Range Fixed
Tracking
Tracking GPS and GLONASS
Rotational Tracking No
Positional Tracking No
Audio
Audio Four-microphone audio array
Camera Two HD cameras for 3D capture
Connectivity
Connectivity Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11 ac Wi-Fi, 2.45 / 5 GHz
Power Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Battery Life Up to 70 3D videos or 200+ 3D photos per charge
Charge Time 75 minutes (full charge), 15 minutes (50% quick charge)
Device
Weight 56.5 g
Material Steel frames with polarized lenses
Color Mineral, Carbon
Sensors GPS, GLONASS
Input Two buttons (left and right)
Size Frame: 47 - 25 - 153 mm


Introduction

The Snap Spectacles 3 are the third generation of smart glasses from Snap Inc. (creator of Snapchat), released on November 12, 2019. Unlike previous generations that captured standard video and photos, Spectacles 3 introduced dual HD cameras capable of capturing 3D video, audio, and photos. While not true augmented reality glasses with displays, they enable users to upload 3D footage to Snapchat to apply AR filters and effects in post-production.[1]

The glasses marked a significant design departure from previous generations, featuring premium steel frames and a more sophisticated aesthetic. At $380, they were priced at more than double the cost of Spectacles 2, positioning them as a limited-production device for creative professionals and early adopters rather than mass-market consumers.[2]

Development Philosophy

CEO Evan Spiegel described the vision behind Spectacles 3: "What's really exciting about this version is that, because V3 has depth, we're starting to actually understand the world around you. So those augmented reality effects are not just a 2D layer. It actually integrates computing into the world around you. And that is where, to me, the real turning point is."[3]

Matt Hanover of the Snap Lab team stated: "Spectacles 3 is a limited-production run. We're not looking for massive sales here. We're targeting people who are excited about these effects, creative storytellers."[3]

Snap intended these glasses to be an iteration on their long-term goal of creating consumer-grade augmented reality headsets, using them to gather feedback for future improvements.[2]

Hardware Specifications

Design and Build

  • Frame Material: Lightweight steel construction[3]
  • Colors:
    • Mineral (lighter shade)
    • Carbon (darker shade)[1]
  • Weight: 56.5 grams
  • Dimensions: Frame 47-25-153mm
  • Lenses:
    • ANSI Z80.3 rated
    • Tinted for 100% UVA and UVB protection
    • Lens Category 3 (high sun glare reduction)
    • Polarized[4]

Cameras and Capture

  • Dual HD Cameras: Two cameras positioned on either side of the frame
  • 3D Capture: Stereoscopic video and depth mapping capabilities
  • Video Resolution: 1216 x 1216 pixels at 60fps
  • Photo Resolution: 1642 x 1642 pixels
  • Field of View:
    • 2D: 105 degrees
    • 3D: 86 degrees
  • Aperture: F-stop of f/2.2[5]

Audio

  • Microphones: Four-microphone array for spatial audio capture
  • Audio Features: Improved sound quality compared to previous generations[1]

Storage and Performance

  • Internal Storage: 4GB flash memory
  • Capacity:
    • Up to 100 3D videos
    • Up to 1,200 3D photos[4]
  • Sync Capability: Up to 70 videos per full charge

Connectivity

  • Bluetooth: Version 5.0
  • Wi-Fi: 802.11ac, dual-band 2.45/5 GHz
  • Location Services: Built-in GPS and GLONASS[4]

Battery and Charging

  • Battery Type: Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery
  • Charging Case:
    • Stores up to 4 full Spectacles charges
    • Built-in rechargeable battery
    • 75 minutes for full glasses recharge
    • 15 minutes for 50% quick charge[4]

3D Capture Technology

The dual-camera system enables several advanced features:

  • Depth Perception: Two cameras capture wide field-of-view video from both angles
  • Stereoscopic Video: Reconstruct 3D video for immersive playback
  • Depth Mapping: Build 3D depth maps of physical objects
  • 3D Effects: Enable special AR filters that utilize real-world positioning[3]

Users can create "3D selfies" and apply effects that interact with the depth information captured by the cameras. By mid-2020, Snap's Lens Studio platform had enabled creators to make more than 735,000 Lenses utilizing these 3D capabilities.[3]

Software Integration

Compatibility

  • iOS: iPhone 7 or above, running iOS 11 or above
  • Android: Select Android devices running Android 6 or above[4]

Snapchat Integration

The glasses sync with Snapchat to enable:

  • Transfer of 3D photos and videos to Snapchat Memories
  • Application of 3D Lenses and effects
  • Export capabilities for use outside Snapchat
  • Viewing content through included 3D viewer accessory[6]

Package Contents

In the Box

  • Spectacles 3 glasses
  • Charging case with built-in battery
  • USB-C charging cable
  • Microfiber cleaning cloth
  • 3D viewer (cardboard-style viewer for smartphone)[4]

Setup and Usage

Initial Setup:

1. Download Snapchat app 2. Create account or log in 3. Navigate to Settings 4. Select Spectacles option 5. Pair Spectacles with iPhone or Android device[6]

Recording:

  • Video: Press either button to record 10-second clips
  • Photos: Press and hold either button to capture 3D photos
  • Syncing: Footage transfers to Snapchat Memories after recording[6]

Accessories and Options

  • 3D Viewer: Included cardboard viewer similar to Google Cardboard for viewing captured 3D content
  • Prescription Lenses: Available through partnership with Lensabl[1]

Market Positioning

Unlike previous generations aimed at mainstream consumers, Spectacles 3 were positioned as a premium product for:

  • Creative professionals
  • Content creators
  • Early adopters
  • AR developers and enthusiasts[2]

The $380 price point and limited production run reflected Snap's strategy of using this generation as a development platform and stepping stone toward full AR glasses rather than a mass-market product.[3]

Technical Innovations

According to hardware analysis, Spectacles 3 featured significant engineering improvements:

  • Complex rigid-flex PCB with surface mount components on both sides
  • 24 LEDs for recording indication
  • Sophisticated antenna architecture
  • Premium materials and construction[3]

Legacy and Impact

Spectacles 3 represented a crucial transition in Snap's hardware journey, bridging the gap between simple camera glasses and true AR displays. The 3D capture capabilities and depth sensing technology laid important groundwork for the AR display glasses that would follow with Spectacles 4 in 2021.[7]

Images

See Also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 https://www.spectacles.com/shop/spectacles-3/
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 https://techcrunch.com/2019/11/12/snapchat-spectacles-3-review-pretty-pricey/
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 https://blog.bolt.io/the-evolution-of-snap-spectacles-pt-i-craft-reveals-conviction/
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 https://www.spectacles.com/shop/spectacles-3/
  5. ↑ https://golden.com/wiki/Spectacles_by_Snapchat-8MY884
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9oU5hECPi4
  7. ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spectacles_(product)
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