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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|image=[[File:snap spectacles 31.jpeg|400px]]
|name = Snap Spectacles 3
|VR/AR=[[Augmented Reality]]
|image =
|Type=[[Head-mounted display]]
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|Subtype=[[Phone-Powered AR]]
|Type = [[Smart Glasses]]
|Platform=[[Snapchat]]
|Subtype = [[Consumer AR]]
|Developer=[[Snap Inc.]]
|Platform = [[Snapchat]]
|Manufacturer=[[Snap Inc.]]
|Creator = [[Snap Inc.]]
|Operating System=Proprietary
|Developer = [[Snap Inc.]]
|Predecessor=[[Snap Spectacles 2]]
|Manufacturer = [[Snap Inc.]]
|Successor=[[Snap Spectacles 4]]
|Announcement Date = August 2019
|Display=No display (camera only)
|Release Date = November 2019
|Resolution=video 1216 x 1216 px at 60fps, photos 1642 x 1642
|Price = $380
|Refresh Rate=60fps
|Website = https://www.spectacles.com/
|Field of View=105° (2D), 86° (3D)
|Versions = Spectacles 3
|Optics=Dual HD cameras
|Requires = Smartphone with Snapchat app
|IPD Range=Fixed
|Predecessor = [[Snap Spectacles 2]]
|Tracking=GPS and GLONASS
|Successor = [[Snap Spectacles 2021]]
|Rotational Tracking=No
|Operating System = Proprietary (Snapchat app)
|Positional Tracking=No
|Chipset = Proprietary
|Audio=Four-microphone audio array
|CPU = Not specified
|Camera=Two HD cameras for 3D capture
|GPU = Not specified
|Sensors=GPS, GLONASS
|HPU =
|Input=Two buttons (left and right)
|Storage = 4GB
|Connectivity=Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11 ac Wi-Fi, 2.45 / 5 GHz
|Memory = N/A
|Power=Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery
|SD Card Slot = No
|Battery Life=Up to 70 3D videos or 200+ 3D photos per charge
|Display = None (camera glasses)
|Charge Time=75 minutes (full charge), 15 minutes (50% quick charge)
|Subpixel Layout = N/A
|Weight=56.5 g
|Peak Brightness = N/A
|Material=Steel frames with polarized lenses
|Resolution = N/A (no display)
|Color=Mineral, Carbon
|Pixel Density = N/A
|Size=Frame: 47 - 25 - 153 mm
|Refresh Rate = N/A
|Cable=USB-C charging cable
|Persistence = N/A
|Announcement Date=September 2019
|Field of View = 105° (2D capture), 86° (3D capture)
|Release Date=November 12, 2019
|Horizontal FoV = N/A
|Price=$380
|Vertical FoV = N/A
|Website=https://www.spectacles.com/
|Average Pixel Density = N/A
|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
}}
}}


__TOC__
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.
==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.<ref name="alpha">https://www.spectacles.com/shop/spectacles-3/</ref>
== History and Development ==


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>
=== Spectacles Evolution ===
Product line history:
* Spectacles 1 (2016) - Initial launch
* Spectacles 2 (2018) - Water resistance
* Spectacles 3 (2019) - Dual cameras, 3D
* Premium positioning shift


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


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>
=== August 2019 Announcement ===
Product reveal:
* Premium design unveiled
* $380 price point
* Stainless steel construction
* November availability


[[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>
=== Fashion Focus ===
Design direction:
* Premium materials
* Fashion-forward
* Two color options
* Accessory positioning


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>
== Design Philosophy ==


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


===Design and Build===
=== Dual Camera 3D ===
* '''Frame Material''': Lightweight steel construction<ref name="bolt"></ref>
Depth capture:
* '''Colors''':
* Two HD cameras
**Mineral (lighter shade)
* Stereoscopic video
**Carbon (darker shade)<ref name="alpha"></ref>
* 3D effects
* '''Weight''': 56.5 grams
* Immersive content
* '''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>


===Cameras and Capture===
=== Fashion-First ===
* '''Dual HD Cameras''': Two cameras positioned on either side of the frame
Style priority:
* '''3D Capture''': Stereoscopic video and depth mapping capabilities
* Designer sunglasses look
* '''Video Resolution''': 1216 x 1216 pixels at 60fps
* Premium positioning
* '''Photo Resolution''': 1642 x 1642 pixels
* Carbon and Mineral colors
* '''Field of View''':
* Lifestyle accessory
**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>


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


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


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


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


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


The dual-camera system enables several advanced features:
== Audio System ==
* '''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>


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>
=== Four-Microphone Array ===
High-fidelity capture:
* Spatial audio recording
* High-quality sound
* Environmental capture
* Communication capable


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


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


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


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


===In the Box===
== Connectivity ==
* 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>


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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>
=== Prescription Compatibility ===
Vision options:
* Compatible with prescription lenses
* Third-party lens services
* Custom fitting
* Accessibility


==Technical Innovations==
== Battery ==


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


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


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>
== Software ==


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


==See Also==
=== 3D Effects ===
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 4]]
* [[Snap Spectacles 2021]]
* [[Snapchat]]
* [[Snap Spectacles 2024]]
* [[Lens Studio]]
* [[Smart Glasses]]
* [[Augmented Reality]]
* [[Camera Glasses]]
* [[3D Photography]]


==References==
== References ==
<references>
{{Reflist}}
<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:3D Cameras]]
[[Category:Camera Glasses]]
[[Category:Snap Inc.]]
[[Category:Consumer AR]]
[[Category:2019 in Technology]]
[[Category:Snap]]
[[Category:2010s AR]]
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