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|Type=[[Head-mounted display]]
|Type=[[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype=[[Standalone AR]]
|Subtype=[[Standalone AR]]
|Platform=
|Platform=[[Snapchat]]
|Developer=[[Snap]]
|Developer=[[Snap Inc.]]
|Operating System=
|Manufacturer=[[Snap Inc.]]
|Operating System=Proprietary
|Predecessor=[[Snap Spectacles 2]]
|Predecessor=[[Snap Spectacles 2]]
|Successor=
|Successor=[[Snap Spectacles 4]]
|Display=
|Display=No display (camera only)
|Resolution=video 1216 x 1216 px, photos 1642 x 1642
|Resolution=video 1216 x 1216 px at 60fps, photos 1642 x 1642
|Refresh Rate=
|Refresh Rate=60fps
|Field of View=105° (2D), 86° (3D)
|Field of View=105° (2D), 86° (3D)
|Optics=
|Optics=Dual HD cameras
|IPD Range=
|IPD Range=Fixed
|Tracking=
|Tracking=GPS and GLONASS
|Rotational Tracking=
|Rotational Tracking=No
|Positional Tracking=No
|Audio=Four-microphone audio array
|Audio=Four-microphone audio array
|Camera=
|Camera=Two HD cameras for 3D capture
|Sensors=
|Sensors=GPS, GLONASS
|Input=
|Input=Two buttons (left and right)
|Connectivity=Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11 ac Wi-Fi, 2.45 / 5 GHz
|Connectivity=Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11 ac Wi-Fi, 2.45 / 5 GHz
|Power=
|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)
|Weight=56.5 g
|Weight=56.5 g
|Size= Frame: 47 - 25 - 153 mm
|Material=Steel frames with polarized lenses
|Cable=
|Color=Mineral, Carbon
|Release Date=Nov 12, 2019
|Size=Frame: 47 - 25 - 153 mm
|Cable=USB-C charging cable
|Announcement Date=September 2019
|Release Date=November 12, 2019
|Price=$380
|Price=$380
|Website=https://www.spectacles.com/
|Website=https://www.spectacles.com/
Line 34: Line 41:
==Introduction==
==Introduction==


The Snap Spectacles 3 are glasses from [[Snap]] (creator of Snapchat) that can capture 3D video + audio and photos of your surroundings. They in and of themselves are not an augmented reality headset, but enable customers to upload their footage to Snapchat to apply AR filters there. There are two, HD cameras that capture 3D photos and videos at 60 fps and four, built-in microphones. The footage can wirelessly sync over BlueTooth and WiFi and also be exported for use outside of Snapchat.<ref name="alpha">https://www.spectacles.com/shop/spectacles-3/</ref>
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>


The glasses come in mineral or carbon colors with the option for prescription lenses.<ref name="alpha"></ref>
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>


Snap intended these glasses to be an iteration on their long-term goal of creating consumer-grade augmented reality headsets. They are using the Spectacles 3 to gather feedback to improve future glasses, rather than trying to market or sell these glasses as a prime example of what augmented reality can do.<ref name="beta">https://techcrunch.com/2019/11/12/snapchat-spectacles-3-review-pretty-pricey/</ref>
==Development Philosophy==


==Release and Pricing==
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>


The Spectacles 3 were released in Nov 12, 2019 at a price of $380, almost double the price of the Spectacles 2.
[[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>


==Hardware==
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>
'''In the Box'''
 
* Spectacles 3
==Hardware Specifications==
* Charging Case - glasses fully recharge in around 75 minutes, built-in rechargeable lithium ion battery, stores up to 4 spectacle charges, 50% quick charge in 15 minutes
 
* Charging Cable
===Design and Build===
* Cleaning cloth
* '''Frame Material''': Lightweight steel construction<ref name="bolt"></ref>
* 3D viewer
* '''Colors''':
<ref name="celery">https://www.spectacles.com/shop/spectacles-3/</ref>
  * Mineral (lighter shade)
  * Carbon (darker shade)<ref name="alpha"></ref>
* '''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>
 
===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<ref name="golden">https://golden.com/wiki/Spectacles_by_Snapchat-8MY884</ref>
 
===Audio===
* '''Microphones''': Four-microphone array for spatial audio capture
* '''Audio Features''': Improved sound quality compared to previous generations<ref name="alpha"></ref>
 
===Storage and Performance===
* '''Internal Storage''': 4GB flash memory
* '''Capacity''':
  * Up to 100 3D videos
  * Up to 1,200 3D photos<ref name="celery"></ref>
* '''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<ref name="celery"></ref>
 
===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<ref name="celery"></ref>
 
==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<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>
 
==Software Integration==
 
===Compatibility===
* '''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===
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<ref name="data">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9oU5hECPi4</ref>
 
==Package Contents==


'''Other'''
'''In the Box:'''
* Storage: 4GB flash, up to 100 3D videos or 1,200 3D photos
* Spectacles 3 glasses
* Sync: up to 70 videos per full charge
* Charging case with built-in battery
* iOS Compatibility: iPhone 7 or above, running iOS 11 or above
* USB-C charging cable
* Android Compatibility: Select Android devices running Android 6 or above
* Microfiber cleaning cloth
* Built-in GPS and GLONASS
* 3D viewer (cardboard-style viewer for smartphone)<ref name="celery"></ref>
* Not water resistant
* ANSI Z80.3 rated lenses
* Tinted for 100% UVA and UVB protection
* Lens Category 3 (high sun glare reduction)
<ref name="celery"></ref>


==Setup Tutorial==
==Setup and Usage==
# Download Snapchat
# Create account or log in
# Go to Settings
# Click Spectacles
# Pair your Spectacles with your iPhone or Android phone
# Press buttons on sides of glasses to record video
# View videos in Memory section of Snapchat (footage takes a moment to sync)
# Press and hold either button to take 3D photos
<ref name="data">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9oU5hECPi4</ref>


==Input Devices==
===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<ref name="data"></ref>


Use Snapchat for filters.
===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<ref name="data"></ref>


==Accessories and Options==


==Accessories==
* '''3D Viewer''': Included cardboard viewer similar to [[Google Cardboard]] for viewing captured 3D content
* '''Prescription Lenses''': Available through partnership with [[Lensabl]]<ref name="alpha"></ref>


3D viewer - place your phone within the viewer (like Google cardboard) to relive your captured photos and footage.
==Market Positioning==


==Apps==
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<ref name="beta"></ref>


Snapchat
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>


===Stores===
==Technical Innovations==


You can purchase through Spectacles' website and prescription lenses through [https://www.lensabl.com/spectacles/|Lensabl Lensabl].
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<ref name="bolt"></ref>


==Developer==
==Legacy and Impact==


Developers can create additional filters for Snapchat.
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>


==Images==
==Images==
[[File:snap spectacles 32.jpeg|400px]]
[[File:snap spectacles 32.jpeg|400px]]


==History==
==See Also==
 
* [[Snap Spectacles 2]]
* [[Snap Spectacles 4]]
* [[Snapchat]]
* [[Lens Studio]]
* [[Augmented Reality]]
* [[3D Photography]]


==References==
==References==
<references />
<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:Augmented Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Augmented Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Smart Glasses]]
[[Category:3D Cameras]]
[[Category:Snap Inc.]]
[[Category:2019 in Technology]]

Revision as of 13:17, 24 May 2025

Snap Spectacles 3
Basic Info
VR/AR Augmented Reality
Type Head-mounted display
Subtype Standalone 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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