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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|image=[[file:snap spectacles1.jpg|350px]]
|image =
|VR/AR=[[Augmented Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]]
|Type=[[AR Glasses]]
|Type = [[AR Glasses]]
|Subtype=[[Phone-Powered AR]]
|Subtype = [[Developer AR]]
|Platform=[[Snapchat]]
|Platform = [[Snap OS]]
|Creator=[[Erick Miller]], [[Vergence Labs]]
|Developer = [[Snap Inc.]]
|Developer=[[Snap Inc.]]
|Manufacturer = [[Snap Inc.]]
|Manufacturer=[[Snap Inc.]]
|Announcement Date = September 17, 2024 (Snap Partner Summit)
|Announcement Date=September 24, 2016
|Release Date = 2024 (Developer program)
|Release Date=November 10, 2016
|Price = $99/month (developer subscription)
|Price=$129.99
|Website = https://www.spectacles.com/
|Website=https://www.spectacles.com/
|Predecessor = [[Snap Spectacles 4]]
|Versions=Coral, Teal, Black
|Chipset = Dual [[Qualcomm Snapdragon]] processors
|Requires=iPhone or Android smartphone with Snapchat app
|Display = LCoS + Optical Waveguide
|Predecessor=
|Resolution = 37 pixels per degree
|Successor=[[Snap Spectacles 2]]
|Field of View = 46° diagonal
|Operating System=
|Equivalent Screen Size = 100" (at 10 feet)
|Chipset=
|Ocularity = Binocular (stereo)
|CPU=
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out)
|GPU=
|Hand Tracking = Yes
|HPU=
|Cameras = 2x RGB (high-resolution), 2x IR (computer vision)
|Storage=
|Audio = Stereo speakers (spatial audio)
|Memory=
|Microphones = 6 microphones
|SD Card Slot=No
|Connectivity = Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
|Display=No display (camera only)
|Auto Tint = Yes
|Subpixel Layout=
|Weight = 226g
|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''' (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>


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>
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.


==Background and Development==
== History 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.<ref name="wikipedia"></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>


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>
== Design and Hardware ==


==Release and Distribution==
=== Display ===


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>
Advanced optical waveguide system:


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>
* '''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


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


==Hardware Specifications==
* Automatic tint adjustment
* Adapts to environment lighting
* Works indoors and outdoors
* '''Direct sunlight compatible'''
* Maintains visual quality


===Design===
=== Processing ===
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."<ref name="techradar"></ref>
Dual-chip architecture:


===Camera and Recording===
* '''Dual Qualcomm Snapdragon''' processors
* '''Camera''': Single HD camera with 115-degree field of view<ref name="techradar"></ref>
* System-on-chip architecture
* '''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>
* Workload split across processors
* '''Recording Duration''': 10-second increments (can record up to 30 seconds total in three 10-second segments)<ref name="techradar"></ref>
* Reduced power consumption
* '''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>
* Titanium vapor chambers
* Enhanced heat dissipation
* Standalone operation


===Indicators and Controls===
=== Cameras and Sensors ===
* '''Recording Indicator''': Bright yellow ring around the camera lens and white LED lights that display while recording<ref name="techradar"></ref>
* '''Controls''': Single button press to start/stop recording


===Connectivity and Syncing===
Comprehensive sensing array:
* '''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>


===Power and Battery===
* '''2x high-resolution RGB cameras'''
* '''Battery''': Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery
* '''2x IR computer vision cameras'''
* '''Battery Life''': Up to 70 videos per full charge<ref name="techradar"></ref>
* 6DoF spatial awareness
* '''Charging''': Via proprietary charging case
* Environment mapping
* Hand tracking support


==Software and App Integration==
=== Hand Tracking ===


Spectacles worked exclusively with the [[Snapchat]] app and required pairing via Bluetooth with users' Snapchat accounts. The syncing process involved:
* Natural hand interaction
1. Recording videos on the glasses
* Gesture recognition
2. Videos stored internally on the device
* Controller-free experience
3. Transfer to smartphone via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi
* "Brings your hands into AR"
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>


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


==Reception and Sales==
* '''Stereo speakers'''
* Spatial audio
* '''6 microphones'''
* Voice recognition
* Hands-free commands


Despite initial buzz and excitement, Spectacles faced challenges:
=== Build ===
* 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>


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>
* '''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


==Legacy==
== Snap OS ==


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>
New operating system for AR:


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


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.
== Technical Specifications ==


==Images==
{| class="wikitable"
<gallery mode="packed">
|-
File:snap spectacles4.jpg
! Specification !! Details
File:snap spectacles3.jpg
|-
File:snap spectacles2.jpg
| Display || LCoS + Waveguide
File:snap spectacles1.jpg
|-
</gallery>
| 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)
|}


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


==References==
* $99/month subscription
<references>
* Developer-focused release
<ref name="wikipedia">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spectacles_(product)</ref>
* Lens Studio tools
<ref name="techradar">https://www.techradar.com/reviews/snap-spectacles</ref>
* AR content creation
<ref name="techradar2">https://www.techradar.com/reviews/snapchat-spectacles-2</ref>
* Consumer version planned
<ref name="wareable">https://www.wareable.com/wearable-tech/snapchat-snap-spectacles-2-release-date-specs-price-2018</ref>
 
<ref name="golden">https://golden.com/wiki/Spectacles_by_Snapchat-8MY884</ref>
== Reception ==
<ref name="techcrunch">https://techcrunch.com/2018/04/26/snapchat-spectacles-2/</ref>
 
<ref name="bolt">https://blog.bolt.io/the-evolution-of-snap-spectacles-pt-i-craft-reveals-conviction/</ref>
'''Praise:'''
</references>
* 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<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:2016 in Technology]]
[[Category:2024 in technology]]

Revision as of 16:21, 7 January 2026

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

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.


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]

[3]

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "Introducing New Spectacles and Snap OS: The Next Frontier of AR Glasses". Snap Inc.. https://newsroom.snap.com/sps-2024-spectacles-snapos.
  2. ↑ "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/.
  3. ↑ "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.
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