Snap Spectacles 3
| 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
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 https://www.spectacles.com/shop/spectacles-3/
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 https://techcrunch.com/2019/11/12/snapchat-spectacles-3-review-pretty-pricey/
- ↑ 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/
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 https://www.spectacles.com/shop/spectacles-3/
- ↑ https://golden.com/wiki/Spectacles_by_Snapchat-8MY884
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9oU5hECPi4
- ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spectacles_(product)