Daniel Mercer
Snap has unveiled its highly anticipated Specs AR glasses, first announced in June. While initial previews showcased their design and features, many questions about their capabilities remained. At a recent launch event, Snap clarified what you can expect when investing $2,195 in these innovative glasses.
Newly introduced applications include HBO Max for streaming shows and movies in augmented reality, alongside Spotify for music listening, although the latter will be available only after the Specs launch. Interestingly, Snap has also partnered with Shopify to offer a 3D shopping experience through the glasses—an unexpected feature that raises eyebrows about shopping in augmented reality.
For those seeking interactive experiences, Snap announced a Harry Potter-themed experience linked to HBO’s upcoming series, which looks intriguing. further details are needed to assess its true value and engagement.
In a similar interactive realm, Snap introduced an educational Apollo 11 experience, as well as a partnership with the NBA and WNBA to develop an interactive basketball training app. This app uses “visual guidance” to assist users in drills and practice. I previously tested a comparable soccer app, which provided a fun and engaging experience, so I have high hopes for the basketball application as well.
One surprising omission at the original Specs announcement in June was the absence of a Snapchat app. Snap has rectified this by introducing a dedicated Snapchat app for Specs, enabling users to capture photos and make video calls seamlessly. A clever feature allows users to take pictures simply by snapping their fingers—a fun nod to the Snap brand.
Another feature, dubbed “Specs Intelligence,” is described by Snap as an “anticipatory AI service” that operates across iPhone, Mac, and the Specs AR glasses. This service aims to connect apps and services, allowing the AI in the Specs glasses to predict when assistance is needed and provide relevant information and actions without user prompts. For instance, Snap highlights that it can suggest decisions for meetings or questions to ask. For travel planning, Specs Intelligence aggregates flight and hotel details and reminds you about upcoming work deadlines.
Snap clarified that while Specs Intelligence can function independently of the Specs glasses, it encourages users to buy the glasses for optimal utility. The company assures users that it does not collect personal content from the connected apps and services, though there are inherent risks associated with giving any service broad access to your digital life.
Snap’s announcements also included new hardware developments, notably a charging case with cellular connectivity. This feature allows users to remain connected without relying solely on Wi-Fi. Snap partnered with Verizon to provide this cellular service, which requires an additional data plan. Verizon customers can expect plans starting at $10 per month, while non-Verizon customers will pay $20 per month. The charging case is sold as part of a bundle priced at $2,395, which is $200 above the standard retail price.
Pre-orders for Specs are now open, starting at $2,195 with a $200 refundable deposit available at specs.com. Snap anticipates shipping will commence “later this fall,” initially for customers in the U.S., U.K., and France.
