Snap launches AR glasses SPECS: a standalone computer for augmented reality at $2195
Snap Inc. has officially announced SPECS — a portable computer in the form factor of augmented reality glasses. The device is already available for pre-order at a price of $2,195, with shipments to the US, UK, and France set to begin this fall.
The key feature of SPECS is full autonomy. Unlike many competitors, these glasses do not require connection to a smartphone or external modules. The device weighs between 132 and 136 grams, and the body is made of durable TR90 polymer. The technical specifications are impressive: a 51-degree field of view, two Snapdragon processors, and a signal latency of just 7 milliseconds. Battery life reaches up to 4 hours of continuous use on a single charge and up to 20 hours with the charging case.
Innovations in Optics and Control
The SPECS lenses are equipped with an electrochromic coating that allows the glasses to adjust tint levels within 10 seconds depending on lighting conditions. This makes the glasses comfortable to use both indoors and outdoors. The device runs on its own operating system, Snap OS, which supports gesture and voice control. Users have access to navigation features, work tools, and educational applications.
For developers, Snap has introduced an updated Lens Studio platform designed for creating AR effects. The system integrates AI assistants capable of analyzing the surrounding environment in real time, opening up broad possibilities for interactive applications.
Privacy Priority
Special attention in SPECS is given to data protection. The glasses are equipped with an LED indicator that lights up during video recording, so those around know that recording is taking place. Most data is processed directly on the device without being sent to the cloud. Users can independently manage their sync history and delete recordings. This is an important step in light of recent scandals surrounding Meta's smart glasses, where facial recognition issues were identified.
My analysis: Snap is rightly emphasizing autonomy and privacy, which could become a key competitive advantage. However, the $2,195 price tag places SPECS in the premium niche for developers and enthusiasts. Such a product is unlikely to be accessible to the mass consumer yet, but it is a serious statement for the AR market.