Snap launches augmented reality glasses SPECS: a standalone computer in the form factor of glasses
Snap Inc. has officially unveiled 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 starting this fall.
The key feature of SPECS is its full autonomy. The glasses operate without connecting to a smartphone or external modules, which fundamentally sets them apart from many competitors that require pairing with mobile devices. The device weighs between 132 and 136 grams, and the body is made of lightweight, durable TR90 polymer.
Technical Specifications and Functionality
The technical specs of SPECS 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 on a single charge, and with the charging case, this figure increases to 20 hours.
The glasses lenses feature an electrochromic coating that allows the glass to change tint levels within 10 seconds depending on lighting conditions. The device runs on its own operating system, Snap OS, whose interface supports gesture and voice control. Users have access to navigation features, work tools, and educational applications.
For developers, Snap has updated the Lens Studio toolkit, designed for creating AR effects. AI assistants capable of analyzing the surrounding environment in real time have been integrated into the system.
Focus on Privacy
Snap has paid special attention to data protection. The glasses are equipped with an LED indicator that activates during video recording. 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 step is particularly significant in light of recent events, when Meta was forced to remove facial recognition system components from the latest version of the Meta AI app for smart glasses after an investigation was published. Snap, unlike its competitors, demonstrates a more balanced approach to privacy, which could become a serious competitive advantage.
My analysis: SPECS is not just another pair of AR glasses, but a bold attempt by Snap to redefine the wearable device market. The $2,195 price tag positions the product as a premium gadget for developers and early adopters, rather than a mass consumer item. However, full autonomy and a focus on privacy could be the factors that secure Snap a loyal audience tired of ecosystem restrictions and data scandals. The success of SPECS will depend on how quickly developers create truly useful AR applications capable of justifying the device's high cost.