Snap has challenged Meta: the standalone AR glasses SPECS are presented for $2195
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, placing it alongside premium gadgets for developers and enthusiasts. Shipments to the US, UK, and France will begin this fall.
The key advantage of SPECS is full autonomy. Unlike many competitors, these glasses do not require a connection to a smartphone or external computing modules. The device weighs between 132 and 136 grams, and the body is made of durable TR90 polymer, ensuring comfort during prolonged wear.
Technical Specifications and Performance
From an engineering standpoint, SPECS is impressive: the field of view is 51 degrees, significantly exceeding the metrics of many first-generation AR headsets. Two Snapdragon processors handle data processing, and signal latency is just 7 milliseconds—a critical parameter for immersion without motion sickness effects. Battery life is claimed to be up to 4 hours of continuous operation, and with the charging case, up to 20 hours.
The lenses feature an electrochromic coating that automatically adjusts the tint level based on lighting conditions within 10 seconds. This is an elegant solution for transitioning from indoors to outdoors.
Software Ecosystem and Privacy
The device runs on its own operating system, Snap OS. The interface supports gesture and voice control, and users have access to navigation apps, productivity tools, and educational content. Developers have received an updated Lens Studio toolkit for creating AR effects, and AI assistants capable of analyzing the surrounding environment in real time are integrated into the system.
Snap has emphasized data protection—a key concern for wearable devices with cameras. The glasses are equipped with an LED indicator that activates during video recording. Most computations occur directly on the device without sending data to the cloud. Users can independently manage sync history and delete recordings.
Analyst's Perspective
Against the backdrop of the recent scandal with Meta, which was forced to remove the facial recognition feature from its smart glasses after a WIRED investigation, Snap demonstrates a more mature approach to privacy. However, the $2,195 price tag and launch in only three countries indicate that SPECS is still a niche product for developers and early adopters, not a mass-market device. The real battle for AR glasses will begin when the price drops below $1,000 and the functionality becomes truly indispensable for everyday use.