Snap challenges Meta: autonomous AR glasses SPECS with AI assistants unveiled
The market for wearable AR devices is gaining a strong new player. Snap Inc. has officially unveiled SPECS—a full-fledged portable computer housed in the form factor of augmented reality glasses. The device is already available for pre-order at a price of $2,195, positioning it in direct competition with similar developments from Meta and Apple.
Technical Specifications and Battery Life
The key advantage of SPECS is its complete autonomy. Unlike many predecessors, these glasses do not require a connection to a smartphone or an external computing module. The device weighs between 132 and 136 grams, and the body is made of durable TR90 polymer.
The technical specs are impressive: a 51-degree field of view, two Snapdragon processors, a minimum signal latency of 7 milliseconds, and up to 4 hours of active use on a single charge. With the included case, battery life extends to 20 hours.
Innovative Lenses and Interface
Special attention is given to the lenses with electrochromic coating. They can change their tint level within 10 seconds, adapting to lighting conditions—this solves one of the main issues with AR glasses when used outdoors.
The device runs on its own operating system, Snap OS, with support for gesture and voice control. Users have access to navigation, productivity tools, and educational applications. For developers, Snap has updated the Lens Studio toolkit, and the system integrates AI assistants capable of analyzing the surrounding environment in real time.
Data Security as a Priority
Snap has placed a strong emphasis on privacy. The glasses are equipped with an LED recording indicator, and most data is processed locally on the device without being sent to the cloud. Users can independently manage their sync history and delete recordings. This is particularly relevant in light of the recent scandal with Meta, which was forced to remove the facial recognition feature from its smart glasses.
Shipments to the US, UK, and France will begin this fall.
Expert Opinion: Snap is clearly aiming to carve out a niche for "ethical" AR devices, positioning itself against Meta amid regulatory risks. However, the price of $2,195 is a significant barrier to mass adoption. The market will show whether consumers are willing to pay for privacy and autonomy, or if the glasses form factor remains a niche product for enthusiasts and developers.