Snap releases SPECS: standalone AR glasses with powerful hardware and a focus on privacy
The wearable computer market has gained a significant new player. Snap Inc. has officially announced SPECS — fully standalone augmented reality glasses that do not require a connection to a smartphone or an external computing unit. The device is already available for pre-order at a price of $2,195, with first shipments to the US, UK, and France starting in the fall.
Technical Specifications and Design
SPECS weigh between 132 and 136 grams and are housed in a lightweight TR90 polymer frame, making them among the lightest devices in their class. Inside, two Snapdragon processors power the system, providing a 51-degree field of view and a minimal signal latency of just 7 milliseconds. Battery life reaches up to 4 hours of active use, extending to 20 hours with the charging case.
Particular attention is drawn to the lenses with electrochromic coating. They can automatically adjust the tint level within 10 seconds, adapting to lighting conditions. This is not merely an aesthetic feature — it is critically important for comfortable use of AR interfaces both outdoors and indoors.
Software Ecosystem and AI
The device runs on Snap's proprietary operating system, Snap OS. Control is implemented through gestures and voice commands. Developers have access to the updated Lens Studio toolkit for creating AR effects. AI assistants integrated into the system can analyze the surrounding environment in real time. Users are promised access to navigation, work tools, and educational applications.
Privacy as a Key Argument
Against the backdrop of a recent scandal involving Meta, which was forced to remove the facial recognition feature from its smart glasses following a WIRED investigation, Snap has bet on data protection. The glasses are equipped with an LED indicator that lights up during video recording. Most data is processed locally, without being sent to the cloud. Users can independently manage their sync history and delete recordings.
My analysis: Snap has clearly staked its position: AR glasses should be not only powerful but also secure. The $2,195 price tag places SPECS in the premium segment, but full autonomy and an emphasis on local data processing could be decisive factors for those concerned about privacy. While Meta continues to grapple with reputation issues, Snap has a unique opportunity to win user trust. We'll see how this impacts sales.