Snap unveils SPECS: Standalone AR glasses as a full-fledged computer
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 starting this fall.
Technical Specifications and Battery Life
The main feature of SPECS is full autonomy. The 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. Key specifications include a 51-degree field of view, two Snapdragon processors, signal latency of just 7 milliseconds, and up to 4 hours of operation on a single charge (up to 20 hours with the charging case).
Innovations in Design and Control
The lenses of the glasses are equipped with an electrochromic coating that automatically changes the tint level within 10 seconds depending on lighting conditions. The device runs on its own Snap OS, which supports gesture and voice control. Users have access to navigation, work tools, and educational applications.
Developers have received an updated Lens Studio toolkit for creating AR effects. AI assistants capable of analyzing the surrounding environment in real time are integrated into the system.
Focus on Privacy
Snap has paid special attention to data protection. The glasses are equipped with an LED indicator that lights up during video recording. Most data is processed directly on the device without being sent to the cloud, and users can independently manage their sync history and delete recordings.
This step contrasts with the recent scandal surrounding Meta, which was forced to remove facial recognition features from its smart glasses after a WIRED investigation.
Expert Opinion: Snap has made a bold move by offering a fully autonomous device without ties to a smartphone ecosystem. The $2,195 price tag and limited shipping geography indicate that the company is targeting a niche audience of developers and enthusiasts rather than the mass market. However, if SPECS live up to their claimed autonomy and convenience, this could pose a serious challenge to Meta and other players in the wearable AR device segment.