Snap is promoting its new augmented reality glasses as a fun way to connect with friends, but some critics are not impressed with the design. The company first released its Snap Spectacles in 2016, which were circular and focused on capturing photos and videos. However, they lacked any augmented reality features and were more similar to early Meta Ray Bans. Despite this, the Spectacles were popular for their trendy and fashionable appearance, unlike other bulky and unattractive smart glasses on the market.
In 2021, Snap shifted its focus to incorporate augmented reality into its Spectacles, resulting in a more sleek and cyberpunk-inspired design. The 2024 edition of the Spectacles continues this trend with a black, sharp-angled rectangular look. However, these glasses are not available for purchase by the general public. To access them, one must join Snap’s developer program, which comes with a hefty price tag and a year-long commitment. This program is aimed at developers, making it unlikely for the average person to wear them on the street.
According to Scott Myers, vice president of hardware engineering at Snap, the company’s goal is to bring the power and joy of augmented reality to everyone. However, the current design and limited availability of the Spectacles suggest that they are not yet intended for the general public. Instead, they are primarily marketed towards developers who share Snap’s vision for overlaying computing onto the real world.
Snap’s announcement of the new Spectacles came just days before Meta (formerly known as Facebook) unveiled its own augmented reality glasses, Orion. Both companies are targeting developers and have limited distribution for their glasses. While the Orion frames are slimmer, both models have a bulky and unappealing appearance that is unlikely to become a popular fashion item.
It is unclear when or if Snap will make its Spectacles available to the general public, but the company is not waiting for an ecosystem to develop before taking action. As of now, the Spectacles seem to be aimed at a niche market of developers and tech enthusiasts, rather than the average consumer.
