Snap recently released its fourth-generation spectacle glasses. The release marks the latest upgrade in Snap's line of Spectacles, following its previous version, Spectacles 3, launched in 2020.
Imagine you are sitting on your couch on a rainy day, you snap on your augmented reality (AR) glasses, and suddenly you are transported to a sunny green hillside with a purple butterfly landing in the palm of your outstretched hand.
Seem crazy? Well, Snap recently released its fourth-generation spectacle glasses that make (virtual) transportations like this happen. This release marks the latest upgrade in Snap's line of Spectacles, following its previous version, Spectacles 3, which launched in 2020. The new frames feature two front-facing cameras, four built-in microphones, two stereo speakers and a voice-controlled, built-in touchpad.
"So how realistic can these AR experiences really be?" you may ask. The two front-facing cameras help the glasses detect the objects and surfaces that you're looking at, so the graphics interact more naturally with the world around you.
The catch?
Unlike past models, Snap's fourth generation of spectacles aren't available for consumers just yet. At its virtual Partner Summit for developers in May, Snap announced it will give them directly to AR effects creators through an online application program. Why? Both the product and the consumer aren't ready for AR glasses because:
What other steps is Snap taking to make AR a reality?
Snap is:
What Is Waveguide technology, and why is it such a big deal?
Waveguide technology is essential for AR glasses because it shrinks the hardware and delivers visual experiences that will wow consumers.
This post was written by Vice President and Principal Analyst Julie Ask, and it originally appeared here.