Hands-On with Snap’s New Augmented-Reality Spectacles ’24 at Snapdragon Summit
Title: Snap Unveils Developer-Only Augmented Reality Spectacles ’24 at Snapdragon Summit
At the recent Snapdragon Summit in Wailea, Hawaii, Snap introduced its latest innovation in augmented reality technology – the Spectacles ’24. These AR glasses, designed for developers, offer a unique experience that sets them apart from other smart glasses on the market.
Unlike traditional smart glasses that focus on capturing images and playing audio, Spectacles ’24 features see-through Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) micro-projectors, along with cameras, microphones, and Qualcomm Snapdragon processors. The resolution of the micro-projectors is described as “37 pixels per degree,” providing users with a high-quality AR experience.
To access the Spectacles ’24, developers must sign up for Snap’s $99-per-month Spectacles Developer Program. The glasses are calibrated using Snap’s Spectacles app, allowing users to navigate through a menu of apps and games with simple gestures like poke-and-pinch.
During a hands-on demo, the writer experienced the weight and functionality of the Spectacles ’24. Despite weighing just under half a pound, the glasses felt comfortable to wear, with most of the weight concentrated in the chunky bridges of the eyewear. The AR system’s latency was noted at 13ms, which may affect fine motor control in certain applications.
The writer tested various apps on the Spectacles ’24, including a Lego-themed app, Finger Paint, and My AI. While some apps provided an immersive experience, the glasses ran out of battery after a short period, with Snap estimating a battery life of “up to 45 minutes.”
Overall, the Spectacles ’24 offer a glimpse into the future of AR technology, with Snap leading the way in developer-focused AR hardware. Despite challenges like battery life, the competition in the AR glasses market is heating up, promising exciting advancements in the near future.
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