Snap Launches £2,000 Smart Glasses Specs
Snap has unveiled its Specs smart glasses, a £2,000 wearable that packs a full computer, AR lenses, and a 115‑inch virtual display. The glasses are lighter than competitors, offer intuitive gesture controls, and support a growing library of AR experiences called Lenses. While the price targets earl…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Snap, the parent company of Snapchat, has officially introduced its Specs smart glasses, a premium wearable that costs £2,000. The launch event in Los Angeles showcased a device that combines a full computer, augmented‑reality lenses, and a virtual display that feels like a 115‑inch screen 10 feet away. The glasses are lighter than Apple’s Vision Pro and Samsung’s Galaxy XR, making them more comfortable for extended use.
Design and Build
The Specs come in a single frame style, available in two sizes. The black frames feature thick temples that house the internal battery and computing hardware. Despite their bulk, the glasses weigh only 132 g (136 g for the larger size), which is heavier than regular spectacles but lighter than most AR headsets. Snap’s CEO Evan Spiegel noted that future iterations may offer additional styles, as Meta already offers more than half a dozen options.
Core Features and User Experience
Unlike Meta’s Ray‑Ban‑based glasses, Specs do not require a companion smartphone for core functionality, though a Wi‑Fi connection is needed for streaming services like Netflix. Users can connect their phone to receive notifications and make calls. The glasses calibrate quickly: a simple face‑forward hold triggers a chime and unlocks a circular icon menu on the user’s left hand. Gesture controls—pointing and pinching—allow users to navigate menus, launch a browser, or open AR experiences called Lenses.
The virtual display is described as a 115‑inch screen that can be resized. Users can stream YouTube, watch HBO Max, or browse the internet. The glasses also support Spotify music playback, with speakers positioned in the temples. A built‑in camera lets users capture photos or video, with a flashing light indicating recording.
Augmented Reality Experiences
Snap has already released a range of Lenses, including a Harry Potter‑themed experience where an owl delivers a Hogwarts acceptance letter, and a real‑time translation Lens that renders spoken language in the user’s native tongue. Another Lens, Dominoes, allows two Specs users to play a 3‑D game of dominoes on any flat surface. Partnerships with Tripadvisor enable floating pointers that highlight nearby restaurants and stores.
Market Position and Future Outlook
Specs positions itself between the high‑end Vision Pro and the more affordable Meta glasses. Its lighter weight and intuitive controls could appeal to early adopters willing to pay a premium. Snap’s emphasis on a distinct, recognizable design may help users stand out, a contrast to brands that aim for near‑invisible glasses. As more developers create Lenses, the ecosystem could grow, potentially expanding Specs’ market share beyond the niche of tech enthusiasts.
Pre‑orders are now open, and Snap plans to ship the first units soon. Whether the £2,000 price tag will deter or attract consumers remains to be seen, but the Specs’ robust feature set and developer support suggest a promising future for the brand.
Key facts
- £2,000 price tag with built‑in computer and AR lenses
- 115‑inch virtual display and gesture controls
- Lighter than Vision Pro and Galaxy XR
- Developer ecosystem of Lenses for gaming, translation, travel
- Future frame styles planned
- Requires Wi‑Fi for streaming but works offline for core functions
Why it matters
Specs could democratize AR by offering a high‑performance, wearable experience at a price point lower than current headsets, potentially accelerating mainstream adoption of augmented reality technology.
Frequently asked questions
What is the battery life of Specs?
The internal battery supports several hours of use, but exact duration depends on usage and settings.
Can I use Specs without Wi‑Fi?
Core functions work offline, but streaming services and some Lenses require an internet connection.
Will Specs be compatible with other apps?
Yes, developers can build custom Lenses, and the device supports web browsing and media playback.
How does Specs compare to Apple Vision Pro?
Specs is lighter, less expensive, and uses glasses rather than a headset, but lacks some of Vision Pro’s advanced spatial features.
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Snap unveils Specs, the £2,000 smart glasses – and I got a first look”
