Snap’s latest augmented reality glasses, the fifth-generation Spectacles, feature a new, oversized design, larger field of view, and all-new software with full hand tracking abilities. These advanced glasses are only available to approved developers who commit to a year-long $99/month subscription. Snap believes developers are best positioned to understand the capabilities and limitations of AR hardware and are most willing to invest in the technology. These Spectacles feel more powerful and immersive than previous models, with sharper AR displays and support for over two dozen AR experiences. The glasses, although still quite large, are equipped with necessary technology like cameras, microphones, and Qualcomm Snapdragon processors to enhance the AR capabilities. The new Snap OS software allows for gesture and voice control of the user interface and collaboration on AR content with others wearing the glasses. Snap is paving the way for AR hardware to become more mainstream, but acknowledges the need to address limitations such as size and price in order to appeal to a wider audience.
