Here’s What Snap’s Expensive Specs Can Actually Do
Snap thinks its chunky, pricey smart glasses are the future of human computing, powered by a new AI app and features that do everything from translating languages to improving your golf swing.
Snap introduced its newest Specs glasses in June at an augmented reality conference. These glasses are costly and appear bulky and heavy, as CEO Evan Spiegel experienced discomfort wearing them at a recent presentation, leading to widespread ridicule. Despite this, both Spiegel and the company emphasize that the aim of the glasses is to make "computing more human."
The Specs can handle various tasks - from making calls and listening to music, to capturing photos and videos, and streaming content from services like YouTube and HBO Max. They can also facilitate purchases on Shopify, allowing users to view and buy 3D product models.
One of the standout features is real-time language translation, enabling users to understand and converse in different languages. The glasses are also designed for interactive sports experiences, such as basketball, soccer, and golf, by overlaying visual cues and drills onto the actual equipment.
Additionally, the specs can conjure virtual Harry Potter elements within your surroundings, thanks to an HBO Max partnership. Users can engage in digital games with another Specs wearer and even use them to enhance their reading experience by highlighting and bookmarking passages.
Specs is also positioned as an enterprise product, with collaborations with Salesforce, Amazon, and Nvidia to provide features like real-time codes, specs, and inventory management.
The glasses do not record the world to understand it, the company insists, and have no facial recognition capabilities, differentiating them from other camera-equipped smart glasses often criticized for privacy concerns.
Snap has launched an AI service called Specs Intelligence, which anticipates and organizes information based on your daily life, goals, and routines. Users can access this AI on their iPhones, Macs, and the Specs glasses. The AI is designed to assist with tasks like booking travel or answering questions, creating a holistic picture of your preferences.
The Specs First Look demo will be available starting October 1 at the Westfield Century City shopping center in Los Angeles. However, given the glasses' high cost and bulkiness, it remains to be seen if they can truly offer a comfortable and intuitive computing experience.
Written by urgent.news from Wired's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
