Snapchat’s New AR Glasses Don’t Need a Smartphone to Run Apps

Snap has unveiled its upcoming Specs augmented reality glasses, priced at $2,195, and showcased more features of the standalone wearable device. Unlike many smart glasses, Specs do not require a smartphone or an external device to run apps and software, as they are designed as self-contained wearable computers. The glasses come with two built-in displays, one for each lens, enabling augmented reality content to be visible across the user's field of view.

This is in contrast to Meta's $799 Ray-Ban smart glasses, which require a compatible smartphone and use a single display placed in the lower-right corner of the right lens. Snap plans to use Specs for various applications, including AR gaming, virtual large-screen television, and location-based navigation. The company's new Specs Intelligence AI platform will provide relevant information to the wearer's field of view.

While the focus is initially on consumers, Snap is also targeting businesses by demonstrating potential uses for employees in the field, such as identifying objects and accessing relevant information without switching devices. Snap is also collaborating with Nvidia to integrate the chipmaker's AI agents into the glasses, aimed at helping workers better understand their surroundings.

The smart glasses market is becoming increasingly competitive, with Meta, Samsung, Google, and Apple all reportedly developing their own eyewear products. Privacy concerns surrounding the cameras in these devices continue to be a significant issue, and Snap hopes to address them with Specs' advanced standalone AR approach, combining dual displays, independent computing, and a wide range of applications.