I went hands on with the new Snap Specs — and found out why they could soon be a useful workplace tool

As workers increasingly seek productivity solutions in both work and home environments, wearable technology has proven beneficial, offering a unique dimension for users. Augmented Reality (AR) headsets have been around for a few years, but Meta, Microsoft, and Apple are among the few companies to develop AR glasses. These glasses, however, have often been bulky and unfriendly. To address this issue, I had the opportunity to test the latest Snap Specs before their UK launch.

Upon first encounter, it is evident that the Snap Specs, developed by Meta, are not your typical glasses. The sleek black material feels comfortable against the skin and sits well on the face, with no discomfort. Setting up the glasses is quick, with control mainly managed through AR, two buttons on the arms for recording and resetting, and no need for a smartphone connection. Despite being a new product, the Snap Specs showcase various applications for work use cases.

The devices come preloaded with Google Docs, allowing users to type using a virtual keyboard, perfect for jotting down quick thoughts or emails while on the move. The ability to capture 30-second videos and still images can be invaluable for creative professionals - from capturing a billboard idea to documenting a potential subject for artwork. The glasses also feature a built-in browser and media viewer, enabling users to work on presentations, review promotional videos, or catch up on YouTube content.

Snap Specs includes a voice AI assistant that functions quickly and effectively, answering questions and navigating using Google Maps with a heads-up display. However, the initial cost of £2,000 could be a deterrent for some. Still, one of the most impressive features is the translation tool, which instantly translates speech from someone speaking a foreign language into speech bubbles - an incredibly useful tool for business meetings in foreign countries.

While the Snap Specs may not yet be ready for prime-time work applications, with its entertainment-focused demos, I'm eager to see how this technology evolves in the future.