{
  "id": 7949864,
  "title": "Snap tries to sell consumers on the idea of US$2,195 smart glasses",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/snap-tries-to-sell-consumers-on-the-idea-of-us-2-195-smart-glasses",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-17T04:12:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Business Times - Companies & Markets",
    "slug": "the-business-times-companies-markets",
    "url": "https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/telcos-media-tech/snap-tries-sell-consumers-idea-us2195-smart-glasses"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Snap Inc. is attempting to attract consumers with its upcoming augmented reality glasses, priced at US$2,195, according to a recent report. The company has partnered with Verizon Communications, enabling customers to test the Specs glasses at specific Verizon stores and purchase tailored wireless data plans for the device.\n\nSnap, known for the popular Snapchat app, has previously released quirky camera-equipped glasses called Spectacles. However, Meta Platforms currently dominates the smart glasses market with their Ray-Ban Meta glasses, priced at US$799. Specs glasses are more advanced than Meta's glasses but do not offer the same level of visual clarity and immersion as more expensive headsets like Apple's Vision Pro, which is priced at US$3,699 and has not gained significant consumer traction.\n\nA key feature of Snap's Specs is their untethered nature, as all computing technology is housed within the glasses themselves, eliminating the need for additional components like pucks or batteries. However, this design choice comes with a compromise, as the temples of the glasses are quite thick. During hands-on testing, the glasses were found to be mostly comfortable, although they still feel relatively heavy compared to traditional eyewear.\n\nThe glasses can be controlled through a virtual interface, which can be accessed by looking at an open palm. Users can navigate the interface using hand tracking, making selections with ease. However, it remains to be seen how intuitive the control method is for extended use and if it causes any fatigue when worn for long periods.\n\nSpecs glasses have a battery life of around four hours, covering mixed usage such as video and audio playback. They support streaming video from services like YouTube and HBO Max through a built-in web browser and allow users to resize and position content in the surrounding three-dimensional space. The glasses also dim their lenses to enhance entertainment viewing.\n\nSome popular apps like Spotify will not be available until after the glasses' release, while others, such as Shopify, will enable users to preview the actual size of furniture in their personal space. The glasses also offer various \"lenses,\" which are apps in Snap's terminology, allowing users to access features like navigation directions overlaid onto their real-world view, live language translation services in up to 60 languages, and standard tricks like setting up a virtual secondary display for a laptop or privately watching movies on the go.\n\nSnap aims to incorporate a social aspect into the Specs, enabling users to play games together or receive virtual lessons and challenges to improve their skills in activities like golf and basketball. The company believes that computers should enhance human capabilities rather than replace them.\n\nTo help consumers test the Specs before purchase, Snap plans to set up a pop-up experience in Los Angeles. Additional locations may follow in the future. The company is also introducing its own artificial intelligence platform called Specs Intelligence, a proactive assistant designed to present information at the most opportune moment. Specs Intelligence will be accessible on both iPhone and Apple's macOS operating systems, allowing users to experience the personalized AI helper without investing in the AR glasses.",
  "summary": "The company is reentering a smart glasses market currently dominated by Meta Platforms",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}