Snap Makes Its Case for Wearing A Computer On Your Face

Bloomberg Tech · 2m · transcribed 3d ago

Section Insights

# 0:00

Introduction to Snap's Specs AR Glasses

What are Snap's Specs augmented reality glasses?

Snap has introduced Specs augmented reality glasses priced at $2,195, targeting early adopters. The glasses offer mixed reality capabilities, enhancing activities like sports and gaming.

Specs are aimed at early adopters due to their high price.
They provide mixed reality experiences that overlay digital content onto the real world.
Users can engage in various activities, including gaming and watching movies.

# 0:25

Specs Interface and Functionality

How do the Specs glasses operate?

The Specs glasses feature a sleek interface that allows users to access apps by looking at their palm. They can accurately overlay digital content in real-time and support various functionalities.

The interface is user-friendly, utilizing palm gestures.
Specs can overlay software in 3D space accurately.
They also have capabilities for photography and video recording.

# 0:51

Specs Design and Purchase Options

What are the design features and purchasing options for Specs?

Specs contain all tech within the glasses, eliminating the need for external devices. They are thicker than some competitors but remain comfortable. Specs will be available for purchase directly from Snap, with hands-on experiences offered in select Verizon stores.

Specs are self-contained, unlike some competing products.
They are thicker but comfortable for short use.
Potential buyers can try them in Verizon stores before purchasing.

# 1:17

Cellular Connectivity and Additional Features

What additional features do Specs offer?

Specs can come with a special case that provides cellular connectivity, allowing use away from Wi-Fi, but this option is more expensive. Snap also introduced an AI platform called Specs Intelligence.

A special case allows for cellular connectivity at a higher price.
Specs Intelligence is an AI platform that enhances user experience.
The glasses can be used without Wi-Fi, increasing their versatility.

# 1:42

AI Integration and Future Prospects

What is the future outlook for Specs and Snap's AI?

Specs Intelligence can be used on iPhone and Mac without the glasses. Snap's CEO believes Specs will appeal to tech enthusiasts, with plans for more affordable models in the future.

Specs Intelligence is accessible on other devices, not just the glasses.
Snap plans to release more affordable models in the future.
There is optimism about Specs' adoption among tech enthusiasts.

Transcript

0:00 Snap just held a big showcase for its Specs augmented reality glasses and shared new details on how consumers can get their own pair later this year at a steep price of $2,195 that clearly makes these a gadget for early adopters. We got the chance to go hands-on with the Specs and try out a number of mixed reality capabilities that overlay digital experiences onto the real world. You can use them to improve your basketball game, play a virtual game of dominoes with a friend, watch movies when traveling, or use the glasses to create a secondary display for your laptop. And sure, they can take photos and record videos, too.

0:35 Now, the interface is pretty sleek. You just look at your palm to bring up the home screen and from there choose an app or what Snap calls lenses. These glasses understand 3D space and can accurately overlay software onto tables or anywhere else in your surroundings in real time. Specs are unique in that all of the tech and computing power is contained directly inside the glasses. There's no tethered puck or dangling battery to worry about unlike with an Apple Vision Pro.

1:01 This does mean that they're pretty thick compared to something like Ray-Ban Meta glasses, but they were mostly comfortable during our brief hands-on session. Starting later this fall, you can buy Specs yourself directly from Snap, but most people are going to want to try them before spending over $2,000. So, some Verizon stores will have hands-on experiences as well. And get this, there's a special case for the glasses that has a cellular data connection. So, you can use them anywhere away from Wi-Fi.

1:27 Problem is that's even more expensive at $2,395 and that's before your monthly data plan. And since this is 2026, Snap also announced its own AI platform called Specs Intelligence meant to be proactive and helpful at just the right time so you can focus on what matters most. You don't need the pricey glasses to use this new AI software. It's also available for iPhone and Mac and has a pretty similar interface to other AI apps these days. But Snap CEO Evan Spiegel seems to believe there's a good chance of Specs catching on with at least some tech enthusiasts, with more affordable models planned for the future. Would you buy a pair? Is this the future of computing?

Summary

Snap recently unveiled its Specs augmented reality glasses, priced at $2,195, targeting early adopters. The glasses offer various mixed reality features, including sports training, gaming, and multimedia viewing, all while housing the necessary technology internally without external devices. A unique selling point is their ability to connect to a cellular data case for use away from Wi-Fi, although this adds to the cost.

- Specs glasses allow users to overlay digital experiences onto the real world.
- Features include improving sports performance, playing games, and using as a secondary display.
- The interface is user-friendly, activated by looking at your palm.
- All tech is contained within the glasses, eliminating the need for external devices.
- They are thicker than some competitors but were comfortable during testing.
- Specs will be available for purchase directly from Snap and through select Verizon stores for hands-on experiences.
- A cellular data case is available for $2,395, plus a monthly data plan.
- Snap also introduced Specs Intelligence, an AI platform accessible on other devices without needing the glasses.