Snap gets serious about Specs, spins AR glasses into standalone company

Snap is gearing up for a significant launch later this year with the anticipated release of its latest consumer version of AR glasses, known as Specs. In a strategic move, the company has introduced a new subsidiary, Specs Inc., dedicated exclusively to the advancement of these innovative glasses. This development was announced by Snap on Tuesday, emphasizing their goal of achieving 'greater operational focus and alignment' as they refine their product. This shift underscores Snap's serious commitment to entering the smart glasses market, a space already contested by major players like Meta and Apple. Interestingly, Snap has been working on the technology behind Specs for over a decade, although the last consumer version was released in 2018. Since 2024, the fifth generation of Specs has been available only to developers, allowing Snap to enhance the wearable with applications designed to captivate consumers upon its official release. As Snap hones its product, competitors are racing ahead in the AR glasses landscape. Meta, for instance, has formed partnerships with well-known eyewear brands such as Ray-Ban and Oakley, boosting its presence in the U.S. Snap is eager to carve out its own niche in this burgeoning market with the upcoming launch of its glasses. At CES earlier this month, I had an opportunity to connect with Russell Patton, the product manager for Specs. He guided me through a demonstration of the device, highlighting the unique user experiences enabled by its spatial capabilities—experiences that traditional smartphones cannot offer. This spatial interaction is facilitated by the glasses' four integrated cameras, which enable hand tracking and support the Snap Spatial Engine, responsible for delivering the augmented reality visuals. Specs operate on a specialized operating system, Snap OS, which received a notable update last September. This latest version features an enhanced browser and introduces an AI-powered function called 'spatial tips,' which provides real-time information about items within the user's view. For instance, while examining a table of snacks, the glasses suggested healthier options. Additionally, a 'travel mode' feature aims to assist users in translating foreign street signs and menus. The glasses also support interactive gaming experiences. During my demo, I enjoyed playing a round of Avatar: The Last Airbender, showcasing the fun potential of the device. A significant highlight is the ability for multiple users wearing different pairs of Specs to share the same augmented experience in real time, opening avenues for collaborative gaming. While the glasses I tested were somewhat bulky at nearly 8 ounces and tended to heat up after extended use, the team assured me that the specific device had been in operation throughout the day. Expect further refinements in the hardware ahead of the public launch. Although Snap has yet to announce an official release date, eager consumers should stay tuned for updates.