Snap gets closer to releasing new AI glasses after years-long hiatus

Snap Inc. is gearing up for a significant return to the augmented reality (AR) market with its newly announced collaboration between its AR-focused subsidiary, Specs, and semiconductor giant Qualcomm. This partnership signals a renewed focus on the long-anticipated release of Snap’s Spectacles, the latest iteration of its AR glasses, which could arrive later this year. The company has been hinting at the launch of these next-generation glasses for some time now. Earlier this year, Snap made headlines when it separated from Scott Myers, its Senior Vice President of Specs, following a reported conflict with CEO Evan Spiegel. Despite these internal challenges, the alliance with Qualcomm brings fresh momentum to the Specs project. According to a recent press release, the new Spectacles will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR platforms, which are specifically designed for augmented and virtual reality applications. The partnership aims to develop advanced on-device AI capabilities, stunning graphics, and enhanced multiuser experiences, marking a strategic investment over the coming years. Spiegel emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, "Our work with Qualcomm provides a strong foundation for the future of Specs, bringing developers and consumers advanced technology and performance that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible." The journey of Specs has been lengthy, as Snap initially embarked on this venture over ten years ago. The last version available to consumers was launched in 2019, and since then, the glasses have been restricted to developers. This shift has allowed Snap to cultivate innovative programs aimed at attracting users when the product officially launches.