Snap is officially moving forward with its ambitious leap into wearable tech, opening up pre-orders for its new augmented reality glasses simply called Specs. In a move that simplifies the brand but complicates the naming convention, the company recently spun off its AR division before launching these high-end devices. Priced at 2,195 dollars, the glasses are designed to function entirely on their own, meaning users won’t need to stay tethered to a smartphone or computer to experience their features.
Under the hood, the hardware is surprisingly robust, featuring dual Snapdragon processors and a transparent display that offers a fifty one degree field of view. According to Snap, this creates a visual experience equivalent to watching a 115 inch screen from ten feet away. The frames are constructed from durable TR90 material and come in both narrow and wide sizing options to accommodate different face shapes. To keep things intuitive, the device relies on a combination of voice commands and gesture controls, supported by six microphones and open ear stereo speakers.
For those who want total independence from Wi-Fi networks, there is an optional upgrade available through an exclusive partnership with Verizon. By paying an additional 200 dollars for a specialized case with cellular connectivity, users can access data plans starting at 10 dollars a month for existing Verizon customers or 20 dollars for newcomers. This adds another layer of portability to the device, though it comes with a steeper entry price of nearly 2,400 dollars.
As for when buyers can actually expect them on their faces, Snap indicates that the Wi-Fi only versions should begin shipping this autumn. However, details regarding the timeline for the cellular enabled models remain murky, as Verizon has yet to provide a specific release window. For now, early adopters will have to wait until later this year to see if these premium spectacles live up to the hype.
