Snap Opens Pre-Orders for Specs AR Glasses, Paving Way for Wearable Computing
Snap has announced the official launch of its Specs augmented reality glasses, now available for pre-order at $2,195. The standalone AR device integrates all computing power, weighing 132-136 grams, and offers a 51-degree field of view with 16 million colors. With up to 20 hours of total battery life and hundreds of built-in Lenses, Snap aims to establish itself as a key player in wearable computing, competing with Meta's planned AR glasses and Apple's Vision Pro.
Snap has officially announced the launch of its Specs augmented reality glasses, positioning the company as a potential leader in the next phase of wearable computing and interactive digital experiences. The device is now available for pre-order, marking a significant step in Snap's hardware ambitions.
Specs deliver a standalone AR experience, with all computing power embedded directly into the device. This design choice makes the glasses bulkier than the early prototypes of Meta's forthcoming AR glasses. Meta has indicated it will launch its AR device with an accompanying compute puck that users must carry while wearing the device.
Snap has instead opted for a fully integrated system, which inevitably results in heavier glasses. The larger frames required to house this all-in-one setup give the glasses a look closer to safety goggles than fashionable eyewear.
To mitigate weight, Snap has employed advanced polymers in the frame construction, yet the glasses remain significantly heavier than Meta's current Display device. Snap Specs weigh 132 grams for the smaller model and 136 grams for the larger model. For comparison, Meta's Display glasses weigh 60 grams (small) and 70 grams (large). A standard non-camera-equipped pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses weighs about 50 grams, while a Quest 3 VR headset weighs 514 grams.
Whether weight becomes a decisive factor will likely depend on the use case and the practical comfort of the glasses during extended wear.
Snap states that the Specs display system uses proprietary liquid crystal on silicon technology, “delivering a 51-degree field of view and 16 million colors.” According to Snap: “The result is a large, vivid display that feels like a 24-inch desktop monitor when you're working, or a 115-inch home cinema screen placed about 10 feet away when you're watching a movie.”
The company has also redesigned its waveguide technology “to create a clearer and more seamless view of the world around you.” The device is powered by two Snapdragon processors: one handles vision-related tasks, and the other runs the internal system.
In terms of battery life, Snap says Specs will run for up to four hours on a single charge, with the included charging case providing four additional charges, bringing total usage to up to 20 hours. When recording, an LED in the middle of the device will illuminate to alert others that they are being captured.
The device presents an interesting package—functional in design but less so in terms of style, evoking a Groucho Marx-esque aesthetic. To generate interest, Snap has launched a promotional campaign featuring various celebrities wearing the glasses.
There is careful angling in these photos to make the glasses appear somewhat sleek, which may help spark consumer interest and drive pre-orders. However, the price point is steep.
Prospective customers can place an order for Specs starting today for $2,195, including a $200 refundable deposit. By comparison, Meta's Display glasses cost $799, though it's important to note they are not fully AR-capable. Apple's Vision Pro, which is more akin to a VR headset but AR-capable, sells for $3,499.
Snap's Specs sit between these two price points. Given Snapchat's younger audience, it will be interesting to see how the company pitches this price to younger buyers. Although Snap's audience is affluent, the company will likely rely on its broader promotional push and the added functionality of AR-enhanced vision to justify the cost.
Snap has confirmed that hundreds of built-in Snap Lenses are already available for Specs. These unlock shared experiences that screens cannot, “from reading the green, to overlaying interactive lessons onto your drum set with Drum Kit, to education tools like Vector Fields that make invisible forces visible,” the company said.
There is much to like—or at least be intrigued by—about the device. It will be interesting to see how first-mover advantage helps Snap promote this product. Meta plans to launch its AR glasses next year, and those will look considerably different from Snap's offering.
Will style be the key selling point, or functionality? How will Snap's AR Specs compare to what Meta eventually releases? Based on early information, Meta's AR glasses are expected to be more stylish, and Meta will benefit from its established distribution pipeline. The company has already shipped almost 10 million pairs of its AI glasses.
For now, Snap is stepping up to the plate, hoping that Specs will elevate its business to a new level.