Snap unveils new Spectacles 5 AR glasses and announces AI partnership with OpenAI
Snap unveils the fifth generation of its Spectacles AR glasses and its new Snap OS operating system, which focuses on natural interactions.
Snap has unveiled the latest version of its Spectacles AR glasses at its annual developer event. The fifth-generation headset is a standalone device that no longer requires a smartphone. They are powered by the also new Snap OS, an operating system designed by Snap specifically for augmented reality.
Spectacles 5 technical details
The Spectacles hardware relies on transparent lenses called waveguides that use nanostructures to reflect light from miniaturized projectors into the user's field of view. Four tracking cameras and a Snap-developed optical system with LCoS (liquid crystal on silicon) microprojectors are built into the 226-gram case.
With a field of view of 46 degrees and a resolution of 37 pixels per degree, Spectacles are said to provide a sharp virtual display that feels like a 100-inch screen from a distance of about 10 feet (3 meters).
The Snap Spectacles 5 are primarily aimed at developers and serve as a field for AR experimentation. | Image: Snap
Thanks to adaptive tinting, the lenses automatically adjust to the ambient light, so AR content is clearly visible both indoors and outdoors in direct sunlight.
Dual Qualcomm Snapdragon processors and a titanium vapor chamber for heat dissipation enable 45 minutes of continuous battery life.
Snap OS: Gestural and voice control
The new Snap OS operating system is based on hand gestures and voice commands. The main menus are displayed in the palm of the user's hand.
In addition to hand tracking, Snap OS and Spectacles also support control via a smartphone, which can be used as a game controller, for example.
Snap OS understands the environment thanks to Snap's Spatial Engine and is designed to accurately translate AR content into the real world with a latency of just 13 milliseconds.
Snap CEO: We want to be the most developer-friendly platform
Snap announced the first generation of Spectacles back in 2021, and says it's been working on them for ten years. Since then, the AR glasses have served as a proof of concept and testing ground for developers. At this year's developer conference, Snap CEO Evan Spiegel pointed out that the company wants to be the most developer-friendly platform in the world.
To that end, Snap is waiving all developer fees for Spectacles. In addition, new developer tools such as the Spectacles Interaction Kit, support for TypeScript, and improved version control will make it easier to develop lenses.
Partnerships with OpenAI, Niantic, and Lego
For the launch, Snap is working with partners including ILM, Niantic, Lego and Wabisabi Games, who are developing the first Lenses for the new Spectacles. A partnership with OpenAI will allow developers to use powerful AI models in their Lenses to recognize objects in the environment and provide context.
Spectacles are available now as part of Snap's developer program for $99 per month. The price includes the headset itself and support from Snap. There is no word yet on when the AR glasses will be released to consumers, or how much they will cost. Snap is likely looking to gain experience with developers before a broader launch.
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