At a Glance
- Snap has created a new subsidiary, Specs Inc., dedicated to developing its AR glasses.
- The company has been refining the hardware since 2018, with a developer-only version released in 2024.
- A demo at CES highlighted hand-tracking, spatial tips, and multiplayer gaming.
Why it matters: Snap’s move signals a serious push into the smart-glasses market, positioning it against Meta and Apple.
Snap announced the new company on Tuesday, explaining that the move would allow for “greater operational focus and alignment” as it continues to iterate on its product. It shows that, like other tech giants (see: Meta and Apple), Snap is getting serious about its smart glasses-although it’s worth noting that the company has been developing its AR hardware for quite a long time.
New Subsidiary Signals Commitment
Snap’s creation of Specs Inc. reflects a strategic shift. By separating the glasses project into its own entity, the company can concentrate resources and talent on hardware, software, and ecosystem development. This mirrors moves by Meta, which has partnered with Ray Ban, Oakley, and EssilorLuxottica, and Apple, which has quietly advanced its own AR ambitions.
Specs Development History
- 2018 – Snap’s first consumer-ready version of Specs was offered.
- 2024 – A developer-only version, the fifth generation, was released to allow the company to populate the device with apps.
- September 2024 – Snap OS, the glasses’ operating system, launched its latest version.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2018 | First consumer release |
| 2024 | Developer-only fifth generation |
| 2024 | Snap OS v2 released |
The long development timeline shows Snap’s commitment to refining the user experience before a full consumer launch.
Competitive Landscape
Meta has taken a lead by cutting deals with major eyewear companies and enjoying growing U.S. demand. Snap aims to make a meaningful entrance into that market once its glasses are released later this year.
Demo Highlights
At CES earlier this month, I met with Russell Patton, product manager for Specs, who guided me through a tour of the device’s user experience and latest features. Patton said that “the spatial nature” of Specs meant that there were a lot of user experiences that could be enjoyed that aren’t possible with a phone. That spatial experience is largely powered by the glasses’ four cameras, which allow for hand tracking and enable the company’s Snap Spatial Engine, the software component that projects the device’s AR imagery.
Hardware and Software Features
- Form factor – nearly 8 ounces, a bit heavy, and the pair can heat up after use.
- Snap OS – runs on a distinct operating system; the latest version includes an improved browser, an AI-powered “spatial tips” function, and a “travel mode” that translates foreign street signs and menus.
- Spatial tips – auto-generated information about whatever the user is looking at.
- Travel mode – translates street signs and menus.
- Gaming – I played a round of Avatar: The Last Airbender; the headset can synchronize with other units for collaborative gaming.
Key Features in Bullet Form
- Hand tracking via four cameras
- Snap Spatial Engine for AR imagery
- AI-powered spatial tips
- Travel mode for translation
- Multiplayer sync for collaborative gaming
Future Outlook
The company hasn’t provided a firm release date yet, so interested consumers will have to keep their eyes peeled for that announcement. The hardware is expected to change before it launches publicly.
—
Key Takeaways
- Snap’s new Specs Inc. focuses entirely on AR glasses.
- Development dates back to 2018, with a developer-only release in 2024.
- CES demo showcased hand tracking, spatial tips, and multiplayer gaming.
- No release date announced; consumers should watch for updates.
