The Google Glass flopped. The first Snap Spectacles ended up in the dark corners of our drawers. The world isn’t ready for mass-produced smart glasses yet. Snap hopes to change that with another go at their Spectacles.
Today, Snap has launched their new update to the Spectacles. While they do remain largely similar, the updated version adds in a bunch of solutions to the first one’s flaws.
The Spectacle’s “biggest” change is a smaller and thinner frame. The previous one suffered from a bulkier frame that made it look like toy sunglasses. Thankfully, the new Spectacles (and its case) are now a third smaller, offering a more comfortable fit inside your bag.
Underneath its plastic frame, the Spectacles comes with a variety of functionality additions. Most notably, they can now take still photos, besides Snaps.
They now ship with dual microphones, which purportedly reduce wind and outside noise. Additionally, they reduced their field of view to 105 degrees from 115 degrees. While this reduces the coverage of the shot, it should also reduce the jarring fisheye distortion.
Much like other Wi-Fi-compatible cameras, the old Spectacles required users to connect to their customized Wi-Fi network just to transfer files to your phone. It’s a tedious process. At the very least, the new Spectacles have reduced transfer times to make it marginally more bearable.
Also, through a partnership with Lensabl, Snap can now offer the Spectacles with prescription lenses.
Finally, the new Spectacles are now resistant to shallow waters. Sadly, Snap has not provided this feature’s exact limits. However, promotional materials claim that you can take them to the pool or the beach.
With the flurry of new features, Snap upped the Spectacles’ price to US$ 149.99. It will come in three colors: Onyx, Ruby, and Sapphire. You can now purchase them online here, if you’re in the US. Other countries will receive them on May 3.
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