Snap Unveils Specs AR Glasses at $2,195, Targeting Fall 2026 Global Debut
Snap has launched its new augmented reality glasses, "Specs," priced at $2,195. Pre-orders are open with a $200 deposit, with shipments expected in Fall 2026 for the US, UK, and France. The self-contained AR device features dual Qualcomm processors and a 4-hour battery, representing Snap's significant investment in consumer augmented reality technology and its broader market potential.
Key points
- Snap, the parent company of Snapchat, unveiled its new consumer augmented reality (AR) glasses, "Specs," at the Augmented World Expo in Long Beach, California.
- The Specs AR glasses are priced at $2,195, with pre-orders requiring a $200 refundable deposit, and are set to ship in Fall 2026.
- The self-contained device features dual Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, a 51-degree field of view, and up to four hours of continuous battery life.
- Initially available in the United States, United Kingdom, and France, the product represents Snap's strategic emphasis on advancing mainstream augmented reality technology.
Snap has officially unveiled its new "Specs" augmented reality (AR) glasses, marking a significant step into the consumer AR market. Introduced at the Augmented World Expo in Long Beach, California, the device is priced at $2,195, with pre-orders immediately available for a refundable $200 deposit. Shipments are anticipated to begin in Fall 2026, initially targeting customers in the United States, the United Kingdom, and France.
Distinguishing themselves as fully self-contained computing devices, Specs operate without requiring a tether to a smartphone or an external processing unit, setting them apart from previous AR headsets. The glasses integrate dual Qualcomm Snapdragon processors—one for the operating system and applications, and another dedicated to computer vision, though specific chipset models were not disclosed. Users can expect approximately four hours of continuous battery life from the device itself, supplemented by an additional 20 hours provided by the accompanying charging case.
Designed for immersive experiences, Specs offer a 51-degree diagonal field of view, capable of displaying 16 million colors through stereo waveguide displays that incorporate liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) miniature projectors and automatically adjust tint for varying lighting conditions. Snap compares this field of view to viewing a 115-inch screen from ten feet. The lightweight frames, made from durable Swiss TR90 polymer, weigh between 132 and 136 grams across two available sizes (47mm and 52mm), and support easily swappable prescription lenses.
Interaction with the AR environment is facilitated by an array of cameras and sensors, including two full-color high-resolution cameras, two infrared computer vision cameras, and 6-axis IMUs for inertial sensing, feeding data to integrated AI for contextual understanding. The glasses also feature hand tracking for gesture control, along with voice recognition and support for natural voice commands through a microphone array and stereo speakers for spatial audio. This ambitious launch underscores Snap's strategic pivot and substantial long-term investment in augmented reality as a core offering for the global consumer market.
Sources
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