Snapchat unveiled some of the first AR experiences created with its new AR Spectacles device, which it unveiled last month at its partner summit.

The new experiences created by developers with early access releases show how the glasses can be used and what interaction is possible with the glasses in real-life use.

Here are some of the experiences included in the video below:

Origami by Inna Sparrow - How to make origami creations
Vova Kurbatov Calligraphy – Simple templates for handwriting  Pool Assist by Studio ANRK – You will never miss that right shot in pool again  Emergensee by Team ZapChat – Teaches people to use an EpiPen correctly  RPG by Aidan Wolf – Interactive game illuminated through glasses
These are some great use cases, demonstrating the promise of Snap's AR glasses experiences with both practical and fun uses that will engage users through the device.

While the bigger question on Snap's AR device is: "Can Snapchat really keep up with the latest innovations in AR wearables, and create AR glasses that will become a feasible, valuable market offering?"

That will be one of the major questions with regards to the future of Snap that focuses on AR Spectacles, as Meta and Apple pursue their roadmap for AR.

Snap, of course, has long been the leader in AR experiences, and when it released its initial version of Spectacles back in 2016, full AR functionality seemed like the logical next step. Complications in production, lack of consumer interest, and broader cash flow problems within the business, however, have slowed its progress to where competitors could catch up.

And now it's Meta that's really best placed to take the AR wearables crown, with its own AR glasses coming "in the next few years."
According to the above, Snapchat's AR Spectacles are also now in testing, and could also be released commercially in similar timescale. But they look clunky, and lack the stylistic flourishes of Meta's frames.
Of course, they both could end up looking a lot different. But on balance, based on resources and production, and the fact that Meta's Ray Ban smart glasses are already selling well, it does seem like Meta now has the edge.

Apple, meanwhile, with its $3,499 VisionPro headset, is not really in the race at this stage, at least in terms of everyday glasses with expanded functionality.

Or should Snapchat focus more on a development of an AR engine, where people can make use of it with other systems?

I have always surmised that Snap would benefit from teaming up with Apple on the next iteration of AR glasses by using Snap's nous and popularity combined with Apple's resources to make a better, more practical product. Still, this looks like a better way forward, though whether either of them would be interested in this endeavor is quite another question altogether.

However, for Snap, the future is in software. Or rather, it's not in hardware. People will indeed be buying AR Spectacles, but my hunch is that the market will eventually go onto Meta's AR glasses.