Snapchat is advancing in the AR wearables space with a new version of its Spectacles, which feature AR overlays in your line of sight.

However, they won’t be available for purchase just yet.

Snapchat’s new Spectacles will allow for AR interactions, with effects visible directly through the glasses.

This isn’t entirely groundbreaking, as Snap has been working on this updated version for years, providing various developers with early access to an initial version of the device. Similarly, this new iteration will grant developers early access for an annual fee, enabling them to create applications for the next generation of the glasses, while allowing Snap to continue refining the product ahead of its commercial launch.

Ideally, this process will also lead to enhancements in the device’s design.

In development, Snap’s AR glasses appeared somewhat too sharp and perhaps overly futuristic.

This new version maintains a similar look, but the frames have been slightly bulked up to accommodate the additional technology.

“Spectacles are the culmination of a decade of research and development aimed at creating hardware that transcends screens and fosters real-world connections. These AR glasses integrate remarkable technology while weighing less than half of a typical VR headset, at just 226 grams. They feature four cameras that power the Snap Spatial Engine, allowing for seamless hand tracking.”

Since the original launch of Spectacles in 2016, it has been evident that Snap was working towards achieving full AR functionality for the device, particularly with the introduction of World Lenses, which interact with real-world environments.

It has taken nearly ten years, but Snap has been quietly developing its advanced Spectacles, progressing towards this next phase. Now, with both Meta and Apple entering the AR wearables arena, Snap is stepping up with what could become a more appealing variation of the same concept.

Users will be able to control the new Spectacles experience through a mobile device:

“Using the new Spectacles app, you can turn your phone into a custom game controller with Lenses, launch Spectator Mode so friends without Spectacles can join in, mirror your phone screen, and much more.”

The next-generation Spectacles run on the new “Snap OS,” enabling wearers to engage with Snap’s latest AR experiences using both hand gestures and voice commands. This voice interaction will be further enhanced by Snap’s expanded partnership with OpenAI, which aims to provide developers with innovative ways to create AR experiences through AI assistance.

“Snap OS brings Spectacles to life through an intuitive interface that mirrors how people naturally engage with their surroundings. You can effortlessly navigate Snap OS using both hands and voice, with the main menu always accessible at your fingertips. The Snap Spatial Engine comprehends the world around you, allowing Lenses to appear realistically in three dimensions. An impressive 13-millisecond motion-to-photon latency ensures that Lenses are rendered with remarkable accuracy, seamlessly integrating into your environment.”

So, will it be effective, and can Snap compete with larger players in the AR wearables market?

Snap certainly has advantages in its appeal to younger audiences and its creative prowess, which has allowed it to build unique and engaging AR experiences and lead the way in this field. However, its better-funded competitors could overshadow it with more advanced features, and the bulkier design of the frames might deter some users, especially when compared to Meta’s Ray-Bans, which appear more natural.

On the other hand, we haven't yet seen Meta's fully AR-capable glasses, which are also likely to be stockier due to the technology involved. Thus, the design may not be a significant factor, with the real differentiators likely being price and user experience.

The pricing remains uncertain, as Snap is currently leasing the new glasses to developers for $1,188 per year. This suggests they might be expensive, while Meta is striving to keep its prices as low as possible to encourage adoption.

Ultimately, price could be a crucial factor for mass adoption, with more affordable functional AR glasses likely to dominate the market. Apple’s VisionPro, priced at $3,499, has struggled to gain traction due to its high cost.

Snap seems to be a bit away from announcing a retail price, but reaching this stage is significant given the company's broader cost-cutting measures and business challenges.

Can Snap genuinely compete with the bigger players? It looks like we’re about to find out.