Snapchat Is Back With The New Spectacles
Snapchat’s new Spectacles are the latest proof of the social media giant’s determination to become an augmented reality leader.
The product is back now with round lenses, 3D cameras, and a sleeker, smaller appearance. The Snapchat app allows users to create pictures and movies using the glasses by tapping a button on the frame, just like its older versions. The twin HD cameras in Spectacles are designed to capture depth and dimension in 3D, like the human eye.
Specifications
Snapchat revealed the new special effects that users will add to their “Snaps” through Spectacles on social media. It displays videos with augmented reality sting rays or bright pink birds while envisioning a time when computers, like augmented reality, are overlaid on the environment rather than being contained to a small screen.
Snapchat is best recognized for its augmented reality (AR) filters, which let users add fake flower crowns and dog ears to images and videos.
The new version is available in black and mineral, a rose-gold tone, as opposed to the previous model’s vibrant colors like orange and blue. Snapchat intends to improve after its slip-ups. According to Snap, spectacles 3 is a limited-edition product, and only a few new sunglasses will be launched. Despite the initial failure of Spectacles and the consumer rejection of Google Glass, the tech sectors are still making significant investments in smart glasses. Apple is reportedly working on augmented reality glasses, while Google is now concentrating on providing eyewear for businesses.
Diversified Revenue Streams
Internet giants like Facebook (FB), Google (GOOG), and Amazon (AMZN) are actively pursuing hardware products as a way to diversify their revenue streams and further ingratiate themselves into the lives of their users. For instance, Facebook (FB) just entered the hardware market with its Portal video chat device.
While applauding Snapchat for continuing to test out its concept for augmented reality, Debra Aho Williamson, principal analyst at research company eMarketer, expressed skepticism that this current iteration of the Spectacles will have “mass appeal.” She said that most Snapchat users would just turn away due to the high price and confusing user experience.
Snapchat Is Making A Comeback
After a difficult 2018, Snapchat is making a comeback after a poorly received app revamp. Snapchat’s most recent quarter saw the addition of 13 million daily users, reversing a protracted period of sluggish growth and elevating its overall user base above 200 million for the first time.
Concerns about consumer demand for brand-new vehicles and other products are growing, especially as the outlook for the world economy continues to deteriorate. IMF forecasts for the global economy were once again revised downward last week, with the organization projecting that “for many people, 2023 will feel like a recession.” In particular, Källenius noted that there were “clouds looming” due to factors like inflation and other obstacles. But he ended on a positive note by adding that luxury items often tended to be somewhat protected from economic ups and downs.
