Snap Splits Smart Glasses Into New Company

Snap, the company behind Snapchat, is establishing Specs Inc. as a new subsidiary later this year to focus exclusively on its smart glasses technology. This move positions Snap to compete effectively in the burgeoning mixed-reality space, where rivals like Meta and potentially Apple are also developing advanced AR/AI glasses.

The new Spectacles are designed with see-through lenses that augment the wearer's view with three-dimensional digital objects. They enable intuitive controls through gestures and voice commands, setting them apart from fully immersive virtual reality headsets. Unlike earlier iterations focused on recording and sharing to Snapchat, the current Spectacles are intended as tools for enhanced social interactions and business applications.

Snap has highlighted a unique Intelligence System within Specs, prioritizing user privacy while aiming to assist users proactively. The company envisions these glasses as a sophisticated computer designed to do more for the user, ideally reducing the need for constant direct interaction. Currently, Spectacles are available as a $99-a-month subscription service primarily for developers and creators to build on the platform.