Snap unveils spectacles 5 AR glasses with major upgrades

Snap has just introduced its fifth generation of Spectacles AR glasses, showcasing significant improvements over the previous generation. However, like the fourth generation, these glasses are exclusively aimed at developers.

The Spectacles 5 feature a new design and are notably bulkier, weighing in at 226g compared to the 134g of the previous model. Despite the added weight, the battery life has been extended from 30 minutes to 45 minutes without needing an external power source.

A key highlight of the new Spectacles is the enhanced visual experience. The Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) micro-projectors and waveguides offer a 46° diagonal Field of View (FoV), a substantial upgrade from the 26.3° FoV of the fourth generation. The image quality is also improved, with 37 pixels per degree, which is 25% more than before.

Under the hood, the Spectacles 5 are powered by two Qualcomm chipsets that manage Snap OS efficiently, reducing power consumption. Cooling is handled by titanium vapor chambers, although detailed specs have not been disclosed.

The Snap Spatial Engine, along with Snap OS, ensures a swift 13-millisecond motion-to-photon latency. Four cameras track head movements, rendering virtual 3D elements in real-time, seamlessly integrating them into the user's view with minimal delay. The engine also tracks hand movements, enabling interaction with virtual objects, and supports voice commands.

Despite these advancements, the Spectacles 5 are not available for general purchase. Interested developers must enroll in a developer program, costing $99 per month for at least a year. This rental model makes it unlikely for consumers to get their hands on these AR glasses soon. Snap emphasizes that these are developer-centric devices intended for creating advanced Lenses for Snapchat, preparing for a future where AR is more mainstream.

Snap has partnered with prominent brands to develop unique experiences using the new Lens Studio and Snap OS. For instance, Lego's BRICKTACULAR allows users to build virtual Lego sets with hand and voice commands. ILM Immersive by Lucasfilm connects users with the Star Wars Galaxy, while Niantic brings Peridot and Scaniverse to the Spectacles. Wabisabi Games is also launching a "capture the flag" style game.

The Spectacles can interface with smartphones, transforming the phone into a game controller or enabling Spectator Mode, allowing others to view the AR experience on their phones. Users can also mirror their phone screens on the glasses, adding more functionality. However, these impressive features remain out of reach for the average consumer due to the restricted availability.