Snap Inc. has introduced new upgrades to its AR Spectacles, adding GPS-based tracking, enhanced hand-tracking, and an AR keyboard.
Highlights
These updates, designed for developers, aim to expand the potential for location-based augmented reality (AR) experiences and interactive applications.
The improvements come just six months after the release of the fifth-generation Spectacles, highlighting Snap’s ongoing efforts to refine its AR ecosystem.
GPS and Navigation Features
The latest enhancements enable developers to integrate GPS, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), and compass heading data into their Lenses.
This allows for the creation of interactive AR experiences that respond to a user’s real-world location. Developers can now design AR-based city guides, location-aware games, and navigation tools that overlay digital elements onto physical environments.
A demonstration by Utopia Labs showcases “NavigatAR,” an AR navigation system that utilizes Snap Map Tiles to generate virtual arrows for real-time guidance. This feature demonstrates how AR can enhance navigation by providing users with an intuitive way to explore their surroundings.
Hand-Tracking and Gesture Recognition
Beyond GPS advancements, they has introduced hand-tracking capabilities that allow Spectacles to detect gestures such as grabbing an object or holding a phone.
This feature opens up possibilities for more immersive interactions in AR environments, including applications in gaming, fitness, and social engagement.
The addition of an AR keyboard further expands input options, enabling users to interact with digital elements more seamlessly.
Developer Program and Incentives
Spectacles remain exclusive to Snap’s developer program, which costs $99 per month. To make the technology more accessible, they is offering a 50% discount to students and educators.
Additionally, Snap has launched the “Spectacles Community Challenges,” a competition that will award $20,000 each month to the top 10 developers who create standout AR experiences.
The initiative, starting April 1, aims to encourage innovation and further exploration of Spectacles’ capabilities.
Enhanced Hardware and Display
The latest version of Spectacles features four cameras powered by the Snap Spatial Engine, supporting improved hand tracking.
The glasses provide a 46-degree diagonal field of view and a resolution of 37 pixels per degree, utilizing dual Snapdragon XR processors for optimal performance.
Despite these capabilities, Spectacles maintain a lightweight design, weighing 226 grams—less than half the weight of a typical VR headset.
Integration with Snap OS
A key advancement in this iteration is the integration of Snap OS, the company’s proprietary operating system designed for AR experiences.
The platform enhances responsiveness to hand and voice interactions, improves environmental mapping, and expands the field of vision, contributing to a more immersive AR experience.
Applications and User Experiences
Early demonstrations of the new Spectacles have showcased a variety of interactive applications. Users have experimented with stacking virtual LEGO blocks, playing AR-based golf, painting virtual flowers using hand gestures, and interacting with Snap’s AI chatbot for object recognition.
These examples highlight the potential for AR to enhance both digital and physical interactions.
The ongoing investment in AR technology positions it as a key player in the industry, competing with companies like Meta and Apple. By prioritizing developer engagement and hardware improvements, the company is working toward advancing AR adoption.
