As has been rumored for quite some time, Snapchat parent company Snap unveiled the third edition of its Spectacles this week. Snapchat’s Spectacles 3 feature dual HD cameras designed to capture dimension and depth in the same way as the human eye. The new glasses will start shipping in the fall.
Snapchat’s Spectacles 3 device is designed to capture photos and video specifically for the messaging platform, just as previous models were. The new device also comes with “a suite of new 3D effects on Snapchat.” The device features two HD cameras so Snaps can be captured in 3D and then transformed using 3D Effects.
Snaps captured using the specs are easily transferred in HD to the Memories section inside Snapchat, where different lighting, landscapes and other effects can be added to the scene using a single swipe. The Snaps can also be exported to the user’s camera roll in square, horizontal, circular and virtual reality formats, where they can then be saved, edited and shared.
Spectacles 3 sport a lightweight steel frame which the company says is strong. The lenses are circular, and the specs have acetate tips for comfort. They come in two colors: black, or “carbon,” as Snap calls it, and a gold frame called “mineral,” which Snap says is “inspired by cosmetic hues.”
Tapping either button will take up to 60 seconds of video. To take a still photo, just press and hold the button. Snapchat’s Spectacles 3 adds high-fidelity audio to videos via an array of four microphones. The device also features LED indicators so others can see when the user is recording. There’s also a light for the user too.
Spectacles 3 can be charged while on the go in the charging case, which charges them up to four times. There’s also a 3D viewer to bring Snaps to life. The new Spectacles are available for preorder at Spectacles.com. They’re priced at $380, which is more than twice as much as their predecessor. Spectacles 2 sell for $150.
Snap enjoyed a lot of success with the original Spectacles, but it has struggled to recapture the trendy appeal of the original model. However, the company ended up writing off $40 million in charges in connection with inventory on the original model because it had expected sales to be even more than expected. The fact that this year’s model is so much more expensive will probably weigh on demand, especially since high school and college students make up such a significant portion of Snapchat’s user base.
