Ever wanted to share your memories from your perspective? Now you can with Snapchat Spectacles.
On the 24th of September, Snapchat (or Snap Inc as it’s now known) announced that they will soon be launching Spectacles – a new way to capture your experiences from your perspective. Spectacles allows users to record 10-second videos from the lenses in these funky sunglasses, which they can then upload straight to the popular mobile app. These videos can then be shared and downloaded just like any other Snap Inc photo or video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqkOFLBSJR8
The above video promoting the new sunglasses was published on 23 September and has already received close to 2 million views in just over a week. However, there is another video that was also shared, which has not gone quite as viral. While the more popular video targets teenagers and millennials, and how fun can be relived, the second video highlights capturing family moments. Imagine being able to watch a video of you playing with your kids, not from a camera’s perspective, but from your own, as if through your eyes again? That’s incredible.
When and How Much?
Although it is unclear when exactly we should expect Spectacles to be available, it is said that the wearable-technology will hit shelves before Christmas. Times claims that the selling price will be $129.99 (around R1,800.00). This is much less than what Google Glass was priced at, which is part of the reason why tech journalists predict Spectacles will succeed. Also in contrast to Google Glass, the design of Spectacles is unapologetically bolder. At the moment, the unisex sunglasses are available in three colours. Other than that, details are still murky, but so far the product has been well received.
I really love how Snap Inc is looking to close the gap between social media and real-life moments by integrating the users’ experiences with easy to use technology. It will be interesting to see if Spectacles will remain exclusive to Snap Inc or whether other video recording apps will be able to use the device. Although we cannot predict whether or not the wearable technology will be a success, Snap Inc deserves to be commended for pushing the boundaries of social technology. I can’t wait to get my hands on a pair and try them out. How about you?
For more information, visit the Spectacles website to learn more about the device and it’s specs (see what I did there?). 26-year-old Snap Inc’s CEO Evan Spiegel also went in-depth with his vision for the device in a Wall Street Journal interview recently that is also well worth a read.
Nice article Dan. I really don’t know if this is worth the money. If we could use them for multiple platforms then maybe, but buying spectacles only for Snapchat? I am not sure hey.
I completely agree. At the moment I believe they’re just testing them out. That’s why they’re targeting younger buyers. Although they don’t necessarily have the money for it, their parents do and teens can be very persuasive. I also think that the timing is perfect – with Christmas just around the corner, this makes for a great gift for teens. For older people, who aren’t avid tech enthusiasts, it doesn’t make sense to buy a pair now, however, should Spectacles become compatible with other apps in the near future, then it is worth considering. It’ll be interesting to see how successful this is.
I am a bit sceptical about this hey!!! I will wait for you to review when you get them. thank for your insight. Brands must not sleep on this new development, there is a huge gap between reality and social.
I hear your reservations at a personal capacity, but I agree that brands should experiment with this technology. It could be a really effective way of sharing unique user generated content to share experiences and promote brands. It could also potentially aid in closing the gap between reality and social, as you said. Let’s see what happens.
Google glass had a multitude of features. Although this is cheaper, it is very limited in its use. The price is pretty damn steep for an app accessory. I would have been interested to try them otherwise. The concept is intriguing. Also that frame shape suits me… so. 🙂
(Go-Pro should look into this idea. A high quality camera in your sunnies would be awesome to use in a variety of settings.)
100%. I won’t be rushing out to buy a pair for the simple fact that it is an app accessory at this stage, as you pointed out. I’m hoping that Snap Inc is starting with these just as an accessory for the app, but will introduce new features and compatibility options for other apps. In fact, that’s my prediction. We’re certainly living in interesting times and I can’t wait to see how this new device is received.