Augmented Reality, is defined ‘as a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user’s view of the real world, thus providing a composite view’ by Oxford Languages. Not only has Snapchat created an initiative that redefines the power of computer-generated technology, but it also foreshadows the future of AR technology.
Today, I got to witness the exciting demo of the new Snapchat AR glasses (simply called Spectacles), currently available exclusively for creators and developers.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN META & AR?
To put it simply, in the metaverse, you are transported into a completely new world and in the AR world, well, it’s reality! AR does not take you out of the real world but adds information and elements to enhance reality, educate, create, and innovate what is already there.
Approximately, 200 million Snapchatters use AR every day, and Snapchat’s goal is to make the camera smarter and to deliver end-user value turning the world into an AR canvas. The key focuses they have to achieve their goal are to look at Location AR, multi-users, Human Reconstruction, and World Transformation.
The Snapchat glasses are still not available as a consumer product, but already have some incredible features on the developer product which I got to test. AR Shopping was one of the features allowing the user to try on items from a brand, see what it looks like, and purchase through Snapchat. This is particularly good for those who are still anxious about leaving their homes because of covid and want to do online shopping at home.
The glasses themselves are lightweight weighing 134 grams (2x weight of normal sunglasses), with two buttons on either side and a touchpad on the right to move up, down, and double-tap to select. There are microphones, stereo speakers, and a sensor at the front of the glasses.
One of the amazing things about Snapchat Spectacles is that creators, influencers, and the public will be able to play games, work out, but also visit new places and get things like the translation for signs there and then with the glasses on without having to ask anyone. In Snapchat, we saw some examples where you can also look at the past and present information about a building, learn the name of a product in many different languages, and more! The glasses connect via wifi and to your phone to make it more accessible for everyone.
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