Snapchat Spectacles 3 are here to capture your life in 3D and HD
Snap's high-tech specs are back, but the price is a big yikes.
Snap unveiled the third version of its Snapchat Spectacles on Tuesday, showing off the slick new frames that it promises will capture depth and dimension "the way our eyes do." Due to ship this fall, the specs have undergone a tech overhaul since their last iteration and also appear to be sleeker and more compact.
Designed to capture content specifically for Snapchat , the high-tech spectacles first appeared in 2016 and were an instant hit with users of the social network, even though it was later revealed that after the initial hype people stopped buying them, with many pairs left unsold. The latest version comes with two HD cameras that can capture snaps in 3D and transform them in the app with 3D effects.
To capture a 60-second video with Spectacles, you'll need to tap the button, or you can press and hold to take a still photo (an LED indicator will show both you and others when this is happening). The specs will also collect audio from four different microphones embedded within the frames. Snaps captured with the glasses will automatically appear in the Memories section of the Snapchat app, and can also be exported to your camera roll for use elsewhere.
Design-wise, the new Spectacles are less clunky than previous Snap designs, with smallish round lenses, adjustable acetate tips and a boxy, lightweight steel frame. They'll be available in two colors -- carbon (essentially black) and mineral, which appears from Snap's photos to mean gold and peach.
The very first version of Snapchat Spectacles retailed for around $100, but these new specs will set you back significantly more at $380 (£330) -- that's more than many top designer sunglasses. Still keen? You can preorder now from Spectacles.com.