Snap has detailed its latest wearable device, called Specs, which are standalone augmented reality glasses. These glasses come with a new AI service called Specs Intelligence that helps users manage their daily tasks. Unlike many social media companies, Snap has not focused heavily on artificial intelligence in its products so far. Snap first unveiled the consumer Specs in June and used a September 16 launch event to show the device and new services in more detail.
The company has added generative AI features to Snapchat but hasn’t made the technology central to its offerings, according to Engadget. Specs Intelligence is designed to understand a user’s goals, routines, and relationships by connecting with apps they use. It is separate from Snapchat and focuses more on productivity than previous Snap products.
The AI assistant uses information from outside accounts like Google to offer timely reminders and relevant details. For example, it might remind someone of questions to ask before a meeting or show travel plans ahead of a trip. The system organizes information into different sections based on context, such as keeping family tasks separate from work deadlines.
When a user has the AR glasses, the assistant can display relevant information directly in their field of view. A preview version of Specs Intelligence is available in the US through the Specs app on iOS. This early access lets users connect their Google accounts to see insights about how they spend time and attention. The full early-access experience will be invite-only and only available through the Specs Mac app.
Snap’s new glasses are part of a larger push into smartglasses, with Meta already selling smart glasses and Google working with partners on Android XR devices. The AI service is meant to offer proactive suggestions based on a user’s real-world situation. Snap says the current iOS preview does not yet include those anticipatory suggestions or actions.
It connects across multiple devices including Mac, iPhone, and the Specs glasses themselves. The system builds a private context layer around a user’s life, including their portrait, corners, and long-term goals. Corners help organize different parts of a user’s life, such as work, family, and travel. Goals help the AI understand what a person is working toward beyond just daily tasks.
The assistant handles routine actions like drafting messages or canceling subscriptions but always asks for permission first. Snap says this approach is built on privacy and user control. Snap says its personnel cannot access personal content used with Specs Intelligence and that connected account data will not be used to train its AI models or serve personalized ads.
Snap is also pitching the glasses to businesses for work on retail floors, in factories, and in field operations. However, the high price point of $2,195 may be a barrier for many consumers. Reviewers have described the glasses as bulky, though several hands-on reports said they were more comfortable than their appearance suggested. Snap says the 47 mm model weighs 132 grams and the 52 mm model weighs 136 grams, with up to four hours of mixed-use battery life.
Snap has shown several demonstrations to build interest in its product, but it still faces challenges in scaling adoption. The company is also introducing a Charging Case with Cellular that provides four additional charges and cellular connectivity, androidauthority.com reported. In the US, Snap is partnering with Verizon, while Orange in France and EE in the UK will offer data plans through their carrier partnerships.
Snap is offering a First Look experience at Westfield Century City in Los Angeles beginning October 1. The company is also offering a $200 refundable reservation for those interested in pre-ordering the glasses. Snap says shipping is expected to begin later this fall in the United States, United Kingdom, and France.
The glasses feature two Snapdragon processors and Snap’s proprietary liquid crystal on silicon display with a redesigned waveguide. These displays give users a 51-degree field of view. Users can take a Snap by snapping their fingers in the Snapchat app on Specs. A LED light indicates when the glasses are recording, helping with privacy concerns.
Specs can support virtual whiteboards and wireless connection to a computer for productivity tasks. The glasses also offer location advice through a partnership with Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor for Specs can recommend nearby restaurants, landmarks and experiences. It can also translate reviews and convert currencies
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