Snap Spectacles - Revision history

Xinreality at 18:17, 7 January 2026

2026-01-07T18:17:41Z

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2026-01-07T17:45:44Z

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	\|Cable Length=		\|Cable Length=
	}}		}}

	~~__TOC__~~
	~~==Introduction==~~

	The '''Snap Spectacles''' (also known as '''Spectacles''' or '''Spectacles V1''') are [[smart glasses]] developed and released by [[Snap Inc.]] on November 10, 2016. These were the company's first hardware product and represented Snap's initial foray into wearable technology. The glasses feature a built-in camera that allows users to capture 10-second video clips from a first-person perspective, which can then be transferred to the [[Snapchat]] app for sharing.<ref name="wikipedia">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spectacles_(product)</ref>		The '''Snap Spectacles''' (also known as '''Spectacles''' or '''Spectacles V1''') are [[smart glasses]] developed and released by [[Snap Inc.]] on November 10, 2016. These were the company's first hardware product and represented Snap's initial foray into wearable technology. The glasses feature a built-in camera that allows users to capture 10-second video clips from a first-person perspective, which can then be transferred to the [[Snapchat]] app for sharing.<ref name="wikipedia">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spectacles_(product)</ref>

Xinreality at 04:26, 26 June 2025

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	The original Spectacles served as an important learning experience for Snap Inc. According to VP of hardware Mark Randall, "the true purpose of V1 was to get people comfortable wearing and being recorded by a face computer."<ref name="techcrunch"></ref>		The original Spectacles served as an important learning experience for Snap Inc. According to VP of hardware Mark Randall, "the true purpose of V1 was to get people comfortable wearing and being recorded by a face computer."<ref name="techcrunch"></ref>

	CEO [[Evan Spiegel]] described his experience with an early prototype: "It was our first vacation, and we went to Big Sur for a day or two. We were walking through the woods, stepping over logs, looking up at the beautiful trees. And when I got the footage back and watched it, I could see my own memory, through my own eyes — it was unbelievable."<ref name="bolt">https://blog.bolt.io/the-evolution-of-snap-spectacles-pt-i-craft-reveals-conviction/</ref>		CEO [[Evan Spiegel]] described his experience with an early prototype: "It was our first vacation, and we went to Big Sur for a day or two. We were walking through the woods, stepping over logs, looking up at the beautiful trees. And when I got the footage back and watched it, I could see my own memory, through my own eyes, it was unbelievable."<ref name="bolt">https://blog.bolt.io/the-evolution-of-snap-spectacles-pt-i-craft-reveals-conviction/</ref>

	This first generation laid the groundwork for Snap's continued investment in AR glasses, leading to subsequent generations with improved features and eventually full AR capabilities.		This first generation laid the groundwork for Snap's continued investment in AR glasses, leading to subsequent generations with improved features and eventually full AR capabilities.

Xinreality at 16:31, 24 May 2025

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	{{Device Infobox		{{Device Infobox
	\|image=		\|image=[[file:snap spectacles1.jpg\|350px]]
	\|VR/AR=[[Augmented Reality]]		\|VR/AR=[[Augmented Reality]]
	\|Type=[[AR Glasses]]		\|Type=[[AR Glasses]]
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	This first generation laid the groundwork for Snap's continued investment in AR glasses, leading to subsequent generations with improved features and eventually full AR capabilities.		This first generation laid the groundwork for Snap's continued investment in AR glasses, leading to subsequent generations with improved features and eventually full AR capabilities.

			==Images==
			<gallery mode="packed">
			File:snap spectacles4.jpg
			File:snap spectacles3.jpg
			File:snap spectacles2.jpg
			File:snap spectacles1.jpg
			</gallery>

	==See Also==		==See Also==

Xinreality at 16:29, 24 May 2025

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	</references>		</references>

			[[Category:Devices]]
	[[Category:Augmented Reality Devices]]		[[Category:Augmented Reality Devices]]
	[[Category:Smart Glasses]]		[[Category:Smart Glasses]]
	[[Category:Snap Inc.]]		[[Category:Snap Inc.]]
	[[Category:2016 in Technology]]		[[Category:2016 in Technology]]

Xinreality at 14:41, 24 May 2025

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	\|Subtype=[[Phone-Powered AR]]		\|Subtype=[[Phone-Powered AR]]
	\|Platform=[[Snapchat]]		\|Platform=[[Snapchat]]
	\|Creator=[[Erick Miller]] ~~(original~~ Vergence Labs)		\|Creator=[[Erick Miller]], [[Vergence Labs]]
	\|Developer=[[Snap Inc.]]		\|Developer=[[Snap Inc.]]
	\|Manufacturer=[[Snap Inc.]]		\|Manufacturer=[[Snap Inc.]]
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	\|Website=https://www.spectacles.com/		\|Website=https://www.spectacles.com/
	\|Versions=Coral, Teal, Black		\|Versions=Coral, Teal, Black
	\|Requires=[[iPhone]] or [[Android]] smartphone with Snapchat app		\|Requires=iPhone or Android smartphone with Snapchat app
	\|Predecessor=		\|Predecessor=
	\|Successor=[[Snap Spectacles 2]]		\|Successor=[[Snap Spectacles 2]]

Xinreality: Created page with "{{Device Infobox |image= |VR/AR=Augmented Reality |Type=AR Glasses |Subtype=Phone-Powered AR |Platform=Snapchat |Creator=Erick Miller (original Vergence Labs) |Developer=Snap Inc. |Manufacturer=Snap Inc. |Announcement Date=September 24, 2016 |Release Date=November 10, 2016 |Price=$129.99 |Website=https://www.spectacles.com/ |Versions=Coral, Teal, Black |Requires=iPhone or Android smartphone with Snapchat app |Predecessor= |Successor=..."

2025-05-24T13:10:51Z

Created page with "{{Device Infobox |image= |VR/AR=Augmented Reality |Type=AR Glasses |Subtype=Phone-Powered AR |Platform=Snapchat |Creator=Erick Miller (original Vergence Labs) |Developer=Snap Inc. |Manufacturer=Snap Inc. |Announcement Date=September 24, 2016 |Release Date=November 10, 2016 |Price=$129.99 |Website=https://www.spectacles.com/ |Versions=Coral, Teal, Black |Requires=iPhone or Android smartphone with Snapchat app |Predecessor= |Successor=..."

New page

{{Device Infobox
|image=
|VR/AR=[[Augmented Reality]]
|Type=[[AR Glasses]]
|Subtype=[[Phone-Powered AR]]
|Platform=[[Snapchat]]
|Creator=[[Erick Miller]] (original Vergence Labs)
|Developer=[[Snap Inc.]]
|Manufacturer=[[Snap Inc.]]
|Announcement Date=September 24, 2016
|Release Date=November 10, 2016
|Price=$129.99
|Website=https://www.spectacles.com/
|Versions=Coral, Teal, Black
|Requires=[[iPhone]] or [[Android]] smartphone with Snapchat app
|Predecessor=
|Successor=[[Snap Spectacles 2]]
|Operating System=
|Chipset=
|CPU=
|GPU=
|HPU=
|Storage=
|Memory=
|SD Card Slot=No
|Display=No display (camera only)
|Subpixel Layout=
|Peak Brightness=
|Resolution=1088 x 1088 (video)
|Refresh Rate=
|Pixel Density=
|Persistence=
|Precision=
|Field of View=115° (camera)
|Horizontal FoV=
|Vertical FoV=
|Visible FoV=
|Rendered FoV=
|Binocular Overlap=
|Average Pixel Density=
|Peak Pixel Density=
|Foveated Rendering=
|Optics=
|Ocularity=
|IPD Range=
|Adjustable Diopter=
|Passthrough=
|Tracking=
|Tracking Frequency=
|Base Stations=
|Eye Tracking=No
|Face Tracking=No
|Hand Tracking=No
|Body Tracking=No
|Rotational Tracking=
|Positional Tracking=
|Update Rate=
|Tracking Volume=
|Play Space=
|Latency=
|Audio=Built-in microphone
|Microphone=Yes
|3.5mm Audio Jack=No
|Camera=Single HD camera
|Connectivity=Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
|Ports=Proprietary charging pins
|Wired Video=No
|Wireless Video=Yes (via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi to smartphone)
|WiFi=Yes
|Bluetooth=Yes
|Power=Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
|Battery Capacity=
|Battery Life=Up to 70 videos per charge
|Charge Time=
|Dimensions=
|Weight=
|Material=Plastic frame
|Headstrap=N/A
|Haptics=No
|Color=Coral, Teal, Black
|Sensors=
|Input=Single button for recording
|Compliance=
|Size=
|Cable Length=
}}

__TOC__
==Introduction==

The '''Snap Spectacles''' (also known as '''Spectacles''' or '''Spectacles V1''') are [[smart glasses]] developed and released by [[Snap Inc.]] on November 10, 2016. These were the company's first hardware product and represented Snap's initial foray into wearable technology. The glasses feature a built-in camera that allows users to capture 10-second video clips from a first-person perspective, which can then be transferred to the [[Snapchat]] app for sharing.<ref name="wikipedia">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spectacles_(product)</ref>

Unlike previous attempts at smart glasses such as [[Google Glass]], Spectacles were designed to look like regular sunglasses, prioritizing fashion and social acceptability over technical capabilities. The glasses were initially distributed through proprietary vending machines called [[Snapbot]]s, creating artificial scarcity and generating significant media attention.<ref name="techradar">https://www.techradar.com/reviews/snap-spectacles</ref>

==Background and Development==

In December 2014, Snap Inc. (then Snapchat Inc.) acquired [[Vergence Labs]], the developers of [[Epiphany Eyewear]] smartglasses. Vergence Labs was founded by entrepreneur [[Erick Miller]] in 2011, before Google Glass was even announced. The company's small engineering team consisted of founder CEO Erick Miller, co-founder Jon Rodriguez, software engineer Peter Brook, and designer/mechanical engineer David Meisenholder.<ref name="wikipedia"></ref>

The acquisition brought Vergence's expertise in-house to develop a more refined eyewear product for Snapchat. In October 2015, a leaked online video showed an early version of the new glasses, dubbed "Spectacles." By mid-2016, news outlets reported that Snapchat was hiring engineers from [[Microsoft]], [[Nokia]], and [[Qualcomm]], with reporters speculating that the hires were to build the new glasses.<ref name="wikipedia"></ref>

==Release and Distribution==

The product was officially unveiled on September 24, 2016, and released on November 10, 2016. The glasses were initially sold exclusively through [[Snapbot]], a proprietary vending machine that first appeared near Snap's headquarters in Venice, Los Angeles. The Snapbot was then relocated to different locations across the United States for several months, including Big Sur, California.<ref name="wikipedia"></ref>

This unique distribution strategy created significant buzz and demand, with people queuing for over an hour to purchase a pair. The limited availability was intended to make the device more sought after, and initially, this strategy succeeded in generating excitement.<ref name="techradar2">https://www.techradar.com/reviews/snapchat-spectacles-2</ref>

Eventually, Spectacles became available for purchase online through Snap's website and later on Amazon for $129.99.<ref name="techradar"></ref>

==Hardware Specifications==

===Design===
The Spectacles were designed to resemble trendy sunglasses with round lenses inside a plastic frame. They were available in three colors:
* Coral
* Teal
* Black

The design philosophy prioritized fashion over technology, making them look like "fairly fashionable sunglasses with a camera, not a camera first that tries to be sunglasses second."<ref name="techradar"></ref>

===Camera and Recording===
* '''Camera''': Single HD camera with 115-degree field of view<ref name="techradar"></ref>
* '''Video Resolution''': 1088 x 1088 pixels (circular format)<ref name="wareable">https://www.wareable.com/wearable-tech/snapchat-snap-spectacles-2-release-date-specs-price-2018</ref>
* '''Recording Duration''': 10-second increments (can record up to 30 seconds total in three 10-second segments)<ref name="techradar"></ref>
* '''Format''': Circular video format designed to resemble human eye's field of view<ref name="golden">https://golden.com/wiki/Spectacles_by_Snapchat-8MY884</ref>

===Indicators and Controls===
* '''Recording Indicator''': Bright yellow ring around the camera lens and white LED lights that display while recording<ref name="techradar"></ref>
* '''Controls''': Single button press to start/stop recording

===Connectivity and Syncing===
* '''Bluetooth''': For pairing with smartphones
* '''Wi-Fi''': For HD video transfer
* '''Syncing Process''': Videos stored internally on glasses and individually uploaded to Snapchat's 'Memories' section<ref name="golden"></ref>

===Power and Battery===
* '''Battery''': Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery
* '''Battery Life''': Up to 70 videos per full charge<ref name="techradar"></ref>
* '''Charging''': Via proprietary charging case

==Software and App Integration==

Spectacles worked exclusively with the [[Snapchat]] app and required pairing via Bluetooth with users' Snapchat accounts. The syncing process involved:
1. Recording videos on the glasses
2. Videos stored internally on the device
3. Transfer to smartphone via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi
4. Videos appear in Snapchat Memories
5. Users can add text, stickers, geofilters, and other Snapchat editing tools
6. Share to Snapchat Story or export outside the app<ref name="techradar"></ref>

The glasses introduced a Snapchat-level learning curve for initiating Wi-Fi transfers and managing content.<ref name="techradar"></ref>

==Reception and Sales==

Despite initial buzz and excitement, Spectacles faced challenges:
* Less than half of owners used them after the first month<ref name="techcrunch">https://techcrunch.com/2018/04/26/snapchat-spectacles-2/</ref>
* Total sales reached approximately 220,000 pairs<ref name="wikipedia"></ref>
* In late 2017, Snapchat wrote off $40 million worth of unsold Spectacles inventory and unused parts<ref name="wikipedia"></ref>

The glasses were considered more successful than Google Glass in addressing privacy concerns, as they looked like normal sunglasses and the recording indicator was clearly visible.<ref name="techradar"></ref>

==Legacy==

The original Spectacles served as an important learning experience for Snap Inc. According to VP of hardware Mark Randall, "the true purpose of V1 was to get people comfortable wearing and being recorded by a face computer."<ref name="techcrunch"></ref>

CEO [[Evan Spiegel]] described his experience with an early prototype: "It was our first vacation, and we went to Big Sur for a day or two. We were walking through the woods, stepping over logs, looking up at the beautiful trees. And when I got the footage back and watched it, I could see my own memory, through my own eyes — it was unbelievable."<ref name="bolt">https://blog.bolt.io/the-evolution-of-snap-spectacles-pt-i-craft-reveals-conviction/</ref>

This first generation laid the groundwork for Snap's continued investment in AR glasses, leading to subsequent generations with improved features and eventually full AR capabilities.

==See Also==
* [[Snap Spectacles 2]]
* [[Snap Spectacles 3]]
* [[Snapchat]]
* [[Augmented Reality]]
* [[Smart Glasses]]

==References==
<references>
<ref name="wikipedia">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spectacles_(product)</ref>
<ref name="techradar">https://www.techradar.com/reviews/snap-spectacles</ref>
<ref name="techradar2">https://www.techradar.com/reviews/snapchat-spectacles-2</ref>
<ref name="wareable">https://www.wareable.com/wearable-tech/snapchat-snap-spectacles-2-release-date-specs-price-2018</ref>
<ref name="golden">https://golden.com/wiki/Spectacles_by_Snapchat-8MY884</ref>
<ref name="techcrunch">https://techcrunch.com/2018/04/26/snapchat-spectacles-2/</ref>
<ref name="bolt">https://blog.bolt.io/the-evolution-of-snap-spectacles-pt-i-craft-reveals-conviction/</ref>
</references>

[[Category:Augmented Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Smart Glasses]]
[[Category:Snap Inc.]]
[[Category:2016 in Technology]]