Snapchat co-founder Evan Spiegel has been trying to display digital content in glasses with transparent lenses for years. Now he is introducing a new generation of the devices.
network/dpa
17.09.2024 – 21:50
The makers of the popular photo app Snapchat have released the next pair of glasses that can overlay digital objects into real environments. The new generation of “Spectacles” with transparent lenses offers better display quality and faster response times. Like the previous 2021 model, however, it will not be sold to consumers for the time being, but will only be rented to developers.
In so-called “augmented reality” (AR), digital content is projected into the user’s field of vision using projectors and light guides while they wear glasses with transparent lenses. Apple and the Facebook group Meta are also working on the technology. But the technology is not yet advanced enough to ensure a long battery life. The new “spectacles” can run continuously for up to 45 minutes. That might still be too little for everyday use.
Costly project
Apple and Meta have therefore been developing VR glasses that allow users to see displays in front of their eyes. The devices have cameras on the outside that can record the environment and transmit it to the screens.
The co-founder and CEO of Snapchat operator Snap, Evan Spiegel, emphasized at the presentation of his new glasses in Los Angeles that it is much more natural to look at the world through transparent lenses. He is sticking with the costly project, although Snapchat is angering investors with weakened growth.
