Snap OS Launch: Empowering the Future of Spectacles AR Glasses
Snap OS: A Game-Changer for Spectacles AR Glasses
Snap Inc chief executive Evan Spiegel believes that augmented reality (AR) hardware will be the next major computing platform. He hopes that the social media firm's early advances with this emerging technology will give it an advantage over rivals such as Meta, Google, and Apple.
Unveiling Snap OS at the Partner Summit
At Snap's annual Partner Summit on September 18, Spiegel unveiled a brand new operating system called Snap OS that is purpose-built to power its fifth generation of Spectacles AR glasses and future hardware.
- The new operating system features a natural interface that uses the person's hands and voice.
- The main menu is in the palm of their hand, with no controllers needed.
Spiegel stated, “Snap’s Spatial Engine understands the world around you, powering immersive Lens experiences that integrate into your natural environment. An astounding 13 millisecond motion-to-photon latency renders Lenses with incredible accuracy.”
Inviting Developers to Build on Snap OS
Spiegel also made an enthusiastic pitch to developers, aiming to attract them to build software for the new platform, declaring his goal of becoming the “most developer-friendly platform in the world.”
- Snap is optimising the end-to-end experience of developing Lenses.
- Developer tools are provided via the newly rebuilt Lens Studio 5.0.
Additionally, Snap is partnering with ChatGPT maker OpenAI to provide developers access to multimodal large language models.
However, developers face an initial hurdle with the significant upfront cost for entry into the Spectacles Developer Program.
The Competitive Landscape of AR Technology
This announcement comes as Meta showcases its AR glasses and Google collaborates on mixed reality smart glasses with various industry players.
Spiegel emphasizes the need for AR glasses over VR headsets, stating that “VR headsets are like sticking a laptop to your face.” He believes AR offers a more human-centered experience.
In tandem with these developments, Snap also introduced a simplified Snapchat app and a suite of generative artificial intelligence (AI) features to enhance user engagement.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.