Evan Spiegel Discusses Snap's AR Spectacles and the Future of Smartphones

Snap's Vision for Augmented Reality

At Snap's annual summit in Los Angeles, cofounder and CEO Evan Spiegel unveiled a version of his vision for the future – augmented reality (AR) spectacles. This new computing revolution, he argues, is set to surpass the smartphone era, offering capabilities screens simply cannot provide.

Reimagining Human Interaction

Spiegel outlined that the future of computing must focus on real-world interactions. He stated, "People are frustrated by the amount of time they spend on screens, which often distracts them from their friends and reality." The AR spectacles aim to enhance communication without the constraints of traditional devices.

Complementing Smartphones

While Spiegel acknowledges that AR glasses may not replace smartphones, he believes they will serve as a true complement. This integration allows seamless interaction between devices, enhancing the user experience through features like spectator mode and hands-free content viewing.

The Role of News in AR

In a discussion on Snapchat’s relevance, Spiegel highlighted the importance of a vibrant news ecosystem. He emphasized efforts to support publishers and foster accessible news for the younger generation on Snapchat.

Growth in India

India plays a crucial role in Snap's future, as Spiegel noted the creativity and engagement of the Indian Snapchat community. With over 200 million users in India, he sees significant potential for growth fueled by local creators.