It seems like Snap can’t give up its obsession with techy camera glasses. Its previous edition of camera-enabled shades was functionally better but not revolutionary.
Now, the social service has announced a new version of its Spectacles called the Spectacles 3 for recording social media moments on the go. This time, users can capture photos and videos in 3D.
The Snapchat Spectacles 3 glasses include dual HD cameras—one on each side of the frame—to capture scenes in 3D. The third-gen Spectacles can record HD video at 60 FPS, which can then be transferred to your phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, where it can be edited and posted to Snapchat. It all seems like a bit too much of a hassle when someone could hold their phone up to get a point-of-view-angled shot.
The dual cameras allow for the recording of 3D stereoscopic footage featuring a subtle depth effect. Snap claims that quad mics on the Spectacles capture significantly better audio. With the latest version of its wearable, Snap is also offering the possibility of augmented reality enhancement.
With Spectacles 3, you can add a 3D filter to your walking, take a pseudo-3D stall shot of your friends, and add a 3D lens effect to the bike ride. The cameras light up when recording as a privacy feature, so you won’t be able to record someone standing before you without them knowing about it.
The glasses also come with 4GB of onboard storage, capable of holding around 100 videos or 1,200 photos. Additionally, they feature a battery that can capture 70 videos and more than 200 photos on a charge, reports The Verge. You can only record video for up to a minute of continuous video at a time, which is an improvement over the 10 seconds from before.
Meanwhile, the frame has been upgraded to lightweight, high-strength stainless steel and is available in two color choices: carbon (black) and mineral (a sandy shade). Besides, the leather charging case can hold up to four Spectacles charges to keep your snapping going and folds flat when you’re not using it.
Unlike the previous edition, the new Spectacles aren’t waterproof. So while you can take it to the beach, just make sure you don’t take them for a dip. The company says Spectacle 3 is a much more limited edition than before.
Introducing the Fifth Generation Snap Spectacles: Augmented Reality Redefined
Well, the new shades are certainly unique and look good, but they come with a serious price tag. The new glasses are priced at $380—more than twice as expensive as the original Spectacles (which went for $150)—and will go on sale on Spectacles.com starting November this year.
