Snapchat launched the third generation of its smart spectacles (Spectacles 3) to allow you to record videos, take pictures, apply new 3D effects on them and then publish this content on (Snapchat) Snapchat, or other social networks.
Unlike the previous two versions of Spectacles, the third generation Spectacles 3 offers improved augmented reality and new 3D features with the help of a new depth sensor. Thanks to this technology you can capture images and convert them to 3D images and GIF animations.
Spectacles 3 is available exclusively on the Snap online store, and although it comes with a stunning new design, it is priced much higher at $ 380 instead of $ 150 or $ 200 for the previous two versions respectively.
“The changes in Spectacles 3 are suitable for the target audience: fashion enthusiasts and content creators who enjoy new creative tools,” says Snap Lab's Matt Hanover. Perhaps this is a smart way for the company to avoid eliminating previous versions of the glasses that are still on offer, allowing the company to sell each issue at a different price to compensate as much of its investment in this project.
According to a report released by The Information on Monday, Snapchat is already working on a fourth version of Spectacles that will support augmented reality, allowing users to view their creations directly through the glasses themselves, rather than the phone.
Here's everything you need to know about the new Snapchat Spectacles 3:
Design:
Spectacles 3 comes in metal rather than plastic design in some previous versions and looks more elegant and valuable than before, but it is not as luxurious as similar-priced sunglasses made by fashion brands.
It's very easy to connect it to your phone, all you have to do is add it inside the Snapchat app and in just a few minutes you can start recording, there are two buttons on either side of the frame that you can click to record video, or take 3D photos.
Alongside the design, you'll find a new depth sensor to help glasses identify where trees, rocks, people, and other objects are located, giving 3D imagery a new depth of person, by leaning the image to the side to see more.
Glasses are like ordinary sunglasses, with two cameras on them and a metal band up between them, which can be considered a negative point in the design, but you need to make sure that the cameras are on the same line to capture the same scene.
Performance:
Images are stored at 1728 x 1728 pixels, and record videos at 60 fps at 1216 x 1216 pixels. There are also four microphones built into Spectacles 3 for the sound quality of your videos.
You can capture 70 videos or more than 200 photos in a single charge, and up to 4GB of storage can save up to 100 videos, or 1,200 images, enough to record most outdoor activities throughout the day.
You don't have to do anything different when you are recording, like previous versions, all you have to do is press the button on the side of the frame to record 10-second clips with sound, or press and hold to take pictures. You can extend video recording intervals up to 60 seconds at a time by pressing the button in quick succession.
There's an LED that lights up to let others know you're recording, there's an LED indicator inside so you know when you're shooting, and you can adjust it and change colors so you get an alert when others send you shots.
You may want to record in a field with trees or other objects if you want to show the effects of balloons on objects. Another filter changes the whole world to appear to be covered in rainbow colors, with some colors applied to nearby and distant objects.
All this means that your shots will look more fun.Instead of just installing stickers and other things, you can apply some new filters to things around you instantly. Snapchat developers can create new filters, which means there will always be more attempts, like the way Snapchat currently works.
You can apply effects after recording a video, by opening the Snapchat app, opening your captured videos, pressing the menu button, and then clicking the "Edit" option. Snapchat will recognize it as a 3D video, and will allow you to choose from six AR filters.If you take a 3D image, just click the 3D button to apply the effect. You must have a Wi-Fi or cellular connection to apply filters, depending on signal strength, this may take some time.
Battery and Charging:
To recharge Spectacles 3 you can put it in an attractive foldable leather case - the stylish pouch may actually be the best part in this version - full charging takes 75 minutes, with a USB-C cable that comes with it.
Spectacles 3 also comes with a Google Cardboard virtual reality viewer that lets you restore moments you've captured as if you were in the same capture location.
You can enter your phone and then look at holograms through the viewfinder. You can also upload videos to YouTube VR180 so anyone with VR glasses can watch them.