Snap Inc.’s AR Spectacles are finally set to hit the market in 2026, promising a more capable and smaller design compared to its predecessors. CEO Evan Spiegel discussed the upcoming glasses with us, highlighting improvements in battery life, AI capabilities, and multiplayer games.
The new AR glasses will feature a more compact design, better battery life, and enhanced AI features, including support for Google’s Gemini AI. They will also include built-in hand tracking via cameras, allowing users to control the OS using gestures. However, they are not designed for everyday wear, but rather for enabling true computing experiences.
One of the new AR tools announced by Snap is “spatial intelligence,” which uses onboard AI services to scan and analyze the user’s surroundings. This technology could enable large language model AI to provide interactive guidance and assistance in the real world.
Snap’s focus on multiplayer games is also a key aspect of its pitch for the upcoming glasses. The company promises to bring collaborative AR experiences to a larger audience, with features like collaborative Lego brick-building and outdoor virtual laser tag. The glasses will be designed to work without needing a phone, but users can still connect them to their devices using various services.
The release of Snap’s AR glasses is expected to coincide with real-world installations and demos. The company plans to make experiential demo opportunities available in various locations, including museums, art exhibits, pop-up events, and theme parks. This will allow potential customers to try the glasses before purchasing them, providing a hands-on experience that can showcase their capabilities.
Snap’s CEO emphasizes the importance of balancing the power of AI with user privacy concerns. The company is working to architect its system in a way that developers and users can access the full power of AI without compromising on security.
Overall, Snap’s AR glasses promise to revolutionize the way we interact with technology in the real world. With their enhanced AI capabilities, compact design, and focus on multiplayer games, they are poised to bring a new level of excitement and engagement to the AR industry.
Source: https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/snaps-ceo-told-me-about-their-new-ar-glasses-coming-in-2026