Six months after unveiling its fifth-generation Spectacles and the second iteration having AR capabilities, Snap has unveiled new features and functionality. Lenses — what Snap calls the Spectacles’ numerous AR effects — may now leverage GPS data for basic navigation, multiplayer gaming, and other experiences. There’s also enhanced hand tracking, along with an AR keyboard that enables for text typing without bringing out a connected smartphone.
Lenses may now incorporate location data, including GPS, GNSS, and even compass headings. As part of today’s presentation, Snap shared samples of Lenses leveraging the new features, including Utopia Labs’ NavigatAR, which creates arrows pointing in the direction users should be travelling en route to a given destination. Another lens, Path Pioneer, allows developers to design AR walking courses with waypoints that direct visitors along a certain path, which might be helpful for city walking tours or museums and art galleries.
Niantic has also upgraded its Peridot Beyond game with multiplayer options made possible with access to location data. Users can see and interact with AR versions of their own Dot characters as well as their friends’ Dot characters in the same session. Developers will also now be able to add leaderboards to AR games to help pull players back to set a new high score.
The Spectacles’ new AR keyboard offers a “full and numeric layout” and takes advantage of advancements that Snap has made to hand tracking to better targeting intent while lowering false positives while typing. There’s also a new grab motion that can be utilised in Lens experiences, and hand tracking now understands when you’re holding your smartphone.
Unfortunately, what Snap didn’t unveil is a version of its AR Spectacles for mainstream users. The fifth-gen Spectacles, having a limited 45 minutes of battery life, are still only available to developers who have to ask for access through the company’s Lens Studio desktop tool. Pricing is still $99 per month, and you have to commit to renting them for at least a year.
