Snapchat follows up on its AR glasses dream with new pair

Sticking their goal of tech-augmented eyesight, the makers of the popular photo app Snapchat have launched their latest pair of glasses that can superimpose digital objects into real environments.

The new generation of "Spectacles" with transparent lenses offers better display quality and faster response times. Like the previous 2021 model, however, they will not be sold to consumers for the time being, but will only be rented out to developers.

Augmented reality (AR) uses projectors and fibre optics to superimpose digital content into the user's field of vision while they are wearing glasses with transparent lenses.

Apple and the Facebook group Meta are among those working on the technology. However, this form of AR is not yet matured enough to allow a long battery life.

The new "Spectacles" can run continuously for up to 45 minutes, making them impractical in everyday life, which is why Apple and Meta have so far mainly been developing VR headsets with displays in front of the user's eyes.

The devices can act as if they are transparent, however, by using cameras on the outside to show a live feed of your surroundings on the screens.

The co-founder and chief executive of Snapchat operator Snap, Evan Spiegel, said at the unveiling of his new glasses in Los Angeles that it is much more natural to look at the world through transparent lenses. He is sticking with the costly project, even though Snapchat is annoying investors with slowing growth.