The next stage of digital connection is on the horizon, with Snap and Meta gearing up to unveil their latest AR glasses. Snap CEO Evan Spiegel is expected to reveal the fifth generation of Spectacles at the Partner Summit in Los Angeles on September 17th. This move indicates that Snap is still committed to AR development, despite recent cost-cutting measures that may have raised doubts about its capabilities in this area. While Snap has been working on prototypes of its AR glasses with selected developers for some time, the company’s progress has been overshadowed by Meta and Apple’s advancements in the AR space.
Meta, on the other hand, has been rumored to be working on its own AR glasses, code-named Orion. The company is set to debut these glasses at the Connect conference in Menlo Park on September 25th. Meta’s partnership with EssilorLuxiottica has enabled it to produce consumer-friendly digital glasses that have been well-received in the market. Demand for Meta’s Ray Ban Meta Smart Glasses has exceeded production capacity, paving the way for the distribution of its next-gen glasses. Meta’s focus on consumer-friendly design and functionality could give it an edge over Snap in the AR glasses race.
Both Snap and Meta have been investing significant resources in developing their AR projects. Snap initially led the way with its Spectacles in 2016, but has since been playing catch-up to the likes of Meta and Apple. While Snap’s current Spectacles allow users to record video, they lack AR overlay capabilities. However, Snap has been working towards incorporating AR features since 2017 with the introduction of “World Lenses” that transform real-world scenes. With Apple’s VisionPro and Meta’s AR advancements gaining momentum, Snap faces stiff competition in the AR market. Despite its limited capacity compared to tech giants like Apple and Meta, Snap’s focus on AR experiences and distribution pathways could give it a fighting chance in the long run.
As the commercial AR landscape evolves, the role of AR glasses in reshaping how people interact with the world and how brands engage with consumers cannot be overstated. Snap’s potential partnership with Apple on consumer AR products could further bolster its position in the market. The imminent reveal of AR glasses from Snap and Meta could signal a new trend in AR technology, ushering in a wave of innovative possibilities for users and businesses alike. While the hype around generative AI has dominated the tech discourse in recent years, the rise of AR glasses could mark a new era of digital interaction and engagement.
The upcoming showcase of AR glasses from Snap and Meta promises to be a pivotal moment in the evolution of digital connectivity. With both companies vying for a slice of the AR market, innovation and competition are driving forces behind their respective developments. As the AR landscape continues to evolve, the impact of AR glasses on consumer experiences and brand engagement will be closely watched. Stay tuned for more updates on Snap and Meta’s AR glasses as they unveil their latest innovations in the coming months.
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