Snapchat, now renamed Snap Inc., is launching its own line of glasses called Spectacles which record video. Starting this fall, you’ll no longer have to awkwardly hold your phone to record a video.
Spectacles look like ordinary sunglasses, but they can record 10 second video clips with a push of a button and a day’s worth of memories on a single charge. Using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, the recorded videos sync directly with the app, and you’ll be able to edit and add filters before posting.
Snap Inc. is rebranding itself as a camera company. Its website states, “We believe that reinventing the camera represents our greatest opportunity to improve the way people live and communicate.”
How are Spectacles different from a camera phone? Why would people want to spend $130 on a camera that is only usable with one app? Aside from leaving your hands free to do other things, it’s not ordinary video. The glasses record video in a circular format with a 115 degree field of view which closely resembles your natural field of vision. The videos will also be full screen on any device no matter which way you’re holding your device.
Spectacles are available in three colors: black, coral and teal. When they’re not resting atop your head, set them in their case to charge.
The camera lenses are near the top of the glasses and are surrounded by a ring of lights which illuminate when recording. At least now you’ll be able to tell if your friends are covertly recording you.
Spectacles will start being sold this fall and will be available in limited distribution. Let’s see if Spectacles are more than novelty and if they fare better than Google Glass.
Check out the introduction video below and see if they’re worth adding to your holiday wish list.
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