Snapchat creator Snap today released a new version of its Spectacles glasses.
The second-generation Spectacles add several new features and enhancements to the company’s first wearable camera.
To start, they’re more compact than their predecessor, featuring a temple frame that is approximately a third of the size of the one found on the original Spectacles. Similarly, the included charging case is 20 percent smaller.
The new Spectacles are also IPx7 water-resistant, allowing users to capture underwater images and video at a depth of 1 metre for about 30 minutes at a time.
Snap has also added a second microphone, which the company says should help increase overall audio capture quality, particularly when it comes to capturing dialogue.
Additionally, the company has improved the device’s capture capabilities. In addition to only capturing video in high definition now, the new Spectacles can also shot photos. To capture a photo, users hold the top button for a second. Moreover, Wi-Fi transfer speeds are four times faster, according to the company.
Lastly, the new Spectacles are available in three new colours — onyx, ruby and sapphire. With each colour option, consumers can pick between two different lens colours.
The second-generation Spectacles are available to purchase in Canada starting today via company’s website. All those new features come at a higher cost, with the second-generation Spectacles priced at $199.99 CAD, $30 more than the original Spectacles.
Following the $40 USD million write down the company took on the original Spectacles, Snap says it learned some valuable business-related lessons. This time around, the company plans to only sell its new hardware only via its online store.
A spokesperson for the company said Snapbots, the Minions-like vending machines the company used to sell the original Spectacles, helped build hype for its first hardware product but ultimately made it difficult for Snap to accurately judge demand. The company also says it’s committed to making its own hardware because that will allow it to play a leadership role in the future of camera technology.
Source: Snap
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