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What are Snapchat Spectacles?
Snapchat Spectacles are one-size-fits-all sunglasses with built-in always-on cameras. They are available in Coral, Teal or Black. Snapchat says they operate like any other sunglasses, and the lenses are not polarised. Also note that Spectacles are not waterproof, so don’t take them swimming! By pressing a button on the front of the glasses you can record a 10-second stream of what you see with a 115-degree field of view; a second press will capture a 30-second stream. A ring of LEDs around the camera will let those around you know you are recording. The resulting circular video streams are transferred wirelessly to Memories on Snapchat – using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth on an iPhone 5 or later running iOS 8+, and Wi-Fi on an Android 4.3+ device with BLE and Wi-Fi Direct. Note that you do not need to have your phone handy to use Spectacles – they will sync next time you open Memories in the Snapchat app. The Spectacles have a built-in battery that is recharged when they are stored in their case, with the LED ring again lighting up to indicate charging is in progress. A fully charged case should recharge Snapchat Spectacles four times. Once charged the Snapchat Spectacles should last for around 100 10-second videos. Evan Spiegel, Snapchat’s CEO, says they are intended as a toy and a bit of fun, but may help stop the social network’s users holding their phones “like a wall in front of their faces”.
How much are Snapchat Spectacles?
Snapchat’s Spectacles are now on sale in the UK for a cool £129.99. Click here to view them. They come with a one-year limited warranty, and a 30-day money back guarantee. The price also includes a charging case and cable.
Can you buy them from shops?
You can buy Snapchat Spectacles from a Snapbot, which is a Snap branded vending machine. The only one in the UK is at the London Eye. If you are elsewhere in Europe, click here to see if there’s a vending machine near you. It’s also worth noting that Snap Inc. is currently working on the Snapchat Spectacles 2 that could be released this year.
Marie is Editor in Chief of Tech Advisor and Macworld. A Journalism graduate from the London College of Printing, she’s worked in tech media for more than 17 years, managing our English language, French and Spanish consumer editorial teams and leading on content strategy through Foundry’s transition from print, to digital, to online - and beyond.
