Snapchat, the popular ephemeral messaging app, has been working on glasses with embedded cameras in them. This poorly kept secret spilled all over the internet when Business Insider was tipped to a YouTube video showing a device called Spectacles.
The now deleted video shows a pair of sunglasses with a camera near the edge of the bands. There’s a flash that turns on when you start recording, to help show everyone around you that you’re filming. It’s a small piece, but it’ll help people quell their fears of being filmed discreetly in public; a problem Google Glass encountered.
The video seems to be an ad for Spectacles by Snap Inc, which could be Snapchat’s branding to keep some distance from this project. There are a lot of rumors Snapchat could release these glasses to the public in the coming weeks, but there isn’t any word on pricing or additional features.
We’ll keep a close eye on the story 😉 Overall; the idea will help make Snapchat a little easier to use. It’ll keep you involved in what’s going on around you, and prevent you from peering through your phone to see the action. While I don’t think I’d wear these everywhere I go, I’d be interested in giving them a try from time to time.
Update 11:55 pm CST: The Spectacles have been confirmed by Snapchat. They’re going to be sold this fall for $130, which seems like a steal! Not only that but Snapchat as a company is rebranding to Snap Inc as they extend beyond the virtual world.
Features on the Spectacles:
- 115-degree lens
- will record circular video
- go on sale this fall
The glasses will focus on first person point of view, so you can recall the events based on how you saw it. The 115-degree lens reflects a similar view as humans see, and the circular video is trying to mimic that too. All-in-all, I’m throwing my money at the screen. While they’ll market the glasses as a toy, they’ll be a net accessory to use with Snapchat.