Snap Spectacles Get GPS and Hand Tracking - New Features

Snap Enhances Spectacles with New Features

Just six months after the release of the fifth-generation Spectacles, Snap is already introducing enhancements to its augmented reality (AR) glasses designed for developers.

The company announced on Monday the launch of new capabilities for creating Spectacles-focused Lenses. These include access to GPS data and advanced hand-tracking features.

Expanded Lens Capabilities

Developers can now leverage GPS, GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), compass headings, and custom locations within their Lenses. This allows for the creation of location-aware AR experiences.

The primary focus of this update is to significantly improve location-based interactions on the Spectacles platform.

Real-World Applications

Snap highlighted several examples demonstrating the potential of these new features. One such example is NavigatAR, developed by Utopia Labs.

NavigatAR utilizes Snap Map Tiles to guide users with visually prominent glowing arrows, assisting them in navigating to their desired destinations.

Additional Platform Features

Beyond location services, Spectacles now boasts improved hand-tracking. This allows the glasses to recognize grab gestures and detect when a user is holding a phone.

Developers can also readily integrate leaderboards into their Lenses, fostering competitive experiences.

Furthermore, a new AR keyboard has been added to the platform’s toolkit.

Accessibility and Competition

Currently, access to Spectacles is limited to participants in Snap’s developer program, which requires a $99 monthly subscription.

However, Snap has recently introduced a 50% discount for students and educators. This move suggests a broader strategy to democratize access to AR experiences.

This initiative also positions Snap to compete with major technology companies like Apple, Google, and Meta in the AR space.

Spectacles Community Challenges

Snap has announced a series of challenges, the “Spectacles Community Challenges,” starting April 1.

These challenges will award a total of $20,000 each month to the developers of the top 10 Lenses created by Spectacles owners.

This program is designed to incentivize innovation and expand the library of available AR experiences.