Snap prepares market launch of Specs AR glasses with new operating system

Contents

While Meta is still in the prototype stage with Project Orion, Snap is already positioning itself as a provider of functional AR glasses. The current developer version, Spectacles 5, is primarily intended to create a mature basis for the "Snap Specs" that will be released next year. These are to be established as AR glasses suitable for everyday use for end consumers – with an open developer platform, AI integration and its own software base.

Snap is already working on important features for the Specs in the background, and is now launching a revised version of its operating system. Snap OS 2.0 introduces new interfaces, functions, and content that can be used directly on the glasses and without a smartphone connection.

New browser, Snapchat features and travel mode

Snap OS 2.0 introduces a redesigned user interface with a focus on voice and gesture control. The new browser has a minimalist design and is designed to be more energy-efficient and faster. Websites can be opened using hand gestures or voice commands, favourite websites can be saved as widgets on the home screen, and the integrated WebXR support makes it possible to launch AR experiences directly from the browser.

Bild 1 von 4

SnapOS 2.0 (4 Bilder)

With the new "Spotlight" lens, Snapchat content such as videos and comments can be displayed over a large area in the field of vision. It floats freely in the room and can either be anchored or moved with a hand gesture. The "Gallery" lens, which is also new, shows saved photos and videos in a scrollable overview. From there, content can be shared directly as a Snapchat story.

Future Specs owners who are often on the move will be particularly pleased with the "Travel Mode". This should ensure that the lenses remain stable even when in motion. Snap showed us a car journey as an example. As soon as the user gets in, the glasses automatically recognize that they are in a vehicle and anchor the content to the dashboard if desired. This prevents the user from moving away from the digital display while driving. This should also work in aeroplanes or trains.

New lenses and AI expand functionality

With OS 2.0, Snap continues to rely on an open lens ecosystem. In addition to its own Lenses, there are now numerous applications from international studios that are designed to offer real added value in everyday life. "NavigatAR" from Utopia Labs, for example, navigates users by displaying digital signposts or maps in their field of vision. "Cookmate" from Hamburg-based studio Headraft recognizes food in your own fridge, suggests recipes based on it and provides support with cooking instructions. The well-known VR rhythm game "Synth Riders" is also set to be released soon as an adapted AR version with gesture control for Spectacles.

Multimodal AI models will also be an important factor for the Spectacles. Although the company is not expected to offer a proprietary AI assistant, developers will be able to integrate existing AI models into their Lenses and use them for real-time translation or to recognize objects in the field of vision, for example. Applications such as "Cookmate" or the image recognition and translation lens "Super Travel" already use these interfaces.

AR suitable for everyday use in 2026: an ambitious goal

It remains to be seen whether the software, hardware, and content of the specs will be fully developed for the planned launch next year. Despite functional advances and well-thought-out innovations in the operating system, the current Spectacles hardware is still struggling with teething problems. For example, hand gesture control works well, but not always perfectly, and not every application runs smoothly and stably.

For example, the AI real-time translation is supposed to immediately add subtitles to spoken words. In the demonstration, however, speech recognition did not work or only with considerable latency. On the other hand, the image recognition was convincing, recognizing and labelling several objects on a large table or identifying and displaying the locker with the correct number on request. The form factor of the upcoming specs is also an important issue. At 226 grams, the current developer generation is still too heavy, and its bulky design quickly leads to painful pressure points on the ear and nose. Snap has confirmed a more compact design for the next device, but has not yet commented on the final design.

The importance of publishing the specs for the company is also reflected in Snap CEO Evan Spiegel's recently published open letter. The next generation of AR glasses is not just a new product, but crucial for the future of the company. After disappointing advertising revenue in the second quarter of 2025 – growth fell to four percent – Spiegel sees the next phase as a "crucible moment", i.e. a test of endurance that points beyond Snap Inc.

(joe)