Snap's AR Glasses Venture, Specs, Gets a Boost from Qualcomm
Snap has announced a major partnership with Qualcomm to power its AR glasses venture, Specs. The collaboration will bring advanced features and performance to the wearable device, which is set to release later this year.
Snap's AR glasses, dubbed Specs, have been in development for over a decade. The company spun off a new subsidiary, Specs, to focus on the business venture earlier this year. However, the project faced a setback in February when Snap parted ways with its SVP of Specs, Scott Myers, due to a reported "blow-up" between himself and Snap CEO Evan Spiegel.
The newly announced partnership with Qualcomm shows signs of life for the project. Specs will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon XR platforms, which are designed to power augmented and virtual reality devices. The two companies will develop "on-device AI, cutting-edge graphics, and advanced multiuser digital experiences" as part of a multi-year strategic agreement.
"Our work with Qualcomm provides a strong foundation for the future of Specs, bringing developers and consumers advanced technology and performance that pushes the boundaries of what's possible," Spiegel said.
The partnership is a significant development for Snap's AR glasses venture. The company has been teasing the release of the glasses for a long time, and the partnership with Qualcomm brings the project one step closer to reality. With advanced technology and performance, Specs is poised to make a significant impact in the AR market.
Key Takeaways
- Snap has partnered with Qualcomm to power its AR glasses venture, Specs.
- The collaboration will bring advanced features and performance to the wearable device.
- Specs will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon XR platforms.
Timeline
- Snap began developing the product over a decade ago.
- The last consumer-facing version of the glasses was released in 2019.
- Since 2024, the glasses have been a developer-only product.
What's Next?
The release of Specs is expected later this year. With the partnership with Qualcomm, the wearable device is poised to make a significant impact in the AR market. Stay tuned for further updates on this exciting development.