Snap, Inc. (parent of SnapChat) refers to itself as a "camera company", its goal, "to reinvent the camera." To this end, Snap is launching video-enabled sunglasses, called Spectacles, available in the U.S. starting this Monday.The glasses cost $130 and are designed to capture and upload 10-second videos to SnapChat. The videos are in a circular format vs. the normal rectangle dimensions of camera pictures. Spectacles have been previously sold in selected cities via SnapChat vending machines and at a pop-up store in Manhattan. The limited introduction was to gauge consumer demand and afford a proof of concept.
Starting Monday, the glasses can be purchased at www.Spectacles.com in either black, teal, or coral. The pop-up store has now been closed but the bright yellow vending machines will continue to appear in "surprising locations throughout the country."
SnapChat has about 70 million daily users so even if just a small portion opt to purchase Spectacles it would equate to major, new revenue for Snap. Thus far, wearable web-based devices have not been very successful with consumers - i.e. the recent withdrawal of Google Glass from the marketplace. but Snap thinks they have a winner with Spectacles.
Spectacles connect directly to the SnapChat app on smartphones via Bluetooth or WiFi and capture the short videos with a 115-degree field-of-view. The glasses charge-up in the included case and are good for one-full day of Snapping.
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