Snap unveils first developer-created lenses for new spectacles AR glasses

On October 17, 2024, Snap announced the first wave of augmented reality (AR) lenses created by its developer community for the newly released fifth-generation Spectacles. This revelation comes just two days after today's date, highlighting the rapid progress made by developers since the device's introduction at the annual Snap Partner Summit last month.

Spectacles' New Developer Program Sparks Innovation

According to Snap, the company distributed the latest Spectacles and developer program subscriptions to a select group of Lens developers, creators, and enthusiasts during Lens Fest, which followed the Snap Partner Summit. In a matter of weeks, these developers have produced a diverse array of AR experiences that demonstrate the potential of the new Spectacles and its operating system, Snap OS.

Spotlight on Developer-Created Lenses

Origami: Bridging Architecture and Paper Art

Inna Sparrow, an architect by profession, created an Origami lens that guides users through the intricate art of paper folding. Sparrow explained the motivation behind the lens: "Origami is a mysterious paper art, and I love the idea of creating volumetric shapes out of flat pieces of paper as it resonates with my profession as an architect." The developer highlighted how Spectacles' hand-based operating system complements the hands-on nature of origami, making it an ideal platform for this application.

Calligraphy: Mastering the Art of Beautiful Writing

Developer Vova Kurbatov designed a Calligraphy lens to help users improve their handwriting skills. Kurbatov praised the Lens Studio's ease of use, stating, "Lens Studio feels so effortless and lightweight that it can be used to build pretty much any AR experience for the new Spectacles." The developer noted that previous attempts to create a calligraphy tool on other platforms had fallen short, but Spectacles' features allowed for a successful implementation.

Pool Assist: Enhancing Recreational Activities

Studio ANRK developed the Pool Assist lens, which aims to improve users' pool playing skills in real-time. The studio's representative commented on the rapid prototyping capabilities of the Spectacles platform: "Building for Spectacles has been delightful, especially as a rapid prototyper. The platform makes it incredibly easy to get up and running, allowing us to quickly bring our creative ideas to life, iterate, and then develop more in depth."

Emergensee: AR for Emergency Response Training

Team ZapChat, winners of the 2024 Lensathon, created Emergensee, an AR experience designed to teach proper use of epinephrine injectors (EpiPens). The team cited a statistic that only 16% of EpiPen users can demonstrate correct usage, emphasizing the potential impact of their AR training tool. "We want to use augmented reality and Spectacles to empower anyone to confidently handle these tools," the team stated.

RPG: Blending Nostalgia with Fitness

Developer Aidan Wolf created an RPG (Role-Playing Game) lens that combines childhood imagination with fitness tracking. Wolf explained, "RPG is inspired by childhood adventures with my brothers and sister, where a stick in hand and a little imagination could turn the forest into a realm of magic and monsters." The lens incorporates a step counter, merging fantasy elements with real-world activity.

Technical capabilities of Spectacles and Snap OS

While specific technical details of the new Spectacles and Snap OS were not provided in the announcement, the range of applications developed suggests significant advancements in AR capabilities. The lenses demonstrate:

1. Advanced hand tracking for interactions (Origami, Calligraphy)
2. Real-time object recognition and tracking (Pool Assist)
3. Spatial awareness and mapping (RPG)
4. Integration with motion sensors for fitness tracking (RPG)
5. Ability to overlay complex instructional content (Emergensee)

Developer reactions and platform potential

Developers consistently praised the ease of use and rapid prototyping capabilities of the Spectacles platform. Vova Kurbatov noted the "slim but cohesive form factor with the right feature set," while Studio ANRK highlighted how quickly they could "bring our creative ideas to life."

The diverse range of applications created in a short time frame indicates the platform's versatility. From educational tools to entertainment and fitness applications, developers have demonstrated the potential for Spectacles to enhance various aspects of daily life.

Joining the Spectacles developer program

Snap encourages interested developers to join the Spectacles Developer Program.

Key Facts

• Announcement date: October 17, 2024
• Fifth-generation Spectacles introduced at Snap Partner Summit in September 2024
• New operating system: Snap OS
• Developer program launched at Lens Fest, following the Snap Partner Summit
• Five highlighted lenses: Origami, Calligraphy, Pool Assist, Emergensee, and RPG
• Lensathon 2024 winner: Team ZapChat with Emergensee lens
• Only 16% of EpiPen users can demonstrate correct usage (cited by Team ZapChat)