Snapchat tries AGAIN with ‘camera sunglasses’ – debuting £330 3rd-gen ‘designer shades’ that film HD video
SNAPCHAT has released a third version of its camera-toting “Spectacles” sunglasses – now with HD video recording.
The glasses have been re-released with a new “designer” look and a higher £330 price tag to go with it.
Snapchat first debuted its quirky Spectacles glasses back in November 2016, charging just £130.
Then in 2018, Snapchat showed off a new pair of waterproof Spectacles, with a slightly improved design and a £150 price.
But the snap-happy goggles have largely failed, with Snapchat even admitting that the specs haven’t “generated significant revenue”.
Now there’s a third pair of Snapchat that are set to launch in Autumn 2019.
The gadget has a sleeker and slimmer look, with attractive rounded lenses and 3D cameras built into the frame.
To take photos or videos, simply tap the button on the specs – and then manually transfer them to the Snapchat app.
This time around, there are dual HD cameras which promise to capture depth.
Now users can use this 3D footage to add cool augmented reality effects to photos or video – just like you can with dual-lens smartphones.
Snapchat’s smart specs will be available in Rose Gold Mineral and Black Carbon colour options.
And there are two design choices: Nico and Veronica.
There’s also a leather charging case that comes with the Spectacles, too.
Snapchat is promising a more limited run of the Spectacles than previous versions.
That’s probably because Snapdragon was previously forced into a $40million (£33million) writedown on excess inventory of the Spectacles.
Snapchat – what is it?
Here's what you need to know...
- Snapchat, or Snap, is a multimedia messaging app available around the world
- It was created by former Standford University students Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy and Reggie Brown
- The first version of Snapchat was released in September 2011
- The main feature of Snapchat is the ability to send self-deleting photos, videos and messages
- These digital missives will wipe themselves from a recipient’s phone after a short time
- Snapchat also offers “Stories”, which allow users to share content visible to multiple users – but that vanishes after 24 hours
- As of 2019, Snapchat has around 190million daily users
The Spectacles launch comes on the same day Snapchat fans vowed to delete the app forever – blaming a controversial logo redesign.
Snapchat’s bold new logo has been branded “ugly” by hundreds of users, with some saying it “sticks out like a sore thumb”.
The fiasco is reminiscent of Snapchat’s controversial redesign in 2018.
The app underwent a huge transformation at the beginning of the year, but it was universally hated by users.
Even Snapchat superstar complained about the update, writing on Twitter: “Does anyone else not open Snapchat any more?”
Kylie’s comments wiped £1billion off the value of Snapchat, with her tweet earning an impressive 270,000 likes.
Snapchat is now facing similar criticisms from users.
The app has faced major issues trying to grow users and turn a profit.
Although user numbers are up in the latest quarter of 2019, daily users fell consistently throughout 2018.
And the firm has famously never recorded a profit.
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In a bid to attract more users, Snapchat launched a Snap Games feature earlier this year.
The app has been accused of pushing young women to plastic surgery.
And Snapchat employees have been accused of spying on users by ‘abusing company tools’.
What do you make of Snapchat’s new “smart shades”? Let us know in the comments!
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