Snap introduces fifth gen Spectacles & new AI features

This week, Snap held its sixth annual Snap Partner Summit, where key leaders shared significant updates for the community of Snapchat users, creators, developers, partners, and advertisers. The event concentrated on how interaction and creativity within Snapchat contribute to improving daily lives.

One of the major announcements was the introduction of the fifth generation of Spectacles, Snap's standalone augmented reality glasses. The new Spectacles are powered by a new operating system, Snap OS, designed to enhance user interaction.

"You can easily navigate Snap OS with your hands and voice – and the main menu is always in the palm of your hand," Snap mentioned. Snap OS uses Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) micro-projectors and waveguides to create clear images, even in direct sunlight. The dual system-on-a-chip architecture, featuring two Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, allows Spectacles to offer immersive experiences with reduced power consumption and better heat management.

Moreover, Snap has partnered with OpenAI to allow developers to use large multimodal language models to create more context-aware Lenses. Snap revealed its aspirations to be the most developer-friendly platform, providing Spectacles without a developer tax and introducing simplified building and sharing Lens methods. Key tools include the newly rebuilt Lens Studio 5.0 and the Spectacles Interaction Kit, which simplifies the creation of intuitive Lenses without needing custom interaction systems.

Another crucial update was the news about the Snapchat app, which now boasts over 850 million users worldwide, including a significant percentage of 13-34-year-olds across 25 countries. The company is testing a simplified version of Snapchat to enhance the user experience by focusing on communication, photography, and entertainment. New AI features have also been introduced, including an AI Lens allowing users to see aged versions of themselves and AI-enhanced Snapchat Memories for Snapchat+ subscribers.

Snapchat has also rolled out new updates for Bitmoji, introduced accessories such as Snap-yellow Crocs, and announced future handbag partnerships with brands like Prada and Miu Miu.

The summit further highlighted Snap's AR platform's growth, noting that over 375,000 AR creators and developers have built over 4 million Lenses. The newly rebuilt Lens Studio aims to facilitate more sophisticated AR experiences, and the new Easy Lens tool allows Lenses to be created quickly using natural language.

Regarding content creation, Snap reported that the number of creators posting publicly has tripled over the past year. Creators now reach a collective audience of over 500 million, with nearly 15 billion daily interactions between creators and fans. A new profile design allows users aged 16 and older to toggle between personal and public accounts. Additional tools have been introduced to help creators pin their favourite Snaps, use templates, and engage with their audience through replies.

Snap also announced Snap Star Collab Studio programme updates, accelerating partnerships between creators and brands. New self-serve tools and options for sharing engagement and demographic data with advertisers are now available.

On the partnership front, Snap disclosed that over 300 million Snapchatters interact with augmented reality daily. Snapchat Cam has been expanded to more than 50 venues, including major sports teams and entertainment venues like Madison Square Garden and Gainbridge Fieldhouse. New AR experiences include a Lip Syncing Lens featuring Eminem and an advanced NYX Beauty Bestie Lens that uses AI to recommend personalised looks for users.