Originally published by Brian Solis on LinkedIn: Snap, Inc. Introduces Spectacles, Sunglasses That Record and Upload Video Memories to SnapChat
SnapChat officially changed its name to Snap, Inc. as the company restyles itself from a one-[major] hit app company into a digital lifestyle brand. To mark the occasion, Snap, Inc. introduced Spectacles, fashion and tech-forward sunglasses that record 10-second clips, which can then be uploaded to SnapChat Memories via wifi. Following the Apple playbook, Snap, Inc. also designed a fashionable case that doubles as a charger. Spectacles will be available this Fall and will cost $130.
Spectacles are the result of a secret acquisition in December 2014 of VergenceLabs, which developed Epiphany Eyewear to record video clips with the press of a button on the side of the frame and upload them online via its app. Over the last 19 months, Snap, Inc. remodeled Epiphany into a fun, but thoughtful sunglass package to give Snappers a way to share their perspective hands-free.
By pressing a small button on the side of the glasses, Spectacles capture video through a 115-degree lens, which better conveys someone's natural perspective and field of vision. Those on the other side of the lens, will know they're being recorded because of a halo-like light that surrounds the lens. Unlike smartphones, which record video in a rectangular format, video via Spectacles is circular, allowing the viewer to watch the content naturally, whether in portrait or landscape mode, the way the user "saw" it. Essentially, clips offer a playback experience that simulates your natural point of view.
Co-founder and CEO Evan Spiegel shared his experience with Spectacles to the Wall Street Journal, "I could see my own memory through my own eyes."
I know what you're thinking, Google tried this with Google Glass and it failed while also creating an entirely new category of geekdom, the infamous Glasshole. As an aside, I wonder what some will call those who wear Spectacles? I can't help but remember comedian Andrew Dice Clay and his famous but derogatory moniker, "snapper head."
But back to first person POV and Spiegel's quote about reliving memories. I owned a pair of Glass and once recorded my experience on the runway of a tech fashion show. Re-watching the video, I can relate to Spiegel's reaction. Having a hands-free, first person perspective is incredibly liberating...especially if you own a larger format smartphone. Plus, it's just a lot more realistic. It's what you see. Whereas with a phone, you see forced perspective, which was honestly fine until something different allows you to experience life without a device in hand to accurately share real life moments...albeit in 10 second bursts.