GPS and Geo-location Data: Developers can build Lenses with GPS, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), compass bearing, and locations to establish precise location-based AR experiences, like AR walking routes and way-finding features. For instance, Utopia Labs’ NavigatAR uses Snap Map Tiles to provide users with glow arrows directions on how to get somewhere.
Hand-Tracking Capabilities: The release brings upgraded hand-tracking features, including the ability to detect a user with a phone in hand and recognizing some gestures like grasping. These capabilities bring more natural interaction with Spectacles and make AR experience control more intuitive. Targeting intent refinement also removes false positives during typing, enhancing the user interface even more.
AR Keyboard: An AR keyboard has been published, which enables users to input text through hand-tracking. This feature simplifies interactions within AR environments and is convenient for users, enabling them to interact with several apps.
Leaderboards and Community Challenges: Developers are now able to integrate leaderboards into their Lenses seamlessly, fostering competition and user interaction. Snap is also launching the “Spectacles Community Challenges,” a program that gives developers cash rewards for building the most engaging and technically beautiful Lenses. Starting April 1, the program will reward over $20,000 each month to top developers.
The new capability has already spawned a series of innovative applications. For example, Niantic has included geo-location data in its AR pet simulator Peridot Beyond to support multiplayer capability where users can invite their digital pets over. Furthermore, Wabisabi’s Doggo Quest gamifies walking dogs by projecting computer effects on real-life pets, tracking paths and steps.
Snap is trying to bring Spectacles into broader distribution beyond the developer community. The company just introduced a 50% off offer on its Spectacles for students and teachers, with a view to making AR experiences available to more consumers. The move places Snap in a better position to compete with tech giants Apple, Google, and Meta in the arena of augmented reality.
All in all, these releases reflect Snap’s commitment to expanding the limits of AR technology and supporting developer creativity. By enhancing the functionality of Spectacles, Snap is paving the way for even more sophisticated AR experiences that might eventually become mainstream consumer devices.
