Snapchat has announced the second generation model
of its Spectacles, a pair of sunglasses with a built-in camera that records and
uploads to your Snapchat account.
The second generation model brings a host of
changes. The glasses are now smaller, making them more comfortable to wear and
carry around. They are also water-resistant, so you can wear them in the pool.
The camera hardware has been updated, with HD
resolution videos. You can record 10, 20 or 30 second clips. A second
microphone now captures audio better. You can now also capture still images,
something that you couldn't on the first generation model. The image transfer
is now faster and it takes 3-4x less time to transfer files from the Spectacles
to your phone over an ad hoc Wi-Fi connection.
The battery life is the same despite improved
quality and smaller size. You can shoot about 70 videos and transfer them to
your phone on a single charge. As before, the glasses charge through their
carry case. The case can charge the glasses four times before needing a charge
itself.
All of this improvement comes at a small increase in
price, with the Spectacles now costing US$ 150, US$ 20 more than the first model.
They will be available in three colors, Onyx, Ruby, and Sapphire. They go on
sale today in the US, Canada, the UK, and France. Netherlands, Norway, Denmark,
Belgium, Finland, Poland, Spain, Italy, and Ireland will get them on May 3. The
Spectacles will be available through Snap's website. A prescription and
polarized version will be offered later.